Canon RF 200-500mm f/4L IS USM Lens Release Date Delayed until the Second Half of 2024
Canon is developing an RF 200-500mm f/4L IS USM lens that will fill out its lineup of high-end “big white” telephoto zoom lenses. This lens has been discussed over the course of 2023 but has now reportedly been delayed until the second half of 2024 due to supply constraints on Canon’s recently released RF 100-300mm f/2.8L IS USM lens.
Both Canon and consumers prefer shorter waiting times, so production capacity is currently focused on meeting demand for the popular 100-300mm lens rather than launching the 200-500mm. This extended timeline would allow the new telephoto zoom to debut at major sports events in mid-to-late 2024 like Euro 2024 soccer in June/July or the Summer Olympics in July/August.
The RF 200-500mm f/4L would likely be extremely popular with sports and wildlife photographers given its ideal focal length range and bright constant f/4 aperture. However, its top-tier performance and large aperture will come at a very high predicted price tag, leading to its “who wants to buy a kidney?” reputation.
In summary, while Canon’s development of a professional RF 200-500mm f/4 zoom lens has been confirmed through 2023, its launch is now pushed back to late 2024 due to production capacity going towards the in-demand RF 100-300mm lens. The extended timeline conveniently aligns with major 2024 sporting events where this lens would get substantial visibility and testing under real-world conditions. But all this capability and image quality will require paying a premium price.
via: CR