Canon’s DSLR range offered some of the most iconic cameras and lenses of its time. The Canon 5D series, the 7D, or popular APS-C models such as the Rebel series have each left an indelible mark on the photo community. Similarly, the iconic tilt-shift mechanism (unavailable for mirrorless at the moment), or models such as EF 100mm f2.8L Macro IS USM, EF 85mm f1.4L IS USM, and EF 24-105mm f4L IS II USM, have been praised for their image quality and efficiency. However, with Canon’s recent switch to mirrorless, the company has slowly been discontinuing popular cameras and lenses, and the recent addition to the list will sadden many wildlife and bird photographers.
According to Asobinet, the company has discontinued the production of EF 600mm f4 L IS III USM, and many camera stores in Japan are reflecting the same. For instance, MAP camera, Kitamura Camera, and Yodobashi Camera, leading retailers in the country, reflect a ‘discontinued’ tag. We took a look at Canon Japan’s website, and the 600mm is on the discontinued lenses page. In fact, the lens is no longer available in certain stores.
Interestingly, the EF 600mm is also out of stock on Canon USA’s page, as well as Amazon. However, if you wish to buy this work of art, then you can look at Adorama. We aren’t sure how long they will remain in stock following the discontinuation.
This does not come as a surprise since many Canon products have been discontinued recently. For instance, the Powershot camera, as well as the flashes. Similarly, the 600mm was the last EF telephoto prime lens that came to an end. Before it, the EF 400mm f2.8L IS III USM and the EF 800mm f5.6L IS USM have also seen the same fate.
This step only proves that the company is replacing its DSLR range, with models such as Canon RF 600mm f4, RF 400mm f2.8, and RF 800mm f5.6 L being an ideal solution for Canon users. So, people who do use DSLRs will either have to depend on second-hand lenses or simply switch to mirrorless to make things easy. It is easier to adapt a DSLR lens to a mirrorless camera, but not the other way around. In fact, with CIPA’s latest report, it appears that mirrorless and compact cameras are more favourable choices for many over DSLRs. And so, it is just easier to move to mirrorless today.
In fact, our Editor-in-Chief, Chris Gampat, penned an article that suggests the EF lenses that must make a return for mirrorless users. For instance, 8-15mm fish eye, 50mm f1, and 135mm f2 are some examples of the same. Since Canon is evolving, we would like to see if they are able to reinvent their success all over again.