I understand the concept of "perceived" demand, but I think in this context it is absolutely incorrect. Because of the reasons you, and many others have mentioned, Nikon's production rate for these lenses is dictated by manufacturing constraints, and as we all know this rate drastically lags demand. Nikon can only produce so many of these lenses in a month due to these factors, and that production rate (supply) at this point in time is definitely NOT dictated by "perceived" demand. "Perceived" demand will only become a factor if production (supply) exceeds demand, and we know at this time that "real" demand far exceeds production. If production rates (supply) met, or exceeded "real" demand, none of us would sign up on multiple wait lists...we would simply walk into our local camera store and walk out with a lens (or order from B&H, Adorama or some other online store and have it in a few days). (In addition, as an aside, if production (supply) exceeded demand, none of us would be upset at being bumped down the list by NPS-ers.) At this point, Nikon certainly is not in a position where they need to gauge demand and so they can determine an appropriate production rate. They simply need to make as many lenses as rapidly as they can to clear the existing "real" backlog of orders. At some point Nikon may have to gauge demand, but not now. When that happens, none of us will need to wait and we can focus on photography.I agree that it is a "hot issue" but did not know that I had to explain my purchases. My photo store says it receives lots of orders and then folks back out so it requests a deposit. Because we were serious real buyers, I paid $13,000 for two lenses in April of 2022 to make certain that we would receive them and not get bumped on the list - although not knowing that it would be a year or that demand would be intense.
Folks criticize Nikon for slow delivery but part of the problem is that Nikon does not know true demand due to those who place orders at multiple stores without even a deposit to prove real intent. Then those placing unsecured orders, take the first one to arrive and cancel their other orders. This creates artificial demand and leaves Nikon without knowing what the real numbers of demand are. In this case based on what I have read, it takes a long time to cure one or more elements in the 800PF which slows the process but how does Nikon know true demand when folks place multiple orders and cancel - does Nikon take the number and divide by two, three or four? Sure some folks have canceled due to delayed delivery timing and opted for other lenses but there are a lot with multiple orders.
BTW, I just got back from a local state park from my first outing with the 800. WOW! Here's a capture of a red-winged blackbird blowing a bubble! I haven't taken time to do anything with this image as I have a "honey-do" list, but my first outing made me a happy camper indeed.
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