I've currently got on order a Canon EF100mm f2.8 USM Macro lense for my EOS 300D, and it's been on order for weeks now. I've contacted a few retailers, and they all claim to be waiting for stock. I've also, having read the EFS18-55mm review mentioned on PhotographyBlog a couple of weeks ago, been looking for somewhere that stocks the Canon EF50mm f1.8 MkII lens, as it's well priced and gives much sharper images than the kit lens. No-one seems to have that lens in stock either. And while I'm at it, I've had an EOS 300D Semi-hard case on order since well before christmas

Has anyone else had any grief getting hold of Canon kit? And does anyone know why there seems to be such a shortage right now?

If anyone knows where I can get hold of any of this stuff, please let me know, as I'm getting frustated waiting

Has anyone had any success with any of the many Ebay retailers that send stuff from Hong Kong? It's not an avenue I really want to go down, but wondered if anyone else has experience of it?

Jools.

Have you tried Ace Cameras in Bath? I ordered a 17-40mm lens from them recently when most other retailers were out of stock. Great service (next day delivery even though I ordered at 5pm!) and a great price too.

I've considered the eBay Hong Kong route before, but I don't want to have to worry about what could go wrong with the order, and what would happen if there was a problem with the product.

Thanks for the tip Mark.

I phoned them about the 50mm, and the 100mm macro, and they had a 50mm in stock (at the best price I've seen it at anywhere), so I ordered it . They confirmed the story with the 100mm macro that everyone else is giving - Canon are shipping very few of them. I've had one on order since 29th March from Warehouse Express, and I spoke to them yesterday, and I'm number 2 on the waiting list, so hopefully it'll be relatively soon. Still wonder why Canon are having difficulty supplying certain items though.

But the prices at Ace Cameras are low, and the staff very helpful, so I'd back-up your recommendation

You could always try eBay for the 100mm macro - that's where I bought mine last year.

just ordered my canon 100 2.8 usm macro $454 US. Tristate camera nyc

Have you thought about the Tamron 90mm Macro? I remember reading a review in an American mag that preferred it over the Canon for image quality. I've just had a quick look through some back issues and haven't been able to spot it, though. Good luck (if you are still waiting).

The Tamron 90mm has a great reputation. They've recently announced a new Di version:

http://www.photographyblog.com/comments.php?id=P2635_0_1_0_C

I sold my Tamron 90. I bought the Canon 100 2.8. The Tamron was good up close but did not hold up as a portrait lens.love the canon it is worth the extra money

Try DigitalRev on Ebay , just bought a Canon 100 - 400L (not tax) 900 GBP

Top service , quick delivery

This problem is still persisting

I have had a Canon 70-200 f4 L on order from Warehouse Express since mid-December. They originally told me to expect my lens 'in January'. Yesterday (February!) they told me they did not know they would receive the lens in - so I've cancelled the order

Need to try and find one somewhere else now

Don't go down the ebay route. I lost a lot of money when I ordered some canon gear of ebay I am still trying to get my money back on year on !!
Best stay well clear off ebay don't trust anyone from hong kong or singapore

My thoughts exactly. I just bought a eos 30d from E-Bay, made sure it was from guy here in the UK. Paid more for it but rather know it is definately (i hope) going to arrive.

I have bought a few things from the Hong Kong guys but only items such as filters and lens hoods.