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Master Your Perspective with Optical Excellence: Nikon Adds Two Pro-Grade FX-Format Lenses to Celebrated NIKKOR Lens Lin
#1
Posted 19 October 2016 - 06:31 PM
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#3
Posted 20 October 2016 - 08:21 AM
Crikey. How much could they have improved it to justify that much of a price hike? I've used the older version--think I'll keep my eye out for one of those since the price has come down. I've never grown to love my Tamron 70-200 and frankly can't wait to unload it.
- TBonz likes this
#4
Posted 20 October 2016 - 10:30 AM
The price hike is massive, indeed...
And I honestly can't justify to advicing the lens to anyone, but hey - if its 200 F2 quality across the full range, then its more then justified...
#5
Posted 21 October 2016 - 09:22 AM
That is a big increase! The VRII is probably my favorite lens...I agree with Nicole in that it would be hard to improve on it...Someone would need to prove to me that there was that much of a benefit for it to even get on my radar...
#6
Posted 26 October 2016 - 11:03 AM
I also thought the price hike was a bit much. Of course, the proof will be in the test results but about the only thing I can see to recommend it is slightly better VR performance and the 'E' aperture addition. I've read somewhere that Nikon has decided to adjust the prices of their "professional lenses" towards a totally professional market. Sounds like malarkey but it probably sounds good when the marketing people meet with upper management.
I expect they'll be a run on the VR II version before they all sell out.
--Ron
#8
Posted 27 October 2016 - 05:29 AM
When comparing prices, remember that the 70-200 VR II was introduced at $2400 in 2009. This means that the price hike when comparing introduction prices is in the same ~15% region as the new 24-70.
Still double the price of a lens that is pretty much every bit as good. Even when it does hit and we can find out for ourselves what it is like, it will never be twice as good. In my opinion the little bit of plastic stuck to the side that says "Nikon" isn't worth that much money (not worth an additional cent IMO). And the fact we can see other players provide quality gear at much, much, much lower prices is evidence this is purely price gouging. Taking advantage of those who would never dream of owning an off brand item. Lucky for CaNikon there are plenty of those people to go around.
A 20%-25% price premium for a Nikon badge is fair enough. 100% is just ridiculous.
It's got little to do with the price, then and now. It's how it compares to what is also available here and now (and the future).
Can bet Sigma is working double time on an Art/Sport 70-200mm. Even if once it had low priority. There is a HUGE gap in the market that's been kindly created by Nikon.
edit: How are the sales of that new 24-70mm going for them?
#9
Posted 30 October 2016 - 03:15 PM
For that price, the new 70-200mm better do all your editing for you too.
Granted it has been years, but it's difficult to reconcile the fact the original 70-200mm was selling for around $1600 USD. Glad I bought mine when I did... even if I'd saved all that money and waited years, by the time the VRII came out, I don't think I could have afforded it.
#10
Posted 30 October 2016 - 05:30 PM
The announcement states that it uses Six ED elements and one Fluorite element. The latter is very expensive. Too bad it uses Nano-Coatings, otherwise it would be interesting to see how it does for UV and IR Photography. Nano-Coated optics are great for visible, need to be removed from the glass for IR. I have one Fluorite lens- a Pentax 85/4.5. I think it listed for $1495 in 1970. Something like $6K today.
#11
Posted 30 October 2016 - 06:16 PM
I think I'll be sticking with my VRII for a while. Hard to believe the price increase will translate to that much better performance.