Sigma Lens Price Increase Hits US Market, But One Lens Escapes the Hike

If you shoot using Sigma gear, you might want to strap on your seatbelt. The Sigma lens price increase has now officially arrived in the US. Most of the brand’s most popular lenses are now running about 10% higher than they were previously. This adjustment comes after the June 2 announcement, and many consumers are already seeing it reflected at the checkout.

The cost of the Sigma lens hike is attributed to increasing tariff pressure, particularly on Japan-imported products. Because Sigma makes all its lenses and cameras in Japan, the company now faces the burden of increased import charges. Unless a new pact is met quickly, however, Japan would be hit with an even greater 24% tariff from July 8. In the meantime, however, the impact is around 10%, with only a few exceptions.

[Related Reading: Trump’s 100% Foreign Film Tariff Sounds Like a Plot from a Bad Movie]

One Ultra-Wide Lens Stood Out Amid Sigma Lens Price Increase

Most of the lenses followed the same trend, increasing by $50 to $150 depending on the model. The Sigma 70-200mm f/2.8 DG DN OS Sports lens, for instance, increased from $1,499 to $1,649. The well-known Sigma 85mm f/1.4 DG DN Art also had its price increase by $120.

But not all prices rose by an equal amount. The exception here is the Sigma 14-24mm f/2.8 DG DN Art. This super-wide zoom lens only increased by $40, from $1,499 to $1,539. That is roughly a 2% rise, much less than most. It is not clear why this lens was exempted from the full increase, but for the time being, it is one of the more decent bargains in Sigma’s range.

The entire roster of compromised lenses boasts a number of fan favorites. From small walkarounds such as the 18-50mm f/2.8 DC DN to long zooms such as the 150-600mm f/5-6.3 DG DN OS Sports, nearly every genre was affected. The company’s latest camera, the Sigma BF, increased by $200 to $2,199.

[Related Reading: Nikon to Raise U.S. Prices Next Month Due to Tariffs]

Complete Breakdown of Sigma Lens Price Changes

• Sigma 10-18mm f/2.8 DC DN
  Old Price: $659
  New Price: $729
  Increase: +$70
  
• Sigma 14-24mm f/2.8 DG DN Art
  Old Price: $1,499
  New Price: $1,539
  Increase: +$40
  
• Sigma 14mm f/1.4 DG DN Art
  Old Price: $1,599
  New Price: $1,759
  Increase: +$160
  
• Sigma 16-300mm f/3.5-6.7 DC OS Contemporary
  Old Price: $699
  New Price: $769
  Increase: +$70
  
• Sigma 18-50mm f/2.8 DC DN Contemporary
  Old Price: $599
  New Price: $659
  Increase: +$60
  
• Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 DG DN II Art
  Old Price: $1,199
  New Price: $1,319
  Increase: +$120
  
• Sigma 28-105mm f/2.8 DG DN Art
  Old Price: $1,499
  New Price: $1,649
  Increase: +$150
  
• Sigma 50mm f/1.4 DG DN Art
  Old Price: $849
  New Price: $939
  Increase: +$90
  
• Sigma 70-200mm f/2.8 DG DN OS Sports
  Old Price: $1,499
  New Price: $1,649
  Increase: +$150
  
• Sigma 85mm f/1.4 DG DN Art
  Old Price: $1,199
  New Price: $1,319
  Increase: +$120
  
• Sigma 150-600mm f/5-6.3 DG DN OS Sports
  Old Price: $1,499
  New Price: $1,649
  Increase: +$150
  
• Sigma 300-600mm f/4 DG OS Sports
  Old Price: $5,999
  New Price: $6,599
  Increase: +$600
  
• Sigma BF Camera
  Old Price: $1,999
  New Price: $2,199
  Increase: +$200

[Related Reading: Thanks To Trump’s Tariffs Your New Camera Could Cost $2000 More]

The actual question now is what is next. There is an ongoing legal battle regarding the very tariffs that caused this Sigma lens price hike. A recent court decision ruled the tariffs by the previous administration as excessive, but an appeals court temporarily stayed that ruling. Until the courts finish with it, these higher prices may be here to stay.

Truly, this is disappointing to see as a long-time user of Sigma lenses. They provide excellent optical quality at affordable prices, but these new prices might price them out for some shooters. I understand that they produce everything in Japan, and that makes them special, but I hope the tariff situation cools down before more and more gear becomes prohibitive.

[via digitalcameraworld; Image credits: Future]

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