EF 400mm f/2.8L IS III availability

[nonac]

I contacted Canon USA yesterday regarding the availability of this lens because it is nowhere to be found, it even notes backordered in the Canon store. I guess when they released it in December there must have been two of them???? Anyway, just FYI, they replied today indicating they have no idea when they will be in stock. Really, no idea?? Why did they release a few in December if they weren't ready??

 

[BeenThere]

A couple of possibilities:

1. They ran into manufacturing difficulties like a shortage of parts or a process that was not repeatable.
2. Demand was much greater than expected.

 

[Random Orbits]

Honestly, if you want a lens shortly after it's released, you should have pre-ordered it. More than 2 members of this forum have already received theirs and I've received notifications that the lens had been in stock in particular retailers from time to time.

 

[nonac]

Amazingly, after being told by Canon just yesterday that they had no idea when it would be in stock, it showed up today at two retailers. Ordered.

 

[Mt Spokane Photography]

Lenses are shipped to stores as soon as they arrive at the Canon warehouse, if all lenses were shipped to stores, then Canon will hav none to sell to you.

Canon does not know if the lenses they shipped are in stock at a store or if they have been sold. If you want one, you need to contact the store. It sounds like you think that Canon is able to track store stock and orders, I doubt that they can do that.