howard wrote:
So someone got the 200-400 IS lens already? How much did you pay for it?
No. I don\'t think so. AFAIK, there are only two available versions; (v0) the original non-OS version, and (OS.v1) the current OS version. The next gen version (OS.v2) with OS and a focus limiter switch has been announced and described by Sigma, but no official delivery date has been offered.
According to all published info that I\'ve found, including MTF diagrams for both lenses, the OS.v1 and new OS.v2 have identical optical performance. The literature on OS.v2 makes no claims for improved AF or OS, and so they\'re probably the same. I figure that the new OS.v2 has been developed to address the only two negative comments that I have found for the OS.v1, namely; (1) the lack of a focus limiter, and (2) the tripod mount ring foot accepts only one mount screw. I bet the new foot accepts two mount screws.
I think Sigma has a real winner on their hands with this lens. I\'m not waiting for an unspecified length of time to get the new version for an unknown (and undoubtably much higher) cost, when I expect the current OS.v1 version will do just fine. A focus limiter switch is nice to have, but even when you do have one, it often helps to use manual pre-focus - I sometimes do that with my 500/4L IS. YMMV.
BTW, the FM review section has the non-OS version listed, but some reviews are for the newer OS version. The \'monkey likes the OS.v1, and so I expects I will too. I just bought mine new on theBay for $2239 (free shipping from HK), although most places still have it priced at $3200. I\'ll report my first impressions after I get it.
