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]

For sure! I can't speak for anyone but myself, but if Canon had used just a bit of good business sense and kept their customers aware of the process, it would have been a far better thing. (For the record, the only contact I've had from B&H is their normal daily message about deals. As I said above, perhaps I haven't gotten the alert because I hadn't preordered the lens. Their website is giving me the normal "Temporarily out of stock" message.)

[A_Random_Dude]

Well, in a VERY unexpected turn of events, I've discovered that B&H has the 200-800 in stock! I've added it to my cart, and I can check out at 1915 EST, so in a little over two hours. Full disclosure, I would actually prefer to get it from Roberts Camera, but it's not in stock there. So, if all goes well, I'll finally have my grubby little mitts on the 200-800 this coming Tuesday. 🤞🤞🤞 (My only mirrorless currently is the R6 Mk II, which I love, and which is a great pairing with the 100-500. Something tells me I may need to look into getting myself an R5 for Christmas...)

[March411]

You'll love it on the R6 Mk II but a Christmas R5 would be a bonus.

[A_Random_Dude]

Well, I am seeing an R5 Mk II with the 24-105 RF as a package, and I am giving SERIOUS thought to adding that. I have the 24-105 EF lens, which I've used to good effect on my 7D Mk II and 1DX Mk III, and I think it's one of the most versatile, useful lenses I've ever seen. To have it on one of the R-series cameras is pretty much a no-brainer. Really, as much as I love my 7D, maybe it's time to sell that and my Sigma 100-600 Sport...

[March411]

If you have the EF 24-105 f4 that is a pretty solid lens. If you can find the R5 Mk II in stock, well all I can say is....Merry Christmas!

[A_Random_Dude]

Thanks, and Merry Christmas to you as well! 😃

[flyingron]

I have been shooting with the 24-105 f4l for five years now on my RP.   I just upgraded to the R5ii when it came available.   I rented the 100-500 the summer before but ended up buying the 200-800 and have been happy with that combo.    I’ve got a number of primes but the 24-105 pretty much lives on the camera unless I need the “big gun.”

[shadowsports]

Just checked B&H now.  (Sunday). Its still in stock and available to order.  🙂

[A_Random_Dude]

It's interesting that a couple of the other retailers I work with are still not showing the lens as available. I wonder if B&H got special consideration simply because of the volume they deal with? Regardless, I know I'm going to be happy to get the lens (likely on Tuesday), after quite a long wait. I still wish Canon had been transparent about availability and delivery times, but that's out of my control. As I've said in previous posts, I've invested a lot of time and money in Canon over the years, and I do think they make very good products, so I've not been tempted to switch to another brand. However, I can certainly understand why people would want to do that.

[March411]

Agreed, the communication can improve but I believe Canon is concerned to set expectation as they will be held accountable.The R5 Mk II going right into back order probably didn't help peoples ongoing frustration.

I've been a Canon customer for over 40 years and I will probably never change. One of Canon's greatest assets is the customer support teams. Moving from DSLR to MILC I had some challenges with some Sigma EF lenses I wanted to hold onto and they spent a lot of time on the phone getting them all resolved. I also had a registration challenge with my R5 and they had it resolved and registered it for me.