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    Canon RF 200-500mm f/4L IS USM delayed until the second half of 2024

    By Updated:40 Comments Canon Lens Rumors 1 Min Read

    We know with the most certainty possible that an RF 200-500mm f/4L IS USM is in the pipeline, and we've talked about it numerous times during 2023.

    We have been told that the lens has been delayed until the second half of 2024. The source claims part of it is meeting demand for the RF 100-300mm f/2.8L IS USM, as waiting 6 months for a lens isn't the best situation for company or consumer.

    This fits a timeline for the lens to be showcased at both Euro 2024 in June through July and the Summer Olympics which take place in July and August of 2024.

    As far as big white lenses, an RF 200-500mm f/4L IS USM would be one of, if not the most popular of the bunch. Even at the predicted price tag of “who wants to buy a kidney?”

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    40 comments

    2. While unfortunate news, it makes sense given the current situation with the RF 100-300 mm f2.8 lens. At least I know when I will be purchasing the lens (e.g. Q3-Q4 2024). Honestly, I am just glad to hear that the lens is still scheduled to be released in 2024. Was really hoping for a Q1-Q2 release so I would have the lens for a trip to Alaska in 2024.
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    4. I don't recall kidney black market prices, but what range should be expected:
      a) 5-10k
      b) 10-15k
      c) 15-20k
      d) 20k+

      Based on the 100-300mm I'm assuming it'll somewhere between b)-d)?
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    7. I will be in the market and given that timing will now have time to clear some inventory of existing lenses and save up a bit for the purchase. Not a burning need but one I hope to serve a few purposes. Biggest question for me will be weight and effectiveness with extenders. I already have the 1.4 and 2x RF.
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    10. I suspect it might be lower. The 100-300/2.8 is ~1.5x the price of the 300/2.8 II, that ratio would put the 200-500/4 at just over $14K.

      Maybe that’s more a hope than a suspicion, though I don’t plan to buy the 200-500 myself as it’s not long enough for me.

      That's what she said. Had to add the cliche, 'twas begging. ;):p
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    12. Canon really only needs enough to bring to the Olympics like what they with the R3.
      Although, that only happened because the Olympics was delayed.
      Maybe it was delayed because Canon wasn't ready?!
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    13. I suspect it might be lower. The 100-300/2.8 is ~1.5x the price of the 300/2.8 II, that ratio would put the 200-500/4 at just over $14K.

      Maybe that’s more a hope than a suspicion, though I don’t plan to buy the 200-500 myself as it’s not long enough for me.
      In Germany the price for the 300/2.8 Mk II was about 6000€. Now the price for the 100-300 is 11.999€. (both Calumet and Leistenschneider Frankfurt am Main has the same price)
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    14. In Germany the price for the 300/2.8 Mk II was about 6000€. Now the price for the 100-300 is 11.999€. (both Calumet and Leistenschneider Frankfurt am Main has the same price)
      The 100-300/2.8 is priced substantially higher outside the US, mostly due to inclusion of VAT. It lists as $9500 here, I paid >$10K with tax.

      I was going based on launch pricing, not current pricing.
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    17. This makes good business sense. If you release the R5 Mk2 and this lens at the same time, people will only need to buy one to satiate their GAS. But if you stagger these releases, the R5 Mk2 will stop taking good pictures with your 100-500, and you will NEED to buy this a few months later.
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    18. I was hoping to get this lens before my trip to Costa Rica in May. Perhaps the r5 mark ii will be out by then and i can have that with my 100-500
      The RF 100-300/2.8 on a 1.6x crop sensor pretty much covers a similar range and brightness. Or use an 1.4x tc and crop a bit. Optically, this lens should be still excellent with the teleconverter.
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    19. The RF 100-300/2.8 with a 1.4x tc pretty much covers a similar range and brightness. Optically, this lens should be still excellent with the teleconverter.
      The RF 100-300mm is not really a lens for birders, it’s too short. The 200-500mm with TCs goes from 700-1000mm if so desired. The 100-300mm with a 2x TC at 600mm f/5.6 is not as sharp as the bare RF 100-500mm. Before the 400mm DO II became available, I used the 300mm f/2.8 II for a few years. Excellent Lens that is, the longer ones are better for birding.
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