Ever any sales on reputable web sites?

[Recty]

Like for instance, does Amazon ever do any good sales on Canon lenses? Or is it pretty much always the same price.

I'm just planning for the future, I'll probably be picking up an Xsi within a month or so and I would like to get a good lens, but I'll wait if they do sales from time to time.

Like around holidays maybe?

 

[IslandCrow]

Amazon usually has pretty good prices, and yes they sometimes have sales or rebates. I usually do my shopping on Adorama and B&H Photo and price check with Amazon. Generally, Amazon is just ordering through one of those two companies, though. Also check out Adorama and B&H's used equipment (you can either go to the Used section of the website or just do a search for what you want). You can often times get some pretty good deals there, and they have a rating system for the condition the equipment is in, so you'll have some idea what you'll be getting. Also, don't be shy about calling them if you have any questions. There's also a 60 day warranty, so I feel a little more comfortable with that then getting used equipment off Ebay. You can also go to the Buy/Sell sections on Camera Forums like this one and sometimes get some really good deals: http://photography-on-the.net/forum/index.php

Do you know what type of lens you're thinking about getting?

 

[Recty]

I'd like the canon 100mm macro and the 50mm f/1.4.

 

[abark]

I think the best deal going right now is the 25% rebate through microsoft by using their live.com search. Here is where I heard about it http://www.nikoncafe.com/vforums/showthread.php?t=197783 and you will be able to get more details there with screenshots. I ordered a lens on Sunday and got my $197 rebate deposited in my live.com account immediately. The only catch is that it takes 60 days until they will release the money in your paypal or bank account. Mine says that it will be paid out on Jan 15. Just make sure you follow the rules (pay with paypal and use buy it now) and you should have no problems.

This also works for other major camera stores by using the live search cash back link below the ebay link. There you can get discounts for B & H and adorama. The biggest discount is J & R with a 7% discount, where B & H and adorama are only 2-3%. The same deal applies to this where you have to wait 60 days to get the rebate but if you don't feel comfortable using ebay then it is a good way to still get a discount. Either way the deal is through Microsoft so I see no way that it is a scam.

 

[swjim]

Also keep in mind Canon has a $35 rebate on the 100mm macro right now. http://www.usa.canon.com/app/pdf/Promotions/nov9_rebate1.pdf

 

[IslandCrow]

Those are good choices. I have the 100mm macro and I'm very happy with it. I've seen quite a few used 50mm f/1.4 prime lenses, so you may have some options there. Of course, it's a very reasonably priced lens, so buying it new (especially with those good deals in the previous post) is not a big deal. It's definitely a popular lens, and no doubt for good reason.