Do Canon lenses ever go on sale?

[FP]

Title says it all...

Seems like the variance in price is very small. I've been watching a few lenses on a few sites and they don't seem to go down much at all. Am I just looking in the wrong place (Amazon, BH, Adorama).

Also, I have read that filters are a good way to protect a lens but they can also affect picture quality. Do most people here use filters?

 

[jpeyton]

Lenses rarely fluctuate in price, unless a new version of the exact same lens comes out (e.g. a Mark II version).

The SLR model has always been based around disposable bodies and collections of glass.

A quality filter will not affect picture quality. It's highly recommended that you use at least a UV protection filter at minimum on any lens; it's an inexpensive way of keeping your front element protected.

 

[foghorn67]

Not really. You might see a random one at B&H on sale, but it's rare. It's usually the rebates that prompt us frequent buyers into the frenzy. Especially the stackable ones.
Dell once in a great while will have a combo sale that is totally ridiculous, but that is rare.

To specify, I met Canon rebates, not the stores.

 

[ghostman]

Coincidentally, a thread about filter and image quality here: http://forums.anandtech.com/me...=2275168&enterthread=y

Lens prices don't really change much at all. Canon usually has Spring and Fall rebate offers. They used to be mail-in rebates, but I think they've become instant rebates at this point. Amazon, B&H and Adorama are all good places (unfortunately, all 3 charge NY tax :-/). When you start finding really cheap prices on lenses and cameras, you're likely dealing with shady operations (ironically, also in NY [Brooklyn]).

 

[FP]

Canon seems to have a copy rebates that are tied to bodies and printers. Is there a good site that lists the current Canon lens rebates?

 

[kyzen]

Canon does an instant rebate program for its lenses once or twice a year; the fall/winter one ended in mid/late January. The rebates are never much compared to the relative cost of the lens, however if you're lucky enough to layer them with a stores sale, or other coupons, they can be very lucrative.

 

[angry hampster]

Buy used. Save a couple hundred bucks per lens.

 

[alfa147x]

twice a year canon will open up a company store to their employees, here they will sell referb lens's on the cheap Canon 17-40mm f/4L USM for i think it was $450 i bought 2x Canon 430EX for $150 each and a battery grip for another $150

Find a canon employee

 

[foghorn67]

Originally posted by: alfa147x
twice a year canon will open up a company store to their employees, here they will sell referb lens's on the cheap Canon 17-40mm f/4L USM for i think it was $450 i bought 2x Canon 430EX for $150 each and a battery grip for another $150

Find a canon employee

Yep, I got the 430EX for around that price as well. They even have a little catalog for these events.

 

[FP]

Originally posted by: foghorn67

Originally posted by: alfa147x
twice a year canon will open up a company store to their employees, here they will sell referb lens's on the cheap Canon 17-40mm f/4L USM for i think it was $450 i bought 2x Canon 430EX for $150 each and a battery grip for another $150

Find a canon employee

Yep, I got the 430EX for around that price as well. They even have a little catalog for these events.

So who here works for Canon

PM please

 

[foghorn67]

Originally posted by: FP

Originally posted by: foghorn67

Originally posted by: alfa147x
twice a year canon will open up a company store to their employees, here they will sell referb lens's on the cheap Canon 17-40mm f/4L USM for i think it was $450 i bought 2x Canon 430EX for $150 each and a battery grip for another $150

Find a canon employee

Yep, I got the 430EX for around that price as well. They even have a little catalog for these events.

So who here works for Canon

PM please

not me. Co-worker's still somewhat friendly ex.