The MTF's of the new Nikon 800mm f5.6 VR is impressive to say the least

[Lance B]

So we have seen that the Nikon 800mm f5.6 lens was announced, but the MTF's are quite impressive and the new lens uses flourite glass in it as well. Also, the lens comes with a 1.25 TC as a standard accessory. However at US$18,000 in the States and at 4.6kg, it will not be for the feint hearted!! Knowing how Nikon Australia's "wisdom" works, I would say that it will be in the order of AU$20,000 for anyone that mabe interested here in Oz.

http://imaging.nikon.com/lineup/lens/singlefocal/Telephoto/af-s_800mmf_56g_fl_ed_vr/index.htm

[arthurking83]

As expected, the lens will perform about as good as it gets!

What's not expected is fluorite glass! ... What's even more unexpected is fluorite glass in a black casing! :D

What ever happened to Super ED elements? (I'm assuming not quite as effective as fluorite elements) The only lens(still) using Super ED elements is the 200/2.

Anyhow .. that MTF is pretty impressive.

Price is hefty, but I don't think overly excessive considering Nikon's track record. As time goes by and retailers do their usual thing, I reckon sub $15K isn't an unreasonable expectation .. coupled with the included TC, that'd make it very competitive against the Canon version(which has been around a lot longer).

[Wayne]

It looks the goods Lance, but at the asking price a 600/4 + all 3 TC's which is longer and faster in almost all scenarios (as well as having AF on D800/D4 bodies even at f8) can be had with a D800 or D4 and still have change!!
I would still like one though, and although that may be the launch price, I feel with the small volume of sales it will probably not drop much, if at all following introduction and the used market assuming any appear will hold value well.

[Lance B]

It looks the goods Lance, but at the asking price a 600/4 + all 3 TC's which is longer and faster in almost all scenarios (as well as having AF on D800/D4 bodies even at f8) can be had with a D800 or D4 and still have change!!
I would still like one though, and although that may be the launch price, I feel with the small volume of sales it will probably not drop much, if at all following introduction and the used market assuming any appear will hold value well.

Personally, I would rather then 600 f4 and use TC's. Heck, put a 1.4x TC on the 600 f4 and you have an 800 f5.6 and I have seen Sar's results from the 600 f4 + 1.4x TC and you'd be hard pressed to see better IQ. The beauty of this set up is that you have an f4 lens in the 600 but the option to go longer at 840mm f5.6, whereas if you had the 800 you can't go shorter.

This is a very specialised lens, something to use in a bird hide or wildlife hide or the like and not something that you just sling in the bag for a days outing for some quick snaps. :)

[Wayne]

I agree wholeheartedly, I wouldn't truly buy it even at equal pricing for the 600/4 alone, and the reasons you outline regarding the versatility are the exact reasons I bought the 400/2.8, because with the 2xTCIII, I have 800/5.6 already, and it still focuses plenty fast with the options to go back to 400/2.8 for even faster focus.

[Lance B]

I agree wholeheartedly, I wouldn't truly buy it even at equal pricing for the 600/4 alone, and the reasons you outline regarding the versatility are the exact reasons I bought the 400/2.8, because with the 2xTCIII, I have 800/5.6 already, and it still focuses plenty fast with the options to go back to 400/2.8 for even faster focus.

Yep! I think I'd rather have the 400 f2.8 as well. :)

However, if I was given an 800 f5.6, I wouldn't knock it back.

[jim]

I drooled a little bit, but I had a look at the price and weight, and it turns out that I'm one of the faint-hearted...:p

[Wayne]

I guess I'd be happy to take a freebie too mate ;)

[Sar NOP]

I'm sure that you wouldn't see any difference in term of IQ between the 600 and this 800 (even with the combo 600x1.7 vs 800x1.25), on the 36mpix of the D800 anyway. However, the difference might be visible on a future FX of 60mpix...