Ive been shooting Sony for like eight years so I usually know the drill with glass but man prices are just weird lately. My logic was that B&H or Adorama wouldve dropped some spring deals by now but they're sitting firm at MSRP for the 35mm GM I need. I've got a wedding gig in Jersey in three weeks and a $1300 budget so I was thinking maybe Focus Camera or even Greentoe? I tried the Greentoe route but the bids were coming back higher than expected which is new for me. Is there a specific authorized dealer known for aggressive discounts right now or am I just looking at a bad time for the market? Kinda stuck between waiting it out or just biting the bullet...
I totally get the stress! I had a similar panic before a big shoot last year and found an amazing deal that saved me! I ended up grabbing an open-box Sony FE 35mm f1.4 GM from a reputable shop and it was basically brand new.
- Check BH open-box stock
- Call Focus Camera for call-in specials It was a fantastic lifesaver for my budget and worked perfectly!
Prices are stagnant right now. You might want to consider checking EDU discounts if you have access, as Sony is super strict with MSRP. Be careful with shipping times from smaller shops since your wedding is coming up fast. I would suggest looking at the Sony FE 35mm f1.4 GM through B&H EDU Advantage. It often bypasses the MAP pricing thats blocking you on the standard sites, usually shaving off around 10 percent.
What body are you using? If you dont need the 524g weight and 30fps tracking of the Sony FE 35mm f1.4 GM, you might want to consider the Sigma 35mm f1.4 DG DN Art. Its way cheaper. Honestly, getting the GM new for under $1300 is tough. Be careful with shipping and check used listings at MPB to ensure it arrives before that Jersey gig.
Quick reply while I have a sec. Like someone mentioned, the used market is really the move when those price floors wont budge. In my experience, if you are shooting a wedding, you just cannot compromise on reliability or the internal motor speed. Over the years I have bought plenty of gear from top-rated Japanese sellers on eBay. Since the exchange rate is so favorable lately, you can usually find any professional lens from Sony for way under the domestic retail price. Just stick with the high-volume sellers who use expedited shipping and you will have it in time for the Jersey trip. Their quality control is usually miles ahead of what we get here anyway. A few tips for reliability:
- prioritize sellers with 99 percent plus feedback
- look for items labeled as near mint from Japan
- verify they use DHL or FedEx for customs speed TL;DR: Check out Japanese exporters on eBay to take advantage of the currency difference and get reliable gear fast.
