Canon released the first sub $1000 [USD] digital SLR camera, the Digital Rebel in Fall of 2003. Previous to this a digital SLR camera sold for a few thousand [USD] dollars putting it out of the reach of many. The new affordable digital Rebel has spawned a slew of lens purchases. As I and other Canadians have discovered, you can save quite a bit of money purchasing lenses in the USA even after you factor in the exchange rate. The following is a sample of the differences between US and Canadian pricing. L-R. Can of Pepsi [n/a - taste great]. Canon 75-300 f/4.5-5.6 IS* USM (( $750 Cdn. / $399 USD = $520 Cdn. )), Sigma 70-300 f/4-5.6 APO Zoom Macro II (( $320 Cdn. / $210 USD = $265 Cdn. )), Canon 28-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM (( $700 Cdn. / $399 USD = $520 Cdn. )), Canon 50mm 1.8 II (( $130 Cdn. / $69 USD = $90 Cdn. )). Tamron 1.4x Tele-converter. IS* = Image Stabilization.


*****I have gotten a few more Canon lenses since this picture was taken. These include the 100-400L IS, 70-200L f4, 400 5.6L, 200 2.8L and 35 f2. I'll probably get around to either updating this picture or create a seperate one to show the relative size and shape of the new lenses for those who are interested in such comparisons(with hood and without hood attached, extended and non-extended...some have internal zoom mechanisms so do not extend and of course a prime does not extend).