Prices just increased on lenses?

[Photoguy]

I have to say I was very disappointed. I was planning on going to a local camera store tomorrow to buy the Tamron 17-50 and a quick check of their website showed the price increased to $500. So then I went to the B&H Photo website and figured I would just order it online from them and THEY increased the price by $40! So I checked a few other places and they all had jacked up the price of this lens. I read online a few days ago that the fiscal year end for Japanese companies was April 30th and that things like television prices would be increasing in May. I just didn't think SLR lenses would go the same route. And I noticed not all the Japanese lenses went up, only certain ones. I can't believe I missed this by 24 hours! I was planning on picking up the Tamron and the Canon 50mm 1.8f and hoping not to spend much more than $500...now I don't know if I want to spend the extra on the Tamron. Why do I feel ripped off and I haven't even bought anything yet? Is this normal for this time of year? What happened?

 

[Angrypenguin]

Lenses have been going up slowly for several months. Both Nikon and Canon have increased prices, due to the depressed economy and the strength of the Yen vs. the Dollar.

 

[oogieboogieman]

I read rumors that this was going to happen a couple months back (more like an Aprils Fools joke) Very dissappointing!!!

 

[YesDear]

I have also heard that the recent demise of Circuit City and the bankruptcy of Ritz did not help. I read total potential loss to Nikon alone from the two could reach 30-50 million.

 

[tiggr33]

Playing devils advocate. Had there been an instant rebate by Tamron? Since it is the beginning of May, maybe a rebate expired.

 

[jann1033]

disappointing I'm sure but i heard the same about Canon, I'm sure many companies lost a lot of money due to so many large companies folding. i think other countries have been paying more than those of us in the US have for a while ( ie Canada) so guess we are just catching up with the rest of the world.

 

[MIDisFan]

Just wanted to let you know Newegg has it listed for $429. I picked mine up last summer, and I have been very happy with it.

 

[Photoguy]

Thanks! I did find a couple places having it for the $420/$430 mark plus shipping. Now trying to decide betweent that and another lens...decisions decisions.