As we all know, a lot of RF mount lenses have been hard to come by for quite some time. Most of these issues are obviously attributed to the COVID-19 pandemic and all of the supply chain issues that are still ongoing across many industries.

From Canon Japan

We have received more orders than expected for each of the following products, and it will take some time before delivery.

We thank you for your many orders and apologize for any inconvenience caused to our customers.

Most of the retailers I have spoken to have been told not to expect inventory numbers to rise until at least mid-August. The unreleased lenses will ship as scheduled in very limited quantities, so if you have preorders in, there's still a chance that you'll get your lens on time.

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93 comments

  1. wouldn't it make more sense to buy the Ef version of that 400mm since they're essentially the same? That way you'd at least have the flexibility of using it on a Canon DSLR if you need to.
  2. wouldn't it make more sense to buy the Ef version of that 400mm since they're essentially the same? That way you'd at least have the flexibility of using it on a Canon DSLR if you need to.
    The 400 and 600 EF versions are out of stock as well.
  3. What about the 28-70? Damn thing basically doesn't exist.
    Yeah, it is interesting that they only mentioned these lenses when almost all RF "L" lenses are unavailable.
  4. Lots of questions.

    Why are they only listing these lenses?
    Why are they saying "unexpected demand?" The 100-500 was announced a year ago and the 14-35 was announced about a week ago. How can demand be "unexpected" both for a lens that's been on the market for a year and a lens that just began accepting pre-orders a week ago? Do they even know yet what the demand is for the 14-35?
    Is this the full statement from Canon? No mention of shortages of components? No reference to COVID-19 impact?
    No indication of when they expect supplies to catch up to demand?
    Are we talking a two month delay or a six month delay?
  5. Well crap! I might as well order the 100-500 now. At least I can build up my savings account since getting the R5 and a few other RF L lenses. LOL

    That's the strategy I've been using, Keith. There's no downside. These RF lenses are not going on sale anytime soon and you can cancel if you change your mind.
  6. Why are they saying "unexpected demand?" The 100-500 was announced a year ago and the 14-35 was announced about a week ago. How can demand be "unexpected" both for a lens that's been on the market for a year and a lens that just began accepting pre-orders a week ago? Do they even know yet what the demand is for the 14-35?
    Is this the full statement from Canon? No mention of shortages of components? No reference to COVID-19 impact?
    No indication of when they expect supplies to catch up to demand?
    Are we talking a two month delay or a six month delay?
    "unexpected demand" is fancy marketing talk for "we screwed up" or "we-can't-get-the-components-we-need-anywhere"
  7. Well crap! I might as well order the 100-500 now.
    I ordered it at B&H as well as Adorama and I'm on the list at another store. Instead of "first come, first serve" it'll be "first delivered, be the first (actually one) to get paid".

    I don't expect my 100-500mm copy to arrive before Sept. 2021 at the earliest, actually I am expecting it spring 2022...
  8. I ordered it at B&H as well as Adorama and I'm on the list at another store. Instead of "first come, first serve" it'll be "first delivered, be the first (actually one) to get paid".

    I don't expect my 100-500mm copy to arrive before Sept. 2021 at the earliest, actually I am expecting it spring 2022...
    Whilst I understand your idea it unfortunately doesn't give Canon a good forecast about the real demand... effectively, potential buyers are attempting to stockpile by buying as much as possible which is what the component buyers are doing.

    My concern is that when Canon have sufficient stock/capacity to sell then the demand will dry up by cancelled orders causing excess pre-sales inventory. You might say that is a good thing for consumers as there will be sales discounts to move the excess stock but we do want Canon to be reasonably profitable in the long term to maintain/increase their R&D budget.
  9. wouldn't it make more sense to buy the Ef version of that 400mm since they're essentially the same? That way you'd at least have the flexibility of using it on a Canon DSLR if you need to.

    I wouldn't buy the EF version if I'm not planning to shoot DSLR in the future. I'm sure the RF versions have couple of refinements to the electronics even if the optics are the same and don't need to fiddle with adapters.
  10. I wouldn't buy the EF version if I'm not planning to shoot DSLR in the future. I'm sure the RF versions have couple of refinements to the electronics even if the optics are the same and don't need to fiddle with adapters.
    OTOH, there are some (I’m not one of them) who shoot landscapes with great whites, and for them the drop-in vari-ND adapter may be a benefit. It certainly will be for my TS-E 17 and 11-24, when I start traveling again.
  11. Whilst I understand your idea it unfortunately doesn't give Canon a good forecast about the real demand... effectively, potential buyers are attempting to stockpile by buying as much as possible which is what the component buyers are doing.

    My concern is that when Canon have sufficient stock/capacity to sell then the demand will dry up by cancelled orders causing excess pre-sales inventory. You might say that is a good thing for consumers as there will be sales discounts to move the excess stock but we do want Canon to be reasonably profitable in the long term to maintain/increase their R&D budget.

    It is not the first time Canon has faced these situations -- it used to be that people will get on multiple lists every time a new EOS 5D or whatever was launched too. I think they have a reasonably good internal projection of demand.
  12. I think they have a reasonably good internal projection of demand.
    They do. “Unexpected demand,” saves face (and puts their products in a good light), compared to, “We’ve been hampered by global supply shortages.”

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