How Long Do Canon Backorders Take?
Canon products are known for their high quality and advanced technology, but they’re also known for occasionally experiencing long backorder periods, especially during peak demand times or after the launch of new products.
Canon backorders typically range from a few weeks to several months, depending on factors like demand, supply chain challenges, and product type. High-demand items like popular cameras and lenses can often experience backorder times of 2 to 6 months or more.
Here, we’ll take an in-depth look at Canon’s backorder process, average timelines, factors influencing these delays, customer experiences, and how you can manage expectations if you’re waiting on a Canon backorder.
What Is a Backorder?
A backorder occurs when a product is unavailable in stock, yet customers are still able to place orders. Canon allows backorders for high-demand items, such as recently released cameras and lenses, which are often sold out shortly after launch. When a product is on backorder, Canon ships it as soon as inventory is replenished. While backorders are not unique to Canon, the company’s products tend to experience longer wait times due to high consumer interest, especially in popular models like the Canon EOS R5 and specific high-performance lenses.
How Canon’s Backorder Process Works?
Canon follows a structured backorder process to keep customers informed and updated throughout the waiting period. When a customer places an order for an item that’s out of stock, they receive a Backorder Notification email confirming the status. Once the product becomes available, Canon sends a Shipment Confirmation email with tracking details.
One critical aspect of Canon’s process is that payment is processed only when the item is ready to ship, which reduces the risk of prolonged waiting after payment. Customers with orders containing both in-stock and backordered items have two choices: they can wait for Full Shipment, where all items ship together when the backordered item arrives, or they can select Partial Shipment to have in-stock items delivered first. However, choosing Partial Shipment may incur additional shipping and handling charges, depending on the retailer’s policies.
How Long Do Canon Backorders Typically Take?
Backorder timelines for Canon products are not set in stone and can vary based on product popularity, seasonality, and supply chain constraints. Typically, Canon backorders range from two weeks to twelve months, depending on the item and its demand. For example, newly released or limited-edition items often have backorder times exceeding three months.
Canon’s estimated ship dates are only approximations, and these dates can change depending on availability and manufacturing conditions. Many customers report that wait times for highly popular lenses, such as the Canon RF 200-800mm, can extend from three to six months or longer. For other mainstream cameras and lenses, wait times average around 4 to 8 weeks. The chart below provides a general breakdown:
| Canon Product Type | Typical Backorder Wait Time |
| Popular Cameras (e.g., EOS R5) | 2–4 months |
| High-Demand Lenses (RF series) | 4–6 months |
| Standard Lenses | 4–8 weeks |
| New Releases | 3–6 months |
| Accessories (batteries, cases) | 2–6 weeks |
These estimates can fluctuate, and there are cases where some customers have reported waiting more than a year for specific limited-edition products.
Why Canon Backorder Timelines Are Inconsistent?
Several elements influence the length of Canon’s backorder timelines, which can create uncertainty for customers eager to receive their products.
Supply Chain Disruptions: Global supply chains have been under significant pressure, especially since 2020. Canon, like many other manufacturers, faces shortages of crucial components, such as semiconductor chips, which are essential for cameras and lenses. These shortages impact production rates, delaying delivery timelines across different Canon products.
Product Demand: Canon’s high-end products, particularly those in the EOS and RF lens lines, experience extremely high demand, especially during new product launches. High demand can create longer wait times as Canon works to meet backorder requirements while managing limited stock.
Seasonal Peaks: During certain times of the year, like holiday shopping seasons or major photography events, demand for Canon products spikes, and backorders can be particularly lengthy. Additionally, Canon experiences peak demand following announcements or launches, meaning newly released items often experience longer backorder periods.
Retailer-Specific Delays: Backorder timelines can vary depending on where customers purchase their Canon products. Some retailers, like B&H and Adorama, experience high order volumes, especially for sought-after lenses and camera models. For instance, in one case, B&H had over 1,000 backorders for the Canon RF 200-800mm lens but only received six units in a particular shipment, leaving many customers with extended wait times.
Tips for Managing Canon Backorders Effectively
If you’re awaiting a Canon backorder, there are steps you can take to manage your expectations and consider other options:
- Check with Canon Customer Service: For the most current status on your backorder, reach out to Canon’s customer service team. They can provide updates, especially if your estimated ship date has been delayed.
- Consider Alternative Options: If the wait time becomes unmanageable, you may want to consider purchasing a used or refurbished model. Canon’s certified refurbished products offer comparable quality and are often available with shorter wait times.
- Exercise Patience: Understanding that Canon backorders can take months due to high demand and supply challenges can help set realistic expectations. Some products, particularly new releases, may not ship for six months or more.
- Use Stock-Tracking Tools: Many websites and retailers offer stock notifications or tracking tools that alert you when a product is back in stock. This can be helpful if you’re open to purchasing from another retailer with shorter backorder times.
Frequent Questions
How accurate are Canon’s estimated shipping dates?
Canon’s shipping dates are approximations and can change based on product availability. It’s best to check regularly with Canon customer service for the most accurate updates.
Can I cancel my Canon backorder if it’s taking too long?
Yes, customers can cancel a backorder if the wait time becomes excessive. Contact Canon or the retailer from which you purchased the product for specific cancellation instructions.
Does Canon compensate for delayed backorders?
Canon typically does not provide compensation for backorder delays, although some retailers may offer alternatives. Check with the retailer directly if you feel your wait time has been unreasonable.
Why do some retailers show products as “available” when they’re on backorder?
Retailers sometimes list items as “in stock soon” or “available for purchase” to capture interest. This doesn’t guarantee immediate availability and can lead to misunderstandings. Checking directly with the retailer can clarify if an item is truly in stock or backordered.
