Is now a bad time to buy a new 70-200 f2.8L IS II?

Hello friends,
I've been wanting to buy this lens for a while and I think now may be the time. I want a portrait lens (already own Canon 17-55 and 10-22) for a crop body and have been debating to get a 85 f1.8 or not for now... Eventually I would want to get the new 70-200 II (have used it a couple of times for weddings and other events) but I'm just wondering is now a good time or not. This lens is currently selling at $2,199 (Price includes -$300 off instant savings from Canon, offer ends Sep 29, 2012) in most places I trust— Amazon, Adorama, BH Photo. Is that a fair price or should I wait a little longer for a better price?

Ideally I would like to have this lens soon because I have a few gigs coming up, but if anyone knows a better price, please share. I would really appreciate it.

Bought mine around 18 months ago and paid $2149 so IMO yes it is a good time the way Canon prices have been escalating. It is the one lens i will more then likely never sell.

Regards, Ron

A really good lens. I think the IS is optional - it is well worth the extra in my opinion. Keeps it really sharp even with slow shutter speed.

last holiday season it came down in the $1899 range from a number of vendors. i'd wait and see if it does the same this year.

When was it ever a bad time..?

ZeroSkylineX wrote in post #14942289
When was it ever a bad time..?

+1. The lens is fabulous! You won't regret buying it.

I hope it's not a bad time - I just asked my loving wife to get me one for my birthday in a couple of weeks. It's been a good year for us financially, and I've gotten a lot of use (~10,000 shots) from my 100-400L in the last 18 months since I bought it.

Silverfox1 wrote in post #14941875
Bought mine around 18 months ago and paid $2149 so IMO yes it is a good time the way Canon prices have been escalating. It is the one lens i will more then likely never sell.

Regards, Ron

Exactly. The IS2 is that good. That lens is the reason I still have a 1D after my little Mamiya shopping spree

buy used and save some bucks.

You might be able to get it for approx $200 cheaper if you can wait until Christmas, but there's no guarantee this will happen. If you need it now, buy now!

Bryan

rick_reno wrote in post #14942080
last holiday season it came down in the $1899 range from a number of vendors. i'd wait and see if it does the same this year.

If you don't need it immediately I agree with Rick, wait till Christmas season. Mine was put on my doorstep last Christmas for the price Rick quotes above. You need to decide how much it's worth to you waiting for another couple of months.

Holiday season is the best time to buy a lens.

Whether to buy it or not, its worth every single penny. Such an amazing lens.

Alan Rad wrote in post #14941887
I think the IS is optional...

Not really. It once was, when you had the choice between the EF 70-200 mm f/2.8L USM versus the EF 70-200 mm f/2.8L IS USM. Now the latter has been replaced with the significantly upgraded EF 70-200 mm f/2.8L IS II USM, but the first one is still of the older design. Also very good, but not as astonishing as the mark II.

never late to a legendary!

What Rick said. But you have to decide if waiting is worth the price drop or would rather start using the beast now.