We’ve covered factory fires and how the general global shutdown due to the pandemic has impacted photography gear and supplies around the world but we’re really just getting a clearer picture of how widespread this issue is as we approach the end of the year.
Now a report from PetaPixel quoting Canon Rumors who found a statement on Canon’s Japanese website confirms what some consumers have reported anecdotally: It’s pretty hard right now to get most Canon lenses.
This is, of course, due of “overwhelming demand” which is great for Canon, not so much for customers.
The translation of the message reads:
“We have received more orders than expected for each of the following products, and it will take some time before delivery.”
Pretty straightforward messaging there if anything else. So, what lenses are specifically impacted by this shortage?
Canon Rumors reports the following:
RF100-500mm F4.5-7.1 IS USM, RF100mm F2.8 L MACRO IS USM, RF400mm F2.8 L IS USM, RF600mm F4 L IS USM, Ring type tripod mount E (B), RF14-35mm F4 L IS USM, EOS R3, Eye cup ER-h, Eye cup ER-hE, Strap ER-L1, RF100-400mm F5.6-8 IS USM, RF16mm F2.8 STM, Lens hood EW-65C, Multi-accessory shoe adapter AD-E1, Speedlight transmitter ST-E10, Multi-accessory shoe directional stereo microphone DM-E1D, and the Multi-accessory shoe Smartphone link adapter AD-P1.
That covers a large portion of the company’s consumer portfolio so it seems that either demand is truly widespread and somewhat uniform or something else is going on.
As we have reported here and as many others are pointing out, critical components shortages aren’t just impacting the optics industry but also the broader electronics market from cars to smartphones and gaming consoles.
Couched in the marketing language of “demand exceeding supply,” it’s tough to know what exactly is causing shortages – especially given that most segments have seen year-over-year declines in demand (as we have also reported). Maybe things are finally turning around in a general sense if demand truly is that great?
Of course, we’ll keep you posted on any changes as they come up as far as product availability, pricing, and shortages.
Have you had a difficult time getting any new photography equipment in the past year? Let us know your story and thoughts on the delays/shortages in the comments below.
Don’t forget to check out our other photography news on Light Stalking at this link right here.
