You can check Ebay every week. Right now there are some old models of the Nikon 600mm lens for sale but not the VR version. About two weeks ago, I saw an used VR model that was sold for almost $9,000.
which model are you looking for? AF-S I, AF-S II or AF-S VR? each are hard to find but AF-S I and II can be found used with enough search, VR is available used once in a blue moon and new once in a few full moons, you'll see it time to time at BH or adorama, get on their email lists for the item to be informed when it's back in stock.
Most of the time the 500 / 600 needs to be special ordered. It's tough to find one in stock. I've even heard they are a "made to order" kind of deal. I got lucky with my 500mm and found it at Samy's (I think).
---XR--- wrote:
which model are you looking for? AF-S I, AF-S II or AF-S VR? each are hard to find but AF-S I and II can be found used with enough search, VR is available used once in a blue moon and new once in a few full moons, you'll see it time to time at BH or adorama, get on their email lists for the item to be informed when it's back in stock.
I'm looking for the AF-S Nikkor 600mm f/4G ED VR Autofocus lens as listed at BH PhotoVideo. It seems to be 'temporarily unavailable' or 'temporarily out of stock' every time.
I have quite a few Nikon "pro" lenses but I have seriously though about getting Canon if I get a 500 or 600 f/4. The Nikons are "never" in stock and it seems that with the Canon, a lens and a "crop" body are about the same cost as the Nikon lens only.
SHVv wrote:
I have quite a few Nikon "pro" lenses but I have seriously though about getting Canon if I get a 500 or 600 f/4. The Nikons are "never" in stock and it seems that with the Canon, a lens and a "crop" body are about the same cost as the Nikon lens only.
tom f wrote:
I've been looking for a new one but to no avail. Are you talking about ordering one from BH PhotoVideo or Nikon, etc?
Thanks,
Tom
Local photoshop said they have to order from Nikon. To much $$$ to keep in stock. But have been able to get pretty fast when needed. that was over summertime.
SHVv wrote:
I have quite a few Nikon "pro" lenses but I have seriously though about getting Canon if I get a 500 or 600 f/4. The Nikons are "never" in stock and it seems that with the Canon, a lens and a "crop" body are about the same cost as the Nikon lens only.
I don't believe you'll get equivalent performance from the AF engine on that budget Canon body, nor will you get the same weather-sealing or other benefits of your D300. That will apply doubly once you upgrade to the next generation, since then you'd have to upgrade more bodies to keep your one-lens Canon collection happy. Plus, the new long Canons have been announced at prices significantly above the Nikon prices. So overall, I think there are gaping holes in that strategy.
I don't think the AF is in the camera on a Canon. It's in the lens I believe, and works well on my cameras. There is weatherproofing on the 7D. When a new camera comes out you can actually get it when it is released instead of waiting for who knows how long. Same with their long lenses. How long has the 500-6--VR been out? 3 years and still back ordered? If you want to shoot with longer glass I would suggest going another route other than Nikon. Take it from someone who got tired of waiting for VR on long lenses, then waiting on the 600 VR when it was released.
swanny66 wrote:
I don't think the AF is in the camera on a Canon. It's in the lens I believe, and works well on my cameras.
That is absolutely incorrect. The AF engine that does all the sensing and thinking is in the camera, and that is what determines AF acquisition and tracking performance. Hint: remember the 1D3?
Only the AF motor is in the lens, and then only in some lenses.
swanny66 wrote:
How long has the 500-6--VR been out? 3 years and still back ordered? If you want to shoot with longer glass I would suggest going another route other than Nikon. Take it from someone who got tired of waiting for VR on long lenses, then waiting on the 600 VR when it was released.
Your choice, of course, and but my experience is very different. I've bought four long-gun Nikon lenses, and was able to get all of them within a couple of weeks of when I started looking for them. That includes my 500VR.
Rodolfo....yes, I agree with you. The autofocus programming, etc. is in camera. When you say 'AF engine' I am thinking motor, not programming, etc. I also remember the MkIII very well, as I had a MkIII with absolutely no issues. So I have great memories What was your experience?
I was on a waiting list at several locations for over 8 months for a 600VR. Consider yourself lucky, though the 500VR is easier to find by leaps and bounds. D3s is just now back in at all the major camera shops. Nikon supply has always been on the short side with new releases unless you are NPS.
What was your experience?