The best times to buy camera lenses are often during major holidays or promotional periods, such as Black Friday or Cyber Monday. Camera manufacturers may also offer discounts and promotions when new models are released.

If you’re in the market for a new camera lens, we have some good news for you: there are certain times of the year when you can score big with big discounts on your purchase.

Whether you want to save money on upgrading your equipment or even start saving up for an entirely new camera, these are the 10 best times to buy camera lenses.

Just the quick answer

There are certain times of the year when you can score big with big discounts on your purchase.

Black Friday and Cyber Monday are great times to look for great deals on camera gear.

When major retailers/manufacturers face financial issues, you can find great discounts on cameras and lenses.

You might snag a great deal just by timing your purchase right.

After a long weekend, when people are out traveling, fewer people are competing for the same products from the same companies.

After you sell your used gear, you can save a ton of money on your next purchase.

List of the best times to buy

Before major holidays

Many retailers offer great discounts on camera gear before big holidays like Christmas and Thanksgiving.

If you know you want to buy a new lens, it’s worth checking prices a few weeks in advance and seeing if any deals pop up.

You might snag a great deal just by timing your purchase right.

During back-to-school sales

Back-to-school sales are another great time to look for discounts on camera gear.

In between two major product releases

One of the best times to buy a new camera lens is between two major product releases.

This is when retailers are trying to clear out inventory to make room for the new products, and they’ll often offer deep discounts on older models.

If you know what lens you want and don’t mind getting an older version, this can be a great way to save some money.

Just before a new product release

Another good time to buy a camera lens is just before a new product release.

When newer models are on the horizon

One of the best times to buy a camera lens is when newer models are on the horizon.

This is because stores will start discounting the older models to make room for the new ones.

So, if you’re in the market for a new lens, keep an eye out for sales around the time new models are announced.

When there’s been a recent price drop.

When major retailers/manufacturers offer discounts

Many major retailers and manufacturers offer discounts on camera lenses during Black Friday and the holiday season.

However, these are not always the best times to buy. Instead, look for sales during the back-to-school season or mid-January through early February, when retailers are trying to clear out inventory.

You can also find great deals on slightly used or open-box items from sites like B&H Photo Video or Adorama. Just be sure to do your research before buying!

When shops don’t have stock

One of the best times to buy a camera lens is when shops don’t have stock.

This happens more often than you’d think, and it’s usually because the shop has been waiting on a shipment from the manufacturer.

If you see that a shop is out of stock on a particular lens, it’s worth checking back in a week or two to see if they’ve received their shipment.

When major retailers/manufacturers are facing financial issues

Many retailers and manufacturers offer great discounts on their products when facing financial difficulties.

This is because they need to generate income and clear inventory quickly.

As a result, you can often find great deals on cameras and lenses if you know when to look.

Right after you sell your used gear

So, you’ve just upgraded your camera body and have some old gear lying around.

What’s the best way to get rid of it and upgrade your kit? By selling it, of course!

But when is the best time to sell? Like many things in life, timing can be everything.

The idea behind this saying is that if you are too early with your sale, you may miss out on more profit while waiting for an opportune moment.

However, if you are too late, there may not be any buyers interested in your used items at all.

During sales seasons like Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and back-to-school shopping season

You can usually find great deals on cameras and lenses during big sales seasons.

Black Friday and Cyber Monday are great times to look for deals on camera gear and the back-to-school shopping season.

If you know when these sales are happening, you can save a ton of money on your next camera or lens purchase.

During the last few days before a long holiday weekend when people will be out traveling

Most people don’t think about buying camera equipment before a long weekend, but that’s one of the best times to do it.

Retailers are looking to clear out inventory before they close for the holiday so that you can find some great deals.

Plus, since most people are away from home, fewer people are competing for the same products.

After new products are announced

After new products are announced, the old ones go on sale. So, if you’re patient, you can save much money on camera lenses.

Do your research before buying to know you’re getting a good deal.

Final Thought

In short, the best time to buy camera lenses is when manufacturers release new models and during holiday sales.

However, you can also find great deals on used lenses, especially if you know where to look.

With a little research, you can easily find the perfect lens for your needs without breaking the bank.

Newer versions may not always be better than the previous ones, so do your homework before purchasing.

Keep in mind that there are many variations of camera lenses, so don’t get discouraged! Happy shopping!