Canon has finally realized that $799 is an unreasonable price for the EF 35mm f/2 IS, and has finally set something more realistic: $599.00 (currently available at B&H or Adorama.) This is the lowest price that we’ve seen for this lens since introduction.
We’re seeing this same price drop also at several other stores. We’re not sure at this point if it’s a permanent price drop or just a $200 instant rebate that started today. The other price drops are the EF 28mm f/2.8 IS (to $549), the EF 24mm f/2.8 IS (to $599), the EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS (to $879), and the EF-S 10-22mm (to $649).
UPDATE: The price for refurbished 17-55mm is now $703.99 and for 10-22mm it is now $519.99. These are always pegged at 80% of new lens MAP, so this means that what we saw is a permanent price drop and not an instant rebate.
Ten to one says the 40mm pancake is eating into the sales of this 35mm lens, which is OK by me. The former is a fantastic lens at a superb price. I only hope they add a similar 28mm pancake.
UPDATE: The price for refurbished 17-55mm is now $703.99 and for 10-22mm it is now $519.99. These are always pegged at 80% of new lens MAP, so this means that what we saw is a permanent price drop and not an instant rebate.