Nikon AF-S 200-400mm f/4 VR II Superzoom Lens

[Photo-John]

Nikon has re-engineered their already excellent (at least according to our member reviews) 200-400mm VR zoom lens. It's only $7000 and it's a svelte 7.4 pounds. You should buy two.

Nikon AF-S Nikkor 200-400mm f/4G ED VR II Zoom Lens Announced >>

It is smaller and lighter than the Nikkor 400mm f/2.8...

[Grandpaw]

Every time I see new camera equipment and the large prices that accompany the lenses and accessories that are way out of my reach, I wonder just how many people out there in the world are there that can afford this hobby to the extent that they would really like to. This is definitely not a hobby to get in to if you are someone that likes trying to keep up with the Jones.

The one good thing that I can see about my situation is that when I see something I would really like and cannot afford, that if I wait a matter of months the item will be replaced with a newer and better model which makes the previous one no longer wanted. I thought stereo equipment was bad as far as high prices but I think photography has it beat. Now only if I could convince myself that my life's new passion was leaf collecting, I think all this stress would go away, Jeff

[OldClicker]

Every time I see new camera equipment and the large prices that accompany the lenses and accessories that are way out of my reach, I wonder just how many people out there in the world are there that can afford this hobby to the extent that they would really like to. This is definitely not a hobby to get in to if you are someone that likes trying to keep up with the Jones.

The one good thing that I can see about my situation is that when I see something I would really like and cannot afford, that if I wait a matter of months the item will be replaced with a newer and better model which makes the previous one no longer wanted. I thought stereo equipment was bad as far as high prices but I think photography has it beat. Now only if I could convince myself that my life's new passion was leaf collecting, I think all this stress would go away, Jeff

It seems to me like the old adage about 'lenses are forever' has less and less validity with the major companies replacing them quite often; especially as they get more and more electronics in them. - TF

[Photo-John]

It seems to me like the old adage about 'lenses are forever' has less and less validity with the major companies replacing them quite often; especially as they get more and more electronics in them. - TF

I think you're right. However, just because they come out with new lenses doesn't mean we have to buy them. They're available if we want them. But if your old faithful was getting the job done, why mess with it? I've been using the same 70-200mm f/2.8 for going on 15 years. Sure, I'd love the latest and greatest. But the lens I have isn't really getting in the way. So I'll probably keep using it.

[Photo-John]

I totally understand how you feel, Grandpaw. Most of us can barely afford a digital SLR and a decent lens, let alone specialized lenses that cost as much as a used car. But I think the key word I picked up on in your reply is, "hobby." Sure, there are photography enthusiasts with money who will buy this lens. But for most of the people who buy it, it's a straight-up business expense. In fact, I expect a lot of them will be purchased by news agencies for the pool of gear they have available for staff photographers. There's no way I can afford a lens like this. On the other hand, if I was making my living shooting motorsports or baseball, I think it might be a reasonable investment.