Toronto Photography Meetup Group

So, most of you know by now that Nikon recently released a new version of the Nikon 200-400 f/4 VR -- the new version includes VRII and Nano coating! All I have to say is ..... wow... but I so can't really justify spending $7K on a lens right now.

The original version of the 200-400 f/4 VR is still an excellent lens, and I have hardly heard any complaints from anyone about this lens. However, I have just learnt that Nikon Canada no longer has stock on the former version, and consumers will be forced to buy the new version going forward. Not too mention paying HST in the near future, making it one pricey piece of glass!

Anyhow, that's just a tid bit... as some of you know, I have been pining over this lens for at least the last two years. I may be very close to getting one, but not saying anything yet.

I guess i should apologize for being the bearer of bad news?

Nah.. I may have found a copy of the first version in mint condition.... but awaiting a price.

More important question: what did the wife say?

Or is it easier to ask forgiveness than it is to ask permission?

watch what you say! I can edit the content of your message!

both take TC or not?

I believe you can put a TC on it.... but I hate using TC's... they degrade quality of the image IMO

So looks like the lens I possibly had on the line is a no deal. They are not willing to go lower than $6250 for a demo from Vistek... which seems awfully high for me to be paying. If anyone knows of a used copy for sale - let me know.


David

B+H still lists it for one penny shy of 6k. Assume currency parity for simplicity. I'm guessing at that price point B&H would be free shipping. 13% tax at the border on that is 780 bucks.

If you go to NYC and buy it in person, it'll cost you 6k + 520.50 in new york state taxes.

The question is what is a Canadian warranted lens worth to you? If they'll go 6k + tax, you could have it today. The VRII is 7k list.

Check out these other Canadian retailers: http://www.photoprice.ca/product/00114/ ... price.html Don's photo in Manitoba and Alberta and The Camera Store are cheaper, and you wouldn't pay 8% PST.

yup.... already talking with him.

I bought CF memory cards from the FM sellers a few years back and he was an A+ seller. Good reputation on FM.

David, good luck with the glass shopping

Personally, I think this update was a waste of engineering effort for Nikon. The "old" 200-400mm f/4 is an excellent lens and we'll certainly be keeping ours in our rental fleet for a long time to come. The Nikon 80-400mm and 300mm f/4 lenses, on the other hand, are sorely over-due for updates. The 80-400mm was Nikon's first VR lens and could benefit from an upgrade to the newest VR technology. More importantly, it needs an upgrade to it's autofocus to use AF-S. Canon users have enjoyed IS and USM autofocus in their 100-400mm lens for years.

The Nikon 300mm f/4 lacks VR completely, again looking poor versus the Canon equivalent.

It should be noted that Nikon Canada provides a 5 year warranty on their lenses. This is longer than Nikon USA and also longer than Canon offers on either side of the border.

don't you still need to pay the 13% ttax at the border, assuming yyou're not trying to sneak it in?

Canada Customs is a federal agency and they collect only the 5% GST due to the federal government on goods imported from the USA. You're supposed to remit the 8% PST to the Ontario government yourself.

After July 1, all imports will be subject to the HST of 13% at the border.

Thanks guys, not going the USA route, and never would have really considered that an option - as I hate dealing with over the border crap, and having to pay more tax than required.

Already dealing with a seller from B.C. - transaction in progress.

Can't wait to get my hands on a wonderful piece of glass. There will be another Nikon social coming shortly after! Of course.

That would be Frank da Tank, right?

That's right.... done deal now. Shipping out tomorrow, will arrive on Monday.

grats!

Excellent - enjoy your new toy!

G'DAMN!! Nice buy. TPMG trip to Mosport next? The Ferrari Club races on May 27 and ALMS races Aug 26-29.

that sounds like fun..... I'd love to try shooting some auto racing, as I have never done that before. But I am looking forward to the May 24 weekend down at Long Point, and then after that - many trips up to Haliburton Forest to shoot wildlife. Oh ya -- D300s also coming soon.

Cool! Look forward to see some pics from that beast. Haven't been up to the Haliburton Forest & Wildlife Reserve in a while. Do they still have the wolf project going on?

Yes, the Wolf Centre is still in operation -- and the pack should actually have cubs any day now -- as Granite (the alpha female) should be giving birth either last weekend or this coming weekend. I can't wait to see some new pups at the centre -- as the pack is in serious trouble right now with only one female remaining.

Wow! That didn't take long, at the social I thought you said you were hanigng onto the D90 and now the BIG gear switch up! I guess this is an indicator the economy has finally recovered

Ya, I know... I wasn't going to, but all of a sudden, when I decided to go hunting for a 200-400, and the realm of possibility became a reality, I decided that I should have a camera with better IQ for the long lens. And I wanted to have a crop sensor for wildlife work, and I still want a camera with the video feature. The D700 will still be my main camera for landscape, architecture, etc.

Just saw the posting about the 200-400 ....
I'd love a TPMG outing to Mosport. Spent a lot of time there over the years, including the last couple of years. If some are not familiar, I wouldn't mind being a bit of a "guide" ... Can this be posted up in the Events section ?? Just a thought....
Tim

An outing to Mosport might be cool... When do they run? I have no clue. But another thing to consider is that my weekend's are filling up fast! I am booked up for the rest of this month, and next week is starting to fill in quickly.


David


PS: I am getting ansi, and can't wait to get my lens. It will arrive tomorrow according to the Canada Post tracking.

The beast has arrived!!