Nikon can’t keep up with production volumes of the new AF-S Nikkor 500mm f/5 telephoto lens.6E PF ED VR, demand for which far exceeds supply. As a result, many customers who pre-ordered the lens in August and even October 2018 will not be able to receive it until July 2019. Nikon has published a statement on its Japanese website apologizing for the circumstances.
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In its appeal to users, the company writes:
“Thank you very much for your interest in Nikon products. The AF – S NIKKOR 500mm f /5.6 E PF ED VR super telephoto lens, compatible with the Nikon FX format, which was released on September 14, 2018, was ordered by a large number of customers, exceeding our expectations. We will ship your order as soon as possible, but we need some time to process it. For future customers, the possibility of a delay also remains.
We sincerely apologize for the inconvenience caused by the long wait and will do our best to deliver the lens as soon as possible.
We appreciate your understanding
This is Nikon’s second appeal to its customers to apologize for order delays. The first was published in late August 2018, where the company asked for understanding of the difficulties in delivering not only the 500mm lens, but also the Z-series product line, including the Z7 camera.
Regarding the lens, it is suggested that the delay is due to production issues Nikon is experiencing. One is the lack of skilled personnel in the Chinese factories to do quality assembly. Another is the Frinel lens, which requires high quality glass and is difficult to fabricate. Nikon is presumably forced to ship glass to Chinese factories from its Sendai plant, where it plans to move the assembly itself in the future.
What caused the delay in the delivery of the AF-S Nikkor 500mm f/5 lens by Nikon? Is there any specific reason for the disruption, or was it a general issue affecting all deliveries?