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]

Well put. I'm not a businessman, and I don't pretend to know anything about how any company works, let alone a multinational like Canon. However, I do take the approach that honesty/transparency is a good policy in most cases. On the other hand, in these days when it looks like outrage is American's main commodity, and when a percentage of the people are ready to be angry no matter what, it does seem that even if Canon had been up front about the 200-800 and the R5II (and anything else), they would have taken heat for that too. Kind of a damned if you do, damned if you don't situation.

[Mogster2k]

Canon UK have had the RF 200-800 in stock for the last month or so. The UK retailers seem to have stock also. Canon UK are offering £100 cash back as I type so that would suggest they have excess stock to shift. 
I’ve had mine for around 6th months. Great fun to use. A bit of a learning curve to get the best out of it as it’s so unlike anything I’ve had for a camera previously. More like a zoom short tube refractor telescope... No regrets.

[A_Random_Dude]

I'm glad you like it! Your description reminds me of my 100-500 RF. As soon as it showed up I stuck it on my R6.2 and went off to the local park and was able to get some good shots of birds in flight. (Full disclosure; the keepers were a much smaller percentage of the total shots than I would like to admit. I clearly need to work hard to improve my long lens technique.) Where I live in Central Connecticut, we still have a lot of nice fall colors, and according to B&H, I should have the 200-800 on Tuesday. Looking forward to working with the lens, even if there is going to be a learning curve!

[A_Random_Dude]

Woo-hoo! The lens has arrived! After months and months of waiting (and never actually getting an in-stock notification), it was quick at the finish; less than 48 hours from submitting the order to having it in my possession. Nothing would make me happier than to open it up and start my learning curve but I'm working from home and can't really drop what I'm doing just now. But there's a lot to look forward to.