Do Canon Super Telephoto Lenses (e.g. 500mm f4 is ii) ever go on sale?

[Matt Schwartz]

I'm strongly considering/wanting a Canon 500mm f/4 IS II (I'd grab a 1.4x TC III while I'm at it) It will be my first super telephoto (the longest lens I have is the 400mm f5.6). I'm wondering if these lenses (new) ever go on sale. Regardless of price, I will need to take out a loan for this bad boy, but I figure any price relief at all is something I want to take advantage of. I am particularly thinking about Black Friday / Cyber Monday. I know there are some products (not necessarily photo equipment) that never go on sale, probably because of stringent requirements from the manufacturer. So I'm wondering if anyone has seen these Canon big glass ever go on sale. I'd rather not buy used from ebay or somewhere random, as I'm just really wary about spending so much money on something that could be a stolen item, damaged, have dust/scratches, etc. In other words, it's a gamble I don't want to take for something so pricey, and I like the idea of knowing a new one will be in tip top shape and legit from somewhere trustworthy (the big names in the biz). Thanks for any help offered.

[arash_hazeghi]

I have never seen a super-telephoto lens on sale or at discounted price in the US at reputable authorized dealers. The prices fluctuate sometimes but they usually go up. I think the old Canon 500 f/4 IS was originally about 5 grand when first came out, it reached almost $7400 at B&H while it was still in production before the 500 MKII came out.

If someone is offering them at a discounted price I'd stay away for exactly the reasons you mention. You don't want to drop 10 grand and figure out the lens was grey market, stolen or perhaps defective. You want to buy from a place that you can RETURN if not satisfied.

[Steve Kaluski]

If someone is offering them at a discounted price I'd stay away for exactly the reasons you mention.

How true, also just make sure the outer box (cardboard) carries the same serial number as per the lens.

[Karl Egressy]

I bought the 500 Mark I. for $ 5300 and sold it for $ 5300 almost seven years later, but it was in mint condition.
The L series lenses keep their value. The first purchase is very painful but after that you should be OK with the upgrades.

[DickLudwig]

If you want to check out if the camera store is the "real deal" look up the store on http://www.resellerratings.com/ And if the store is not listed stay far away from it. Even the best store will have a few who complain but any store with a rating of 8.0 or more is reputable.
In my experience the ratings are accurate and if the price is "too good to be true" you'll find out the truth by looking the store up.
I have found some good discounts on camera bodies from Canon & Nikon that have been on the market for a while i.e. at least a year but never have seen a big lens discounted but then I have never been looking for one as they are of my price range.

[Daniel Cadieux]

Not sure about the U.S. stores, but here many of the reputable dealers will price match other stores within the country. I got well over a grand knocked off mine after comparing prices online.

[Matt Schwartz]

Thanks a lot for all the replies; they were very helpful and I learned some good tips. I'm going to try to get a loan asap and then, just for the heck of it, keep an eye on B&H, Adorama, in the coming weeks. While I'm sure that what we've talked about will be confirmed (no sales on the lens) it can't hurt to look. Hmmm, paranoid afterthought...I wonder if the price might go up in the near future, as opposed to down. Shoot, now I am over-thinking it. Do you guys think I should jump in and nab one asap, or wait a couple weeks and see? Regardless of price, I'm willing to take the hit to get this glass.

[John McNamara]

If you order by internet, you will get the 'fixed' price. If you call to order, you 'MAY' be able to get them to give you a discount or package deal, especially if you get the TC with the lens. B&H and Adorama might do that. Allen's Camera possibly. The worst they can do is say no…
Just get the lens, it will hurt when you pay for it. Then, you will have the pleasure of using it. Should be very pleasant...

[Matt Schwartz]

Thanks for the tip, John. Thanks again everybody for the help. I got approved for a loan yesterday, so I'm one step closer to owning the dream.

[Sandy Witvoet]

Hope it works out Matt! I am still a novice and gradually upgrading lenses.... if you want to sell the 400, let me know!

[Blake Cook]

Canadian prices seem to be significantly better than US. I'm from Vancouver but buy most of my gear from Aden Camera in Toronto. They always seem to have stock and first to get it. When I bought my 600 from Aden it seemed only pros with Olympic credentials were getting them.

http://adencamera.com/product-overvi...571&Category=7

[Matt Schwartz]

Canadian prices seem to be significantly better than US. I'm from Vancouver but buy most of my gear from Aden Camera in Toronto. They always seem to have stock and first to get it. When I bought my 600 from Aden it seemed only pros with Olympic credentials were getting them.

http://adencamera.com/product-overvi...571&Category=7

HOLY COW. I am not believing my eyes: The link you just sent is showing the 600mm for $9,845.45 US dollars. I just paid for $10400 for the 500mm. Seems almost too go to be true. Kind of wish I'd known that sooner, I might have gone that route. Most of my decision to go with the 500 vs the 600 was that the 600 was way beyond my loan amount, although the 600mm is considerably larger and more unwieldy, and that also played a part in my decision.

[Blake Cook]

HOLY COW. I am not believing my eyes: The link you just sent is showing the 600mm for $9,845.45 US dollars. I just paid for $10400 for the 500mm. Seems almost too go to be true. Kind of wish I'd known that sooner, I might have gone that route. Most of my decision to go with the 500 vs the 600 was that the 600 was way beyond my loan amount, although the 600mm is considerably larger and more unwieldy, and that also played a part in my decision.

Aden is a very reputable dealer in Toronto. The prices are the real deal, however I think your currency conversions is a bit optimistic. U$10,250 for the 600 seems about right. They have the Canon 600 RT flash for C$389 until Dec 5th