p.2 #2 · If Nikon made a new 300mm F2, would you buy it ?
The price would be obnoxious, the used 300/2 AIS is roughly 3x as much as a new 200/2 on eBay, that may be a rarity adjusted market, but a new one will still be alot. 300 2.8 AF-S II is the fastest AF on any tele nikkor I've used and it's crazy sharp, no need for a 2.0 personally.
p.2 #4 · If Nikon made a new 300mm F2, would you buy it ?
For a lens like the 300 f2, it's more about technological superiority and showcasing the brand than how many people would actually buy it.
Most people would not be able to afford it, just as most people are not be able to afford the Nikon 600 f4. Doesn't mean they shouldn't make the lens. There are plenty of companies providing mass market level products that are good quality and reasonably priced. It's a source of pride for a company to be able to provide best in class/fastest/exotic lenses.
Might as well ask, would anyone buy a Ferrari 250 GTO...
I became very fascinated with the history of this lens as I searched for one for seven months and finally found a copy online, owned by the camera operator of a film that won an Oscar best cinematography in the 80s. It is a truly special story this lens (individually, and worldwide) has had. And unfortunately, it seems to be a story of the past.
The article writes, "Decades ago there was a time when pride of innovation dictated corporate identity, more so than in recent years when decisions are often made by company bean-counters who may know the price of everything, but the value of nothing. "
p.2 #6 · If Nikon made a new 300mm F2, would you buy it ?
I hope you're keeping your eye out Andy for a mint copy of the 300 f/2 AI-s... this one has a few marks on the hood... There were 441 of these beauties made so finding one shouldn't be too difficult...
I did a search on this lens and came across this article which perhaps tells everyone more than they want to know about the lens, but if you're interested, this is a fascinating read.