To add to the point above, the wait for the Canon RF 200-800mm f/6.3-9 IS USM is honestly getting a bit ridiculous. Ive tried many telephotos over the years and these supply gaps are just the new normal now. If youre stuck in limbo, here are a couple of practical moves:

• Grab a Canon RF 600mm f/11 IS STM as a placeholder. It is super light, costs about $800, and you can always sell it later without losing much.
• Make sure you have a solid Sirui PH-20 Carbon Fiber Gimbal Head. Using a lens this long on a standard ball head is just asking for a headache. Actually reminds me of when I was out in the Everglades last month and my old boots finally gave out. I was wading through this shallow bit of marsh and the entire sole just peeled off. I had to hike back two miles with one foot wrapped in a plastic bag and some duct tape I found in my truck. My feet were soaked for days but I did see a pretty cool gator near the trailhead. Anyway, hopefully that lens ships out to you soon.

I think there are a few potential reasons the RF 200-800mm is taking so long to release after being announced:

1. Supply chain issues - The semiconductor chip shortages and other supply constraints have impacted production timelines across the camera industry.
2. Lens complexity - As an incredibly versatile 4x super-telephoto zoom lens with advanced optics and image stabilization, it is an enormously complex piece of precision equipment to manufacture.
3. Pent-up demand - After the popularity of Canon's RF 100-500mm lens, the demand for this 200-800mm may be very high, so Canon could be trying to build up sufficient initial stock.

honestly the wait for this one has been a mess for everyone. before i suggest anything though, what kind of subjects are you usually tracking? i ask because that f/9 on the long end is gonna be a real pain if you dont have perfect light, so it might change how you feel about the backorder. i went through something similar when i was trying to build out my current long-range kit. i couldnt find the native glass anywhere so i ended up going the diy route to save cash:

• grabbed a used Canon EF 400mm f/5.6L USM
• used a basic Canon Mount Adapter EF-EOS R to bridge the gap
• added a Canon Extender EF 1.4x III to the mix it wasnt as sleek as the new zoom but it got the job done for way less money while i waited for my shipment. i learned a lot about managing my shutter speeds with slower glass during that time... just wonder if you really need that 800mm reach right now or if a cheaper adapted setup could hold you over till the stores finally get their shipments together. i wouldnt pay those inflated amazon prices though, ngl.

Can confirm this works. Did the same thing on mine and its been solid ever since.

Building on the earlier suggestion, I actually gave up on the waitlist a while back and went a different route because I had a birding trip planned and couldnt just sit around. Those massive retailers get thousands of orders, so youre basically stuck in a black hole. I found that calling up tiny mom-and-pop camera shops in random states works way better... they sometimes have one sitting on the shelf because their local foot traffic is low. If you absolutely need that reach today, Ive been using the Canon RF 800mm f/11 IS STM as a placeholder. Its way lighter and actually holds its own for sharpness if the sun is out. Or, if you want better glass and dont mind used stuff, a Canon EF 500mm f/4L IS II USM is a beast and outperforms the 200-800 zoom in every way except for the weight. Quick tip: stop refreshing the big store pages and start calling authorized dealers in smaller towns. Half the time theyll ship to you same-day if they have stock.

@Reply #8 - good point! Calling those smaller shops is seriously the best advice. If the wait is just too frustrating tho, i totally recommend looking at a used Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM. It is such an amazing lens and you can find them for like $1300 now which is a total steal! One thing to keep in mind with the 200-800mm is the weight compatibility. Its a huge lens and might feel really front-heavy on a smaller body like the Canon EOS R8. You dont want to strain the mount or your wrists if you aren't using a tripod! Anyway, hang in there... that extra reach is gonna be absolutely fantastic for wildlife once it finally shows up! Let me know if you need help looking for reputable used dealers, i've used a few that are great.

Wait times on this thing are pretty unpredictable tbh. Quick question tho, what body are you planning to hang this off of? Asking because the balance is a real concern for the lens mount if youre not using a gripped body or a sturdy gimbal. If the backorder is too much of a headache, you might wanna look at the Canon RF 100-500mm f/4.5-7.1L IS USM. It's a much more reliable piece of glass in terms of weather sealing and build, plus it's actually in stock some places. For anyone who actually gets their hands on one, make sure you have a solid strap like the Peak Design Slide Camera Strap to take the tension off the mount. Better to be safe with all that weight hanging there.

Maybe in the second half of 2024 I guess, I also pre-ordered this lens at B&H, still waiting.

I am also waiting on this lens, ordered in late February

According to my local store in NYC, they will receive more in next few weeks.

Still not in stock yet, but you can get it at Amazon for $2499.