Does Canon ever put L lenses on sale?

I thought I remember reading somewhere/sometime that Canon puts their lenses on sale once or twice a year. Does anyone know if this is true and what their schedule is? I'm looking to buy the 70-200 f/2.8L IS II USM and would love to save a few dollars if it will be on sale soon.

I think it's around Christmas, not sure though, since it's different here.

There are L lenses in the refurbished listings all the time.

http://shop.usa.canon.​com …rbished-lenses-speedlites

Just checked. 70-200 II is out-of-stock.

Thanks. Don't think I can wait for Christmas. Got 2 vacations coming up in Sept. and Oct.

I did check the Canon refurb site yesterday. There was one yesterday morning, but it was gone by afternoon. By the time I add tax and shipping on the refurb, I could just about buy a new one. I'll think a little more on it today and decide. Tough to shell out that much money on a luxury item like this (hobby) but I'm sure I will not regret it after I get it.

Check amazon. I keep getting emails from them with some great L lens prices.

Have you considered the Tamron and Sigma offerings in the 70-200 OS/VC/IS/VR? I have the Sigma and for a hobby shooter like me, it is fine. Lots of folks seem to like the Tamron, also. I am sure the Canon II is better in several ways than my Sigma. I am equally sure it is not $1500 worth of better.

There are rebate offers at times, on selected lenses.
There are refurbished lenses offered at times, on selected lenses.
Not all distributors of Canon goods have such rebates or refurbs available.

Other than that, there probably is no universal statement

Check the below website. At the bottom of the page is historical pricing in a graph format that will help answer you question of when sales or reduction in prices happens.


http://www.canonpricew​atch.com …2.8L-IS-USM-II-price.html

Canon does put their L lenses on sale. Just start watching various vendors. When you see their prices jump by say $300 dollars, a $200 rebate is imminent. Seriously, if you watch the prices long enough there is a strong correlation to price and rebate.

gjl711 wrote in post #16191584
Canon does put their L lenses on sale. Just start watching various vendors. When you see their prices jump by say $300 dollars, a $200 rebate is imminent. Seriously, if you watch the prices long enough there is a strong correlation to price and rebate.

But one cannot necessarily directly attribute this phenomenon to 'Canon' per se...the MSRP has not necessarily changed, but the 'street price' goes up or down in somewhat inverse relationship to rebates...gets more profit in the pocket of the retailer from the consumer because the discounting from MSRP is not so severe as otherwise, to offset the money 'given back' to the consumer by the distributor.

Wilt wrote in post #16191610
But one cannot necessarily directly attribute this phenomenon to 'Canon' per se...the MSRP has not necessarily changed, but the 'street price' goes up or down in somewhat inverse relationship to rebates...gets more profit in the pocket of the retailer from the consumer because the discounting from MSRP is not so severe as otherwise, to offset the money 'given back' to the consumer by the distributor.

True enough. Best bet is to set a price on some site like Canonpricewatch and pick one up when it hits your target rebate or not.

BufordFZ1 wrote in post #16191570
Check the below website. At the bottom of the page is historical pricing in a graph format that will help answer you question of when sales or reduction in prices happens.


http://www.canonpricew​atch.com …2.8L-IS-USM-II-price.html

Thank you. I just signed up to be notified if there is a price drop. I think I will wait a few weeks and see what happens. I do believe I want to stick to Canon rather than the others mentioned, even if it means paying a lot more. I really appreciate everyone's responses.

http://camelcamelcamel​.com …B0033PRWSW?cont​ext=browse

the above site tracks the historical price that Amazon has on any specific item. I provided a link that shows the lens you are asking about. Happy shopping!

awesomeshots wrote in post #16190924
Check amazon. I keep getting emails from them with some great L lens prices.

What I've noticed about Amazon is that they over inflate the msrp , but sell at the same price as Adorama and B&H. They want lenses to seem like they're a greater discount than they really are.

They do during Christmas, only after prices had gone up during the year. So if you check the prices in September and buy in December you would be getting a good deal.

However they do offer rebates (which are different than sales) when purchased with a camera.