Lens price rockets £8,000 in one month (update)

The plummeting value of the pound has had a colossal effect on Sigma’s monster 200-500mm zoom lens, which now costs £8,000 more than it did last month.

As we reported in January, the devaluation of the pound against the Japanese yen forced the independent lens maker to raise its prices.

The 200-500mm f/2.8 APO EX DG HSM now carries a recommended retail price of £23,999 – 50% higher than its £15,999 launch price.

The lens is designed for ‘astrophotography, portraits, wildlife and sports’.

Customers include the Ministry of Defence, according to Sigma Imaging UK.

Sigma’s price increases – which took effect this month – average close to 40%, according to the firm.

The huge lens, plus the new price list, is available to see at the Focus on Imaging show in Birmingham until tomorrow.