If you're a fan of German camera lenses and you're thinking of buying one in the near future, you may want to pull out your credit card and pull the trigger right now. The US is set to unleash $7.5 billion in punitive tariffs on the EU starting Friday, and German lenses look set to be getting a 25%+ price hike in the process.
This past weekend, Sony quietly increased the price of its exceptionally sharp 135mm f/1.8 G Master lens by $200, raising the price from $1,898 to $2,098 overnight without any explanation. It's left the industry wondering why, and some speculating that the US/China trade war is to blame.
President Trump has announced that a fresh wave of tariffs will be imposed on goods imported from China beginning September 1st. The 10% tariff—which is in addition to the 25% tariffs already in effect—may mean increased prices on any cameras, lenses, or other photography gear imported to the United States from China.
If you live in the United States, you may be surprised to hear that you'll pay a premium to buy the latest Sony FE mount lens. As pointed out in a recent report by Sony Alpha Rumors, the new Sony FE 35mm f/1.8 lens is selling for about 19% less in Canada than it is in the US, which has the photo community wondering if the latest round of Trump tariffs are to blame.