No stock anywhere!!!

[speed8]

I've been trying to find a 70-300 IS USM lens but no UK dealers appear to have stock. Saudi (I'm here for work) has no stock. Comments from dealers say that they have no idea when it will be in stock.

I figured I would phone Canon and ask where I can get it, Europe or Middle East, but the number on the website goes to a billing office. They gave me an 08705 number that's 80p/min from a UK landline. I dread to think how much from a mobile overseas, if I could even call the number.

I'm starting to wonder if it's worth it and maybe just get the cheaper 75-300 non IS instead but this lens is critisised quite a lot and the new 70-300 is meant to be a huge improvement.

Or..... should I go for the 70-200 f4 L USM and an extender later if I think I need it. I want it for sports stuff mainly, motor racing and mountain sports.

[flameop]

There's a problem with the new IS lens. Some show softness in portrait. Canon has accepted there is a problem and expects a fix by end of dune. If they can't fix it money will be refunded. Some people seem happy though.. ?

So maybe reason for lack of stock. I'd certainly wait till canon speak up.

Si

[cannedheat]

Places I've spoken to in Nottingham don't have any 70-300's either...I believe it's because Canon are holding them back to get the 'portrait' issue sorted.

Considering a 70-200 f/4 myself, very impressed with the ones I've tried but gonna hang in there and wait to try the 70-300 IS before I make any decisions...

[crmcatee]

it's 8p / min not 80p / min.

Have you tried Dubai - short flight - they might even send it to you.


Electric Land used to have just about everything you could always want - that was Riyahd though, don't know where you are.

[Captain Beaky]

speed8 said:

I figured I would phone Canon and ask where I can get it, Europe or Middle East, but the number on the website goes to a billing office. They gave me an 08705 number that's 80p/min from a UK landline. I dread to think how much from a mobile overseas, if I could even call the number.

The geographical numbers (thanks to www.saynoto0870.com ) are -

Head Office (switchboard): 01737 220000
Repairs: 0208 7314100

You could try the switchboard and ask to be out through to sales - it has worked for me previously.

[speed8]

Yep, I saw something about the end of June but I was trying to get another lens before Le Mans. A workmate is going to Dubai tomorrow so he's going to have a look for 70-300 and the 70-200. The latter is a more expensive option but it's getting more tempting. The main advantage for me is the IS.

[Gemm]

I know a shop who MAY have one in 4-5 days. I can PM you the phone number if you want.

[V6GTO]

What about a 100-400L IS?

Martiun.

[speed8]

V6GTO said:

What about a 100-400L IS? Martiun.

Out of my price range and a bit larger and heavier than what I was looking for.

[speed8]

Gemm said:

I know a shop who MAY have one in 4-5 days. I can PM you the phone number if you want.

That would be good. I'll see what comes up in Dubai over the next couple of days.

If I'm honest it may be a blessing that it's not available as I've not looked at the L lenses due to cost but the 70-200 is looking like a very good buy at the price.

[monkeyhanger]

Canon have issued a service recall notice for the 70-300 IS. But only in the USA so far.

[te51cle]

V6GTO said:

Martiun.

From Mars now ? Spain not far enough away eh ? Or are you just going the same shade as your motor ?

[simonprelude]

I have the 70-300 and have not found any problems yet, the lens is beyond my level of expertese though so any short comings may not show up, any idea how I provoke it ??

[speed8]

It's supposed to be soft in portrait mode at 300mm. Try taking the same picture horizontal and vertical and see if they are the same.

As mentioned, there's a service recall out in the US just now so should reach our shores sometime soon.