Canon EF 35 f/1.4L II [CR2]

[Admin US West]

Earlier this week I was looking at photos with the current 35mm f1.4, I can't see how it could be improved, so I bought it not caring if the new one came out the next day. Anybody know why AbesofMaine.com had it for $1419.95?? Not only was it the only one with a price below what all the other stores have, which is $1469/$1479, but the lower price quickly rose a couple of hours after I ordered it!

Today, Abes price is $1599. Prices are rising steadily and sharply. Some normally low price outfits like Beach Camera are asking $1999 for the 35mm L. Amazon is out of stock, so there is only 3rd party sellers.

 

[idigi]

Earlier this week I was looking at photos with the current 35mm f1.4, I can't see how it could be improved, so I bought it not caring if the new one came out the next day. Anybody know why AbesofMaine.com had it for $1419.95?? Not only was it the only one with a price below what all the other stores have, which is $1469/$1479, but the lower price quickly rose a couple of hours after I ordered it!

I've been researching and looking at photos with this lens for the past 6 months (or more). Also, I was watching the price going up slowly since February after Canon "rebates" started. Right now, other stores have it for $1469/1479 + ~$15 shipping. Amazon has one for $1549. They had a notice one day this week that this lens will be available to ship from Amazon on May 17. AbesofMaine.com was selling 35mm 1.4 for $1469 a few days ago, then it was back-ordered, and became available on Friday for $1459.95 + free shipping.

To cut the long story short, I just ordered this lens today from AbesofMaine and used $15 off coupon (loyalty15) to bring the total price down to $1444.95 with free shipping.

Like Kris_P said, I don't care if the new version comes out soon. This one is great already. Even if the new one is much much better, we may be able to buy it sometime next year (judging buy the availability of recently announced lenses). If I decide to upgrade and lose couple of hundred $ on version 1, I'll consider it as a cheap rent fee.

 

[Admin US West]

There seems to be a batch of the 35mmL's now available, I've noticed multiple dealers now selling for under $1600. Maybe the lens factory is churning out lenses again??