Nikon to announce a new 80-400 VR lens this week?

[Albi86]

Do I understand correctly that this lens doesn't extend while zooming? O.o
A good thing they did is reducing considerably the MFD, but since I see the magnification went down from 0.42 to 0.2 it seems the price to pay is heavy focus breathing.
However, it seems that Nikon delivered - again. The only problem is the price, which is way too steep at the moment. But we have seen the D600 and D800 fall down to a -30% in just a few months, so let's see.

[Rienzphotoz]

Nikonrumros has an interesting post comparing the old and the new 80-400
http://nikonrumors.com/2013/03/05/nikkor-af-80-400mm-f4-5-5-6d-vs-af-s-80-400mm-f4-5-5-6g-specifications-comparison.aspx/

[Plainsman]

The tripod mount of this lens looks pretty flimsy for a 1.6kg (3.5lb) lens.

That's one thing you can guarantee with Nikon - flimsy mounts on their long lenses.

They may have clever optical engineers but it surely would not cost a lot to get a structural engineer with finite element software to check out the stiffness and vibration characteristics before they go for production.

[psolberg]

Personally, I'm not obsessed over MTFs, much less even think of comparing them across manufacturers. I much rather see images do the talking and even then, sample variation can mislead opinions.

ultimately this is a great lens choice for the Nikon shooter as it was one of the big problem lenses in their lineup because it lacked an USM motor. That seems resolved and from the specs, and use of superior glass, it should address every knock against the predecessor.

I really can't wait to see what it can do on today's high resolution world standard: D800/e.

The tripod mount of this lens looks pretty flimsy for a 1.6kg (3.5lb) lens.

That's one thing you can guarantee with Nikon - flimsy mounts on their long lenses.

They may have clever optical engineers but it surely would not cost a lot to get a structural engineer with finite element software to check out the stiffness and vibration characteristics before they go for production.

I'll let the field determine how good it is, but looks like it can be removed and replaced with a 3rd party mount so that is definitively a plus compared to fixed collars.

[Mt Spokane Photography]

Thanks Roger, and welcome to the forum, I knew I had seen that picture in the blog but couldn't remember, or find, which post it was in. I am glad my memory hasn't failed me completely 

And thanks for mentioning it.  I try to read all of Rogers posts, but certainly missed that one.