These 5 lenses are in such high demand that Canon simply can't make enough – and it has issued an apology
Canon has issued an apology because it can't produce enough of five RF-mount lenses – four of which are still on pre-order, and not even on general release yet.
"We have received more orders than expected for each of the following products, and it will take some time before delivery," wrote the manufacturer in a post titled 'Apology and guidance regarding product supply status' on the Canon Japan website (via machine translation).
"We thank you for your many orders and apologize for any inconvenience caused to our customers. Thank you kindly look forward for your understanding."
While no official explanation was given, the production problems are no doubt due to the ongoing supply chain issues that are affecting manufacturers across the world, and the chip and component shortages that have hit electronics industries particularly hard.
The 100-500mm lens is the only one on the list that's currently on general release. The 14-35mm was only announced a week ago, and is not due to hit retail until August, while the 100mm Macro, 400mm f/2.8L Canon RF 600mm f/4L are (were?) both due to hit the streets this month.
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As it stands, it appears that retailers will receive staggered stock with which to fulfil orders and pre-orders as they were placed – much as was the case with the Canon EOS R5 last year, which was also the victim of supply and stock issues.
With Nikon recently announcing that it will not be able to meet demand for the new Nikon Z fc either, this is a situation that is likely to affect many more products (and manufacturers) as the year rolls on.
The editor of Digital Camera World, James has 21 years experience as a journalist and started working in the photographic industry in 2014 (as an assistant to Damian McGillicuddy, who succeeded David Bailey as Principal Photographer for Olympus). In this time he shot for clients like Aston Martin Racing, Elinchrom and L'Oréal, in addition to shooting campaigns and product testing for Olympus, and providing training for professionals. This has led him to being a go-to expert for camera and lens reviews, photo and lighting tutorials, as well as industry news, rumors and analysis for publications like Digital Camera Magazine, PhotoPlus: The Canon Magazine, N-Photo: The Nikon Magazine, Digital Photographer and Professional Imagemaker, as well as hosting workshops and talks at The Photography Show. He also serves as a judge for the Red Bull Illume Photo Contest. An Olympus and Canon shooter, he has a wealth of knowledge on cameras of all makes – and a fondness for vintage lenses and instant cameras.