Canon 300mm f2.8 in the UK

Can anybody explain why in the lead up to summer, in the UK at least, we have a shortage of these lenses? My local retailer has been told they are on back order and those that are due in the next 6 to 8 weeks (yes summer will be over by then!!) at their shops have already been sold. Cannot find anywhere in the East Midlands or on-line at sensible price who have any in stock.

Can anybody confirm that if I buy from abroad (USA or more likely HK) it will come with a Worldwide warranty? I seem to remeber from previosu posts that lenses are covered but not camera bodies.

It's a popular sports lens. Sports = Summer.

Have you tried Kerso ?

Dare I suggest the sigma 120-300 it'sa superbl lens is constant 2.8 and the zoom versatility is really handy price at approx £ 1700 is good too
I have had mine over four years and and very impressed with it's capabilities.
You have the sigma 500 so you obviously know sigma quality.
Idon't work for them by the way,I just like them.

well the 400mm 2.8 has been out of stock in the states for the last 3 weeks and counting

Thanks GSH but, yes, that's my point. Why don't Canon increase production to satisfy obvious demands of the summer!!

Yes, I have been reasonably happy with the Sigma 500mm prime but I am not sure if it is keeping up with the 6-8 fps. I seem to be getting more than a few oof during a high speed burst and it seems like every other frame.

I notice both of you have the 120-300 and i have read good reviews of the lens, but I think my heart is set on the white one

Anybody imported the 300mm from HK?

peeps27 wrote in post #5784736
Thanks GSH but, yes, that's my point. Why don't Canon increase production to satisfy obvious demands of the summer!!

Most production lines have a maximum output and can't produce extra items for certain periods without running below capacity the rest of the year. Ideally, a production line produces enough product per year to satisfy annual demand, at quiet times the stock level will build up and when busy periods occur (in this case, summer) that stock will reduce and may mean that delays occur in filling orders.

It is really up to the buyer to order the item before the peak period, to ensure they get one before the stockpile is exhausted.

(PS: If you get desperate, you can have my 8 month old example for £2,500 as I have a hankering for a 500mm).

I am thinking of picking one up and they run around $4,100 here in the States. What are they in the UK? ...and if anyone knows any better prices, fill me in!

i've been toying around with the idea of getting the 300 2.8. I wonder if it would really make a huge difference for me in the bottom line, as i currently use a 70-200 2.8 along with a 1.4TC for most things.

thoughts?

You won't find better prices here in the UK, that's for sure. You can get a new one for just under £3000 (almost $6000). Not bad eh?

peeps27 wrote in post #5784736
Anybody imported the 300mm from HK?

Yes I bought from HK, use Kea Photo (e bay shop). They have a good reputation and delivery is super fast. Last year I bought the 300mm f2.8 from them for just under £2300. A few months later I bought the 500mm f4. I'm very happy with their service.

Just checked their website and they don't have one in stock. Also try Digital Rev of UR Galaxy, they do have one in stock.

Some shops listed HERE seem to have them in stock (7dayshop being one), probably the more expensive ones though...

IIRC I read that a lot of Canon stock has been sent across to China for the Olympics, which has created a bit of a shortage elsewhere. (A familiar theme of our times I'd say).

Cheers!

peeps27 wrote in post #5784011
Can anybody explain why in the lead up to summer, in the UK at least, we have a shortage of these lenses? My local retailer has been told they are on back order and those that are due in the next 6 to 8 weeks (yes summer will be over by then!!) at their shops have already been sold. Cannot find anywhere in the East Midlands or on-line at sensible price who have any in stock.

Can anybody confirm that if I buy from abroad (USA or more likely HK) it will come with a Worldwide warranty? I seem to remeber from previosu posts that lenses are covered but not camera bodies.

consider that if you order form out of EU you need to pay VAT and custom.
If you buy from B&H you can choose USA (that means worldwide warranty), or imported (that means B&H warranty).

I'm sure they make a lot less 300's than they do 35's.

Thanks guys for the comments. I have phoned around a few more places and am (reliably?) informed by one retailer that he has one coming in next Monday at £2650-ish which is a great price comapred to others in UK.

Hi my local shop in Brixham had a secondhand 400 f2.8 l is lens listed for £ 2700