So Ive been shooting on the Sony system for like six years now and I usually have a good handle on when the rebates hit but right now everything seems weirdly static. Im in a bit of a bind because my old 24-70mm GM (the first version) is basically dying on me—the AF is hunting like crazy and the sharpness just isnt there anymore even after a sensor cleaning. I have a big outdoor wedding shoot coming up in Seattle this July and I really need to upgrade to the Mark II or maybe grab a fast prime to compensate but every single site I check like B&H or Adorama is showing full retail price. Its frustrating because I remember last year there were some solid trade-in deals or just straight up instant rebates around this time. My budget is capped around $1800 and I am refusing to pay $2300 for a lens I know was on sale two months ago. Did I miss a major window or is there some secret promo code or educational discount I am not seeing? It feels like the prices are just stuck for some reason. Does anyone know if there are any specific retailers or local shops running a promo on Alpha series E-mount glass right now before I lose my mind and just buy used...
Just caught up with this thread and honestly, I totally get the frustration! I've been in your shoes so many times where the gear starts acting up right before a big gig. Last year I was panicking and ended up trying Greentoe... it was amazing! You basically name your price and authorized dealers can accept it. I've seen people snag the Sony FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM II way closer to your 1800 budget that way. It feels like a secret club tbh.\n\nQuick question tho... are you strictly married to that zoom for the Seattle shoot, or would you be open to a fast prime setup? I used the Sony FE 35mm f/1.4 GM for an outdoor ceremony recently and it was fantastic! its such a beast and fits the budget way better than a full-price zoom right now... just a thought.
@Reply #1 - good point about the EDU stuff! > I am refusing to pay $2300 for a lens I know was on sale two months ago Man, I totally feel your pain. I have been shooting Sony glass since the original A7 came out and I have seen these price cycles go all over the place. Honestly, Sony is being really stingy with the Sony FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM II because it is still the gold standard and they know it. I upgraded from my mark I about a year ago and the difference in the linear actuators is night and day... the old one felt like a clunky tank compared to how fast the new one snaps into focus. In my experience, when I am hit with a budget ceiling like $1800, I usually start looking at technical alternatives that offer similar AF speed. The Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 DG DN II Art Sony E-mount is basically the only thing that competes technically right now because of those HLA motors. I used to be a total brand loyalist but these days the third-party glass is scary good. If you really want the Sony badge tho, maybe wait it out just a bit longer? Over the years, I have noticed Sony usually drops a Summer Savings promo around mid-June. If you have that wedding in July, you might be cutting it close, but that is usually when the $200 instant rebates return. I have been in your shoes before a big shoot and it is nerve-wracking, but buying at full retail right before a seasonal sale is the worst feeling. Maybe look for a deal on the Sony FE 35mm f/1.4 GM as a backup if the zoom hunt fails you... that prime is a lifesaver in low light for those rainy Seattle receptions.
The Sony promos have been pretty thin lately. If you are stuck at $1800, the Sony FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM II is a stretch unless you use a student ID for EDU discounts at B&H. Honestly tho, just look at the Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 DG DN II Art Sony E-mount. It fits your budget perfectly and the performance is basically indistinguishable from the GM for real-world wedding work.
