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johnmh
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Registered: Feb 26, 2008
Location: United States
Posts: 87
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Review Date: Mar 15, 2009
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Recommend? yes |
Price paid: $7,900.00
| Rating: 10
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Pros:
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Astounding lens all around. VR allows hand holding for shots you couldn't have gotten previously.
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Cons:
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Expensive - but worth it. Supply seems limited and unable to meet demand. You may wait a while if you want one.
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Nothing to complain about.
Greal lens, great IQ, works fine even with longer TC's.
Manageable size and weight for the reach but I can see this still being an issue as 'carry-on' for planes and longer back-country treks.
It's expensive but you're getting your money's worth and given recent events a safer 'investment' than Wall Street. Nonetheless, you should be realistic about whether you can justify spending what is a very substantial amount of money. In that sense this is a pro lens - or one for amateurs with disposable income.
This lens - along with other pro level glass - will be passed down in my estate, with my heirs fighting over it.
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 Mar 15, 2009
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maljo
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Registered: Mar 1, 2003
Location: United States
Posts: 315
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Review Date: Dec 10, 2008
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Recommend? yes |
Price paid: $7,800.00
| Rating: 10
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Pros:
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Extremely sharp, excellent VR, excellent bokeh
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Cons:
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Expensive
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Really love this lens. I've had it 2 months. Used it alot,
including at trip to the Everglades for a week.
Heavy and expensive, but otherwise a joy to use.
Image quality is superb.
Why is it $2500 more than the Canon equivalent?
Partly because of a 5 year warranty.
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Dec 10, 2008
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peachstate
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Registered: Jul 22, 2008
Location: United States
Posts: 2
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Review Date: Sep 8, 2008
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Recommend? yes |
Price paid: $8,000.00
| Rating: 10
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Pros:
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Resolution of images is superb. Weight of the lens for a 500mm f4 is most impressive.
About 7.5lbs!! VR Function allows hand held shots---yes, even for a 500mm!
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Cons:
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The 8m-infinity limit focus is just too far for a minimum focus. I have been frustrated missing picture of birds that fly in relatively close in, only to try an focus---can't do it because the bird is less than 8m from me and by the time I get to side of the lens, switch it to FULL, the bird is long gone!
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This lens has been a long time coming. VR in the fixed focal lengths of 400, 500, and 600mm are LONG OVERDUE. Current production is in no way keeping up with demand. Many were earmarked for the China Olympics, so now that they are behind us, hopefully more lenses will now be available to the 'common man'.
Picture quality is unchallenged. ( Price though is about $2,500 more than Canon's equivalent.) That said, this lens measures up to the highest of build quality standards, and the VR is amazing in that one can actually HAND HOLD shots and get clear, crisp images!!!!
I have tried using a monopod with this guy, but find carrying my carbon fiber Gitzo makes me much happier. With the Wimberly head, I can maneuver the camera and lens effortlessly.
I have been using Nikon's TC 14E II with excellent results. I will try a 2.0TC in the near future to compare. Moose Peterson is now only carrying the Nikon TC17E II and foregoing the 2 others, so I may even try that one as well. The lens is awesome--just wish the price were more in line with Canon.
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Sep 8, 2008
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colincarter46
Offline
Buy and Sell: On
Registered: Jan 13, 2003
Location: United Kingdom
Posts: 284
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Review Date: Jul 22, 2008
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Recommend? yes |
Price paid: Not Indicated
| Rating: 10
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Pros:
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Image Quality is unsurpassed, build quality is fantastic, VRII is superb
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Cons:
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weight
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This new lens, from Nikon, was definately worth the long wait. The image quality and build quality are fantastic. What I was surprised about was how well this lens takes all three Nikon teleconverters and retains superb image quality and autofocus performance on my D300 and D3 bodies. The 2x is always called the "runt" of the family but this lens shows that the 2x can be usable even for exhibition quality A3 and A2 prints
the VRII system works superbly steadying this big lens even in a strong breeze.
If you need a lens like this, and can afford the asking price then you will not be disappointed.
Get yourself a good tripod, i am using it with a Gitzo 5541Ls and a Wimberly version 2 gimbal head. This combo will add about £1200 to the bill but it is worth every penny.
I have posted a gallery below of which all the shots were either taken with the 1.7x or the 2x teleconverters
http://www.flickr.com/photos/theapertureman/sets/72157606275030528/
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Jul 22, 2008
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