Nikon Pricing- When to Buy
Nikon-When to buy
In case you didn’t know- there’s another Nikon site out there that maintains a list of where they expect the prices for various bodies and Nikkor lenses to go and when you should buy.
Let’s get this straight: in general, the longer you wait to buy something the less it’s going to cost, with few exceptions.
The main exception is whacky currency fluctuations. The current economy is doing strange things and that’s why we’re seeing Nikon prices tending upward.
The Yen has gone up ~11% vs the USD since the D3 became widely available. Nearly 17% versus the Australian dollar, not quite doubled (if I’m reading the graphs correctly) vs the British Pound, and up >20% vs the Euro.
Recent headlines regarding Yen include: “Nikkei may hover before US data, yen rise a worry” , “Japanese Yen May Strengthen On Declining Global Outlook“, and “Japanese Yen Makes Gains Against Euro, Majors Following Unexpected BOJ Rate Cut“.
Keep in mind though, that currencies fluctuate, meaning that the current runup in the Yen can also go the other way, if you’re being priced out of the market, you might as well wait if the increase is painful to you.
Secondary exceptions are mainly relegated to scarcity and the “Only pro’s can afford this”-tax. Basically, that 600mm Nano VR2 lens you had your eye on is probably not ever going to see any appreciable price reduction. Why? Because “Only Pros Buy This.” That is- businesses that need it can afford it. Amateurs like me generally won’t bother.
Tags: prices
February 1st, 2009 at 12:46
Love the blog,
I’m a pro Nikon user of 24 years – Just wanted to drop you a note about a couple of stores I use; One brick-and-mortar, one online.
When you’re in NYC I also highly recommend Adorama on West 18th Street; I’ve found their service (in-store) to be a little more personal; They don’t have as big a show-room, but they stock everything that B&H does…
Alas, they are are also an orthodox-jewish-owned store (like B&H), so they are also not open on Saturday (but are on Sunday).
Truth is, almost ALL camera stores in NYC are closed on Saturday, so plan trips accordingly
Its sad that there are SO many scammers online (and who advertise in the back of magazines – the Brooklyn stores you mention and link to are the worst of them); but one resource that I’ve found that has the BEST prices (especially on release of a new product) is buydig.com
They have the same pricing as B&H, and OFTEN have specials that will beat B&H Pricing (plus free shipping). They also have great prices on media (CF cards, etc).
They don’t have a full line of photographic products, but they do carry the ‘hot’ items (like the D700, D3, D3x on release date)…
I’ve bought equipment from them 4 times now and every time they have exceeded my expectations on speed of delivery (and the prices were as advertised with no delays, up-sells, credit-card holds on out-of-stock, or other sham tactics).
Check the forums at DPreview, nikonians, etc. you’ll find other nikon users who endorse them.
just thought I’d pass this along…
I’ve bookmarked your blog in my Nikon Info file
cheers!
Bob Cooley
NYC
http://www.eyekon.com
February 1st, 2009 at 15:29
I’ve also had good experiences with BuyDig.