A Penny Saved ......

[PS-RagE]

....is spent?? Ah well.

Anyhow, I've been saving for this lens for some time now. With the Canadian dollar being so high, it was the perfect time. I saved almost $1800 (after taxes) than when I started budgeting for it.

Here is the Nikkor 200-400 f/4G ED-IF AF-S VR with an RRS LCF-14 installed:
(refresh the page if the images don't show)

It will, for the most part, be replacing the variable aperture 80-400 VR I've been using until now.

I haven't got to play with it much yet (in fact, I froze my fingers pretty good getting these pics) but from what I've seen so far, it is really fast focusing (the 80-400 is rather slow being screwdriver driven). Its a little on the heavy side at 7 pounds but still within my handholding capability. I may consider getting a monopod though.

.

 

[fugu]

Man, if Canon made one of those... *checks price*

Well, I'd start saving for it at least

 

[BillLeeLee]

Man, if Canon made one of those... *checks price*

Well, I'd start saving for it at least

Saving? I'm just gonna dream. Should give you a good workout carrying it around.

 

[lan]

Man, if Canon made one of those... *checks price*

Well, I'd start saving for it at least

Well you could start saving for the Sigma version. It'll be faster too. f/2.8

The only lenses which I think I'd attempt to save for are 14-24 f/2.8 and 200 F/2 but there's other hobbies which need funds also.

 

[Kadath]

Wow thats some sweet glass. You need a Wimberly for that!

 

[PS-RagE]

Nah, its not big enough for the Wimberly. Sidekick would be fine, I think. In fact, it'll probably be the first lens that balances well on it with this body

 

[Kadath]

I'll take your word on that. So, if this is the REAL reason you passed on the D3 you are forgiven =)

Can you do Macro with this bad boy? Whats the closest focus?

 

[Sean]

Nice lens! Congrats. kinda off topic, but is that your Gitzo 1340 w/Markins M20 ballhead?

Cheers,

 

[PS-RagE]

I'll take your word on that. So, if this is the REAL reason you passed on the D3 you are forgiven =)

Can you do Macro with this bad boy? Whats the closest focus?

200-400 f/4G ED-IF AF-S VR at Nikon USA

Minimum Shooting Distance: 6.5ft
Max. Reproduction Ratio: 1:3.7

However, I am going to investigate using a diopter as the 52mm rear drop in filter....

The D3 almost came from these funds, yes

 

[PS-RagE]

Nice lens! Congrats. kinda off topic, but is that your Gitzo 1340 w/Markins M20 ballhead?

Cheers,

Yep, thats them

 

[BUFF]

That 200-400 is a very nice lens, congrats on increasing Nikon profits some more

(the 80-400 is rather slow being screwdriver driven).

it's quite possible for a screw driven lens to be as fast as a sonic motor type, it just won't be as quiet.
Mostly depends upon the strength of the inbody motor & the gearing of the lens.

 

[PS-RagE]

Well after a bit of a mixup, the monopod has finally arrived!

I went with Really Right Stuff's "Monopod Solution" using a Gitzo 5540 carbon fiber monopod, a Manfrotto 3232 Swivel Head and RRS's clamp and hardware to put it all together.

This is a big monopod (you can see how fat the top section is compared to the camera in the last photo) but is feather light due to the carbon construction. Thats good 'cause I'm already packing enough weight.


.

 

[PS-RagE]

And indeed it balances very well on the Sidekick. First lens I've got that does:

.

 

[mwarps]

That's my next lens Only another 18 months before I can afford one. My god it's so friggen huge.

 

[Joves]

Nice! ANd yeah the 80-400 is slow. But I still like mine.Im still saving for a D3 but, I did break down and, picked up a D300 a couple of weeks ago.

 

[santaliqueur]

Awesome. I've got lens envy for sure.

I have a D300, and just picked up an 80-200 f2.8 AF-S, I can't wait to play with it, my first pro lens. Would have loved the 70-200 VR, but it's out of my budget for now.

Post some shots, and make us even more jealous!