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.