Honestly, looking at how Canon is handling their older DSLR stock, I am kinda disappointed with what is happening to 90D prices. It feels like they are keeping them artificially high even though everything is shifting to mirrorless. For wildlife, you are gonna need something fast, but the Canon EOS 90D Body still costs a fortune for technology that is basically on its way out. I had issues with finding decent refurbished stock last year, and I am worried 2025 will be even worse as they push everyone toward the R-series. If you are set on the 90D, I would probably skip the kit lenses like the Canon EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM. They are not as good as expected for reaching distant birds. You are better off hunting for a used body and putting that extra cash toward a Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM. Tbh, if you are saving that much, keep an eye on the Canon EOS R7 during the holiday sales. It is often not much more than a new 90D and the autofocus is miles ahead. Buying into the EF-S system now feels risky for long-term ownership unless you already have a pile of lenses.

Interested in this too

Building on the earlier suggestion, I am stuck in the exact same loop and it is honestly so frustrating. I have been trying to map out my budget for months now because I really need that 90D for some upcoming projects but the lack of concrete info on what 2025 looks like is just exhausting. I spent the last three nights digging through old forum archives and price history charts and still feel like I have zero clarity on what to expect. It is just so disappointing that even with all this planning we are still basically guessing. I am just as lost as you are and hate that I cant find a straight answer anywhere despite checking every major site for weeks.

tbh im gonna play devils advocate here. While the 90D was the pinnacle of the EF-S line, by late 2025 its going to feel like a legacy purchase for wildlife. The 45-point AF system is solid, but it doesnt have the deep-learning subject tracking that has become the industry standard for birds and fast-moving animals. Before you go all-in on saving for this specific model, I have a couple of questions: 1. Are you already heavily invested in EF-mount glass, or are you starting your kit from scratch?
2. Is there a specific reason youre stuck on a DSLR body rather than moving to a mirrorless system with Animal Eye-AF? From a market research perspective, Canon has pretty much shifted all R&D to the RF mount. By the time those end-of-year sales roll around, the price-to-performance ratio of the 90D might actually be worse than mirrorless kits that offer much higher burst rates and better keeper counts. If you arent tied to the Canon ecosystem yet, it might even be worth looking at how comparable bodies from other brands are tracking in the clearance markets.

No way, I literally just dealt with this yesterday. Small world.

Hey there! Planning ahead is smart! I actually snagged my 90D *after* a Black Friday, in January! Don't limit yourself just to those sales. I found a killer deal on a refurbished model from Canon's website itself. It was like 20% cheaper than new, and came with a full warranty! Seriously, check their refurb store regularly; sometimes they have amazing deals pop up when you least expect it. Also, keep an eye on used gear marketplaces; you might find someone selling a well-cared-for body for a steal. Good luck, and happy shooting!

Hey, I get the planning itch! While Black Friday/Cyber Monday are good targets, don't hyper-focus. Instead of pinning all hopes on the 90D specifically, consider its position in Canon's lineup. By 2025, its successor *might* be heavily discounted as retailers clear stock, or a newer, similarly-priced model could offer better value.

Technically, the 90D uses the EF-S lens mount, which is being phased out in favor of the RF mount. This could drive down prices. Check refurbished options from Canon directly; they often have better deals than retailers and come with a warranty. Also, consider competing models from Sony or Fujifilm; they often offer comparable features at similar price points. Kit lenses are rarely worth it unless you need a basic walk-around lens immediately. I'd rather invest in higher-quality glass later. Happy to chat more about specific alternatives if you have questions!

Hey! Yeah, I get the Black Friday anticipation! While the others gave good advice about looking outside those sales, I wanted to chime in with a slightly different angle: think about *total cost of ownership*, not just the initial price.

So, you're aiming for the 90D... great camera! But have you factored in things like extra batteries, memory cards (you'll need FAST ones for wildlife!), a good camera bag, and maybe even software for editing those amazing photos? These things add up FAST. In my experience, those 'hidden' costs can easily tack on another $200-$300 (or even more if you go for fancy stuff!).

My advice? Build your budget *including* those extras. Maybe aim for a slightly lower discount on the 90D itself if it means you can afford the essential accessories right away. A cheaper body with no way to actually *use* it properly isn't much of a deal, right?

Also, consider buying some of those accessories used. Things like camera bags and even some lenses hold their value pretty well and you can save a bundle buying used in good condition. You may be able to get all the necessary accessories, as well as a cheaper camera, by looking at used options.

I'm not saying blow your budget on accessories, but being realistic about the overall cost can help you decide if waiting for a super-deep discount on the body is *really* the best strategy. What do you think? Any specific accessories you're already planning on getting?