Canon 100mm Macro Price?

Hey POTN'ers,

Was getting ready to buy the canon 100mm, non-L, last year when the L IS version came out. I was hoping the price would drop for the non-L, however, if anything, it seems the price has gone up. Retail was around $ 500 and seems to be around $ 750 on most sites. Best price, gray market is around $ 450. Looked at second hand lenses but barely cheaper. Should I keep waiting for a price drop which doesn't seem likely, or go with the imported lens?

Keen to hear your thoughts/opinions.

Thanks,
Daniel

I really can't imagine this lens dropping in price until a successor is announced, and as this lens is still extremely popular and well regarded, that is not going to happen for quite a while.

Most of the most popular lenses do indeed get more expensive over time depending on supply and demand, like this one or the 135mm L or the 70-200mm f/2.8 IS II.

If you want the 100mm Macro but aren't willing to pay the premium price for the L, then I definitely suggest you go for the 100mm non-L asap...equal or nearly equal IQ for half the price. Both are fantastic lenses.

I have seen quite a few of the non-Ls around 400$ range. You have to look here and fredmiranda. I believe I bought one around 450$ too. It is a fantastic lens and it is worth it. I don't think that lens is getting replaced anytime soon.

I don't know where you are looking, but the price for the non-L this morning from B&H is $549: 599 minus a $50 rebate through October 27.

Lens prices often don't go down over time, as long as the lens is popular and has not been replaced, although I have seen a few cases where they drop modestly a few months after introduction. Prices just fluctuate, I assume based on both demand and exchange rates. If I remember right, I bought a 100L macro when they first came out for around $1050. That one was trashed a year or so later (I dropped it into a lake!), and the replacement cost me about $950. Today, if you don't count the temporary instant savings, they are back to $1049. With the instant savings, B&H has them for $929, but at the end of the month, the price will be back up.

If you want it cheaper, look for a used copy, there are usually some floating around in the "sell" section of this forum.
Otherwise, I found it to be very much worth the money to cough up $600 for this lens. It's more than worth it.

Oh, I thought the L IS version semi-replaced the non-L version. Guess they're similar but not twins. In Australia it seems the retail price is a bit higher than in the USA. Thought about shipping it from there, or buying from the forum but there are local sites here that are gray market and save the fuss.

Will keep pondering, obviously I'm not in a rush, just trying to shop smart ... may end up getting the L IS ... thanks for the comments!

"I really can't imagine this lens dropping in price until a successor is announced, and as this lens is still extremely popular and well regarded, that is not going to happen for quite a while."

Wouldn't you say the L version is the successor?

I have the non-IS version and have tried the IS version. Personally, for me, I am sticking with the non-IS version. I just can't justify the extra $$ to upgrade.

As paddler4 put it, when you have a popular lens, like this one, the demand keeps the price up.

I paid $640CAD 3 years ago, which was a very good deal.. about the same price as the US. I find it fluctuates.. has gone higher, and lower.

The 100L is one of my favorite lens, I got it used for a good deal and it is worth every penny.