I’m not a fan of Canon’s recent decision to ban certain third-party manufacturers from selling RF mount lenses. It’s a smart short-term financial decision, but the long-term is a different story.
Because of this decision, I invested in a Sigma lens (24-70mm and adapters), and while the adapter is one more device to ship, I want to vote with my dollar. I do not support Canon’s decision. Then this week, I bought another Sigma lens (a 35mm focal length) instead of a Canon lens.
It probably won’t affect Canon’s bank account, but those are two lenses sold that should have gone to Canon. I did it because I remembered what young Walid needed. I rely on third-party lenses because buying original lenses is out of budget, but I still need to get work done. When I could afford it more, I bought a handful of lenses from Canon.
I am a loyal Canon user. I took a break from buying another camera after buying the 5D Mark II. I ran that camera to the ground with many repairs because I didn’t want to jump the mark like so many others! I don’t feel like anything Canon has sold over the years is worth buying, but I’ve stayed with the brand, counting on camera repairs to get me through.
Then they released R6 and I was impressed, felt it was worth buying. My must-have R6 lenses and my only options are the expensive ones from Canon as they won’t allow other brands to make RF mount lenses.
They will make money, but in the long run, they have lost a lot of brand loyalty. That is the biggest price. Here’s how we can learn from Canon’s decision as a small business.
Here’s how Canon’s decision will help you work better
- Canon customers have several options. Our customers basically have more options and behave like Canon won’t win any new customers. It is important to always remind yourself that customers have other options. They will go with businesses that have made them feel appreciated. Do you help your customers feel valued and appreciated?
- The market will make or break your business! If you treat your customers as if they have no value, the market will find another king (or queen) of the hill! As photographers, it’s important to remind yourself that ultimately the market will decide who wins. Canon’s move in the short term is great, but in the long term it pushes new photographers to other competing brands. You and I may not have the luxury of long waits. Never feel entitled to anyone’s business. We should be grateful and practice gratitude in our daily business activities.
- Canon’s move is to “buy our lens, and that’s your only option” That doesn’t work for me. When I started taking pictures, 3rd party lenses helped me! And when I was able to buy original Canon lenses, I did and Canon benefits from that. When you give your customers “this way or the freeway” treatment, they’ll be on the highway most of the time. Always give your customers plenty of options, never corner them.
- When I was younger, I needed third-party lenses to learn and grow my photography business. New photographers today may not use Canon equipment because of this limitation. They will start with Sony or someone else and build brand loyalty there. Lesson for photographers: don’t ignore those new to the market but on a small budget. Be nice to them, give them options and allow them to have a small sample of your work! If you treat them well, they will build with you.
- Yes, they make more money by forcing the sale of Canon lenses, but it leaves a bad taste in the majority of the community. I suspect I’m the only cynical person buying a Sigma lens. To date, we have read countless articles about Canon’s decision. It clearly hit a nerve with the photography community! There’s a lesson here: bad news travels fast, far and wide. Treat your customers like gold. They may go elsewhere, but they choose to support you. Looks like Canon forgot about that, but it could be a lesson for you and me.
