Lee Big Stopper Discountinued????

So I've been on B&H's waiting list for a Lee Big Stopper filter for like 4 months. Every 2 weeks get the touch email "we haven't forgot". The latest one I got said this:

You are receiving this message because you asked to be notified when this item becomes available. We regret to inform you that this item has unfortunately been discontinued. Please check back on our website for similar or possible replacement items.

What? Did Lee stop making it? It sounds like just B&H gave up since stock was so poor. It's still BO on Adorama as well and 2filter. Anyone have the scoop? Why does Lee have such a hard time making things that people want? Did I miss something in supply and demand class? Am I resorted to either DIY welding glass versions with green color casts, or the HiTech versions no one likes based on reviews? Or paying more from 2filter.com? It's still listed on their website:

http://www.leefilters.​com/index.php/camera/b​igstopper

Bueller?

Thanks in advance from a fellow frustrated Lee filter user...
Doug

Doug,

Wow, surely it must be a mistake. I just can't see Lee putting a halt on the production of the best selling 10-stop filter on the market. I think a quick call to B&H is in order, and assuming this is a mistake on their part, see if they can move you towards the front of the waiting list when they add you back on versus putting your name at the back of the line.

Awhile back, I was on the waiting list at Adorama, B&H, and 2filter. I ended up getting one with no wait from Unique Photo and it seems like they get them in on a pretty regular basis, so I'd keep an eye on their website. Also, if it's just a couple of dollars more, I would just buy one from 2filter if they have them in stock. It's just too hard to get this filter and too much of a pain to wait months for it.

Good luck -- I hope you get one soon!

Bryan

It's still listed on the Lee Filters site. More probably, B&H has discontinued it rather than continue to accumulate the back-orders resulting from Lee's inability to meet demand.

Jon wrote in post #16160976
It's still listed on the Lee Filters site. More probably, B&H has discontinued it rather than continue to accumulate the back-orders resulting from Lee's inability to meet demand.

I've had one on order forever as well and got the same msg from B&H this morning, and I think Jon's right. B&H probably doesn't want the hassle of offering it if Lee can't get them any.

Most times when I've seen this type of problem with other companies, it's either issues with the manufacturing vendor or major internal management problems.

What alternatives do others do?

2filter.com

I always use this place. Nice people. I've never had to wait too long for filters to get back into stock. I've ordered a few big stoppers through them.

I received my Big Stopper from B&H recently, maybe 1-2 weeks ago. At the same time, Adorama had stock for at least 2 days when I checked. Doubt it's discontinued. Bought mine pre-emptively without the holder, etc. because I know the wait time and demand for these. I will be getting those other items shortly (very excited!). Hope you're able to find one OP!

Doubt its discontinued. They probably took it off the site because of the high backorders and want to fulfill their orders before accepting more orders for one.

^^ I could see that. Just imagine what a pain it must be to keep track of hundreds, if not over a thousand people that have one item perpetually on backorder...

Bryan

I sent emails out B&H, Adorama, 2filter, and Unique Photo about 5 days ago in regards to the Big Stopper. B&H replied:

Doesn't seem like they have very many backorders waiting. The only option that I saw was "Notify me", not an option to get on the pre-order/backorder list. Maybe people were calling to prepay? Adorama, on the other hand, said they have 300+ people in their queue. 2filter said their typical turnaround time is 3-4 weeks. Unique Photo said their list "isn't too long" and that I should definitely get one in the next batch when it arrives, but their Lee buyer is on vacation and I'd have to wait to get an estimate on how much longer that might be.

I got an email Friday saying it was still out of stock and another Sunday with the discontinued tag. Time to find another option. What is the Hitech like?

I just received mine last week after a six week wait. All the stores here just started carrying Lee products.

If you're balling you can try Singh-Ray's 10 stop Mor-Slo.
www.singh-ray.com/mor-slo10.html

I tried their 5 stop but had to return it because it was producing "muddy" images. According to their CS, it was due to my sensor picking up "infrared pollution". I don't have this problem with my Big Stopper.

Try other stores and you can find it in stock. Big stores are always in huge backorder for them.

Why in the world would I pay 3x more for a Singh-ray 10stop? Is it gold-plated or bullet-proof? No thanks ... when a filter costs as much as some lenses and doesn't make me coffee and get the paper, I'm going to pass.

I'll check around other places. I might have to prioritize and get the singh-ray reverse ND sunset filter first (that one doesnt cost over $400).

Doug