What’s going on with the RF 200-800 backorder

[LaneW]

Estimated shipping date was Dec 14.  I ordered through Adorama, and they just say that they are backordered.  Seems to be the same story ordering direct from Canon and other sellers.  What is really going on here?

[A_Random_Dude]

Quite true. In a way, it seems like they're taking their customers for granted, which is often a VERY bad mindset for a corporation...

[Mogster2k]

Even nearly a year after release Canon UK never seem to have RF 200-800 stock, at least stock that is available for more than a few minutes. I receive an email alert occasionally but stock is never available when I check the site.

Either, there are manufacturing issues? The 200-800 is something of a loss leader and Canon don’t want to sell thousands at the advertised price? Demand is huge and has surprised Canon?

If it is the latter then surely it can only be good news for anyone interested in this type of product. I want one, but I’m prepared to wait until I can get one immediately and a few quid off rrp. There may also be V2?

[Hovruder]

It’s late October 24.   Nearly a year after its release, it’s still not in stock.   I’m at that crossroads and likely will move to Sony.    There is something up with this lens and Canon isn’t talking, a terrible business practice.    I’m ready to upgrade to an r5ii but now considering a complete switch to Sony since I’m not invested yet in RF mount lenses.    

[A_Random_Dude]

Count me among the people who got tired of waiting. I've asked various retailers multiple times about availability and nobody has been able to answer me. I have no intention of moving away from Canon because I have a lot of time and money invested in various bodies and lenses. Just last week, though, I traded in my 100-400 II (EF) and used what I got for that towards the purchase of the 100-500 RF. I put that on my R6 Mk II and got really good results from the first shot. Very happy with that purchase (didn't bother with an extender because of certain caveats I'd heard about), and that's going to be the extent of my purchasing for the foreseeable future. If the 200-800 actually becomes available (not that I ever expect Canon to either explain why the wait has been so long, and why they've been so entirely opaque about the availability), I may consider it. But trust me, after all this time, I'm not losing any sleep over it, regardless of that last phrase in my signature... 🙄

[March411]

It is strange that Canon doesn't give an explanation or projections for the lens (or other gear) to be available/in stock and the back orders fulfilled.

Additionally, from what I have read it is going to be six months before additional R5 MkII ship in any quantity which means it will most likely be longer. They build some outstanding products which is fortunate for them, it holds their base but their back end business model is a train wreck. They need someone to focus on acquisitions/purchasing, production/manufacturing, fulfillment and logistics because they are absolutely clueless. 

[shadowsports]

Got good news.  1 day shy of 2 months.

[A_Random_Dude]

I'm glad for you, man! I hope you enjoy the lens. I still haven't gotten any in-stock notifications from any of the retailers I deal with, so my assumption is that we're still not at a point where these things are going to be regularly stocked.

[shadowsports]

I didn't need this for our travels this year so I procrastinated a bit.  I finally ordered 9/1.  Unless you walk in and find one in stock somewhere, the chance of you being notified (without ordering) is pretty low.  Once you order, you get your spot in line. 

Wait is about 6-8 weeks now.   

[A_Random_Dude]

Geez, then I guess I was misunderstanding things all along; I was under the impression that putting in a stock alert (at B&H and Roberts Camera, as well as a couple of others) would get me a notification. I didn't know I should have preordered it. Oh well, we'll see how it plays out. Having that new 100-500 RF takes a lot of the sting away. But thanks for that info. I think I'll reach out to a fellow at Roberts who is really good about answering emails quickly.

[Hovruder]

So yesterday BH notified me it was now in stock, at least at the moment.     I just can’t imagine demand was so great they couldn’t meet it, after all it’s not a general use lens.   I’m happy they are finally catching up but they really need to work on communication and transparency.