Getting a bit frustrated with Canon's rollout of the 200-800mm

[Chris Summers]

One has to wonder what's up with Canon. They announced the RF 200-800mm last year back in early November. Some were shipped to stores and the major Youtube wildlife shooters were able to get a copy to review and test. And then no one has it. We are now into May, just about 7 months to the day when it was first announced and no one has it in stock. We are well past the supply chain issues from the Covid period so not sure what is up. We have heard rumors of the release of a R5 MkII and R1 before the Paris Olympics, wonder if the lens will be out by then as well.

Sorry, a bit frustrated as I have the money set aside for this lens and have missed several opportunities to use it.

 

[Archibald]

... We are well past the supply chain issues from the Covid period so not sure what is up. ...

Not sure that the supply issues are over! I ordered a new car back in December and don't have it yet. They are saying June now.

 

[MrSparks999]

Finally got mine last week

 

[David Stallard]

Not sure what is going on - the R1 has been delayed - although I believe that is partly due to errors in the build / software, no one seems to know for certain.

 

[Jake Shoots Birds]

One has to wonder what's up with Canon. They announced the RF 200-800mm last year back in early November. Some were shipped to stores and the major Youtube wildlife shooters were able to get a copy to review and test. And then no one has it. We are now into May, just about 7 months to the day when it was first announced and no one has it in stock. We are well past the supply chain issues from the Covid period so not sure what is up. We have heard rumors of the release of a R5 MkII and R1 before the Paris Olympics, wonder if the lens will be out by then as well.

Sorry, a bit frustrated as I have the money set aside for this lens and have missed several opportunities to use it.

If you're waiting for stock don't hold your breath. I was on a list a week before the official announcement hoping to get it in time to use it over the winter in FL. This is the first time my shop wasn't able to accommodate my order as a part of their first receipts - they only got one copy. I got mine the last week in March, their 3rd arrival. It was frustrating, but 2 weeks prior I was talking to a Canon rep about it and when I asked about quality questions they said, "I can't really tell you because I don't have mine yet." We both got ours from the same batch.

If you have one now in the US it's because you got on a list at the beginning. It's a specialty lens and not the kind of thing you're going to expect them to produce huge numbers of, even at the price. Lightweight glass is a complex manufacturing process, and when it gets this big it's even tougher. I'm not making excuses, just stating facts. When I started with Canon the 100-500mm had been out for 9 months and if you wanted one you needed to pay extra on eBay or find a used copy at barely any savings. Sure, you could blame supply chain issues then, but chips are still slow in coming.

All that said, if you want to pay a premium, Abe's of Maine seems to have one in stock

 

[Dean Wilson]

All that said, if you want to pay a premium, Abe's of Maine seems to have one in stock

Oh now there's a trust worthy site! Of course Abe's would say an "F" stands for Fine.

Westpark Electronics, LLC | BBB Business Profile | Better Business Bureau

Not BBB Accredited. Electronic Equipment Dealers in Linden, NJ. See BBB rating, reviews, complaints, and more.

www.bbb.org

 

[Bryan Conner]

Oh now there's a trust worthy site! Of course Abe's would say an "F" stands for Fine.

Westpark Electronics, LLC | BBB Business Profile | Better Business Bureau

Not BBB Accredited. Electronic Equipment Dealers in Linden, NJ. See BBB rating, reviews, complaints, and more.

www.bbb.org

I was just going to say something similar. I had a bad experience with Abe's when I bought my first Canon film camera, an Elan IIE, many years ago. This was before I had a computer and I ordered things via telephone back then. They tried the old bait and switch bit on me, then tried to make me feel like a loser for not wanting to buy a more expensive model and more expensive lenses in the packaged kit. This was all after initially telling me that yes, they had it in stock. When they realized that I didn't want to be upsold, they told me that suddenly the last one had just been sold and now they would have to order one for me and it would take about an extra week or something. I hung up on them and made my first of many purchases from B&H Photo.

And Dean, I am sure that the Abe's is because old honest Abe himself, Abe Lincoln, started the store when he lived in Maine after his Presidency.....

 

[Dave Williams]

Panamoz had them in stock when I looked yesterday. I only ordered my 200-800 3,weeks ago and it arrived within the 10-14 days promised. Excellent company to deal with, highly recommended. You can’t pre order, keep watching and when in stock hit the buy button!

 

[Dave Williams]

In stock at Panamoz now too!

 

[David Stallard]

Another big thumbs up for Panamoz - always had outstanding service and the savings can be crazy good

 

[Chris Summers]

Well, over in the What Have You Bought thread I announced I put the lens on hold for now and got an R6 MKII for $1839 which includes tax and overnight shipping. So be it.

 

[MrSparks999]

Panamoz had them in stock when I looked yesterday. I only ordered my 200-800 3,weeks ago and it arrived within the 10-14 days promised. Excellent company to deal with, highly recommended. You can’t pre order, keep watching and when in stock hit the buy button!

Got mine from Panamoz as well

 

[Jake Shoots Birds]

Got mine from Panamoz as well

The stock issue is a US one, as I asked for help in tracking one down in December and heard from others that they could be found in Oz or the EU. The Panamoz price tacks a $400US premium on the lens as well as potential shipping charges, so it's all about how much you need one.

As for the Abe's comments, FFS the guy said he couldn't find one. If he wanted a reliable seller I'd have offered up mine. At a premium, of course.

 

[Dave Williams]

Incredible the difference in price in the US, no wonder you can't find one! Mind you it's not easy here either. The base price without tax in the US is $1899 add shipping and taxes and it's $2358.95. Panamoz price including shipping and taxes paid is £2180 which is $2721. Just to demonstrate the maths Jake.
You guys get it so easy over there !!!!!

 

[Bryan Conner]

I had never heard of Panamoz before. It looks like they also ship from within the EU, so I will have to check them out. Thanks for mentioning them as a source.

 

[Zebraspark]

They are in back stock with B&H with free 2 day shipping unless I'm missing something?

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1793388-REG/canon_rf_200_800mm_f_6_3_9_is.html