200-400mm spotted in the wild?

[Overread]

I'd expect the canon 200-400mm to hit at a much higher price and possibly at a higher image quality level (as reflected by higher price) but I also feel that there won't be too much between the two lenses. Certainly not a night and day difference (though I'd happily have canon prove me wrong).

Weight and price I think will be the big dividing line between the two zooms, esp since the 200-400mm is going to be toss up for many between that or a dedicated prime (eg 500 or 600mm)

[S.Horton]

For me I'd seriously consider selling both my 400 DO and 100-400 to help buy it. I'd probably dump both TCs as well.

I wonder if Canon will put the price way up, around $14K, to make darn sure they don't hose other lens sales.

[howiewu]

Originally Posted by S.Horton

For me I'd seriously consider selling both my 400 DO and 100-400 to help buy it. I'd probably dump both TCs as well.

I wonder if Canon will put the price way up, around $14K, to make darn sure they don't hose other lens sales.

Actually I think that is quite possible.

A large part of pricing is psychological. Of course, there is supply and demand factors, but beyond the level at which cost can be recouped, there is a lot of margin. Consider gasoline. Once it was about or below $1 a gallon. Then when it went to $2 a gallon people gasped, blame "greedy corporations", but they buy it anyway and get used to it. Then it went to $3, they gasped again; now it is near $4 and there is no end in sight ..

Same with lenses. When Canon's new batch of superteles came out, people gasped. What? $7000 for a 300mm f/2.8? $10,500 for a 500mm f/4? But they buy them anyway, they get used to the prices anyway. It's a fact of life. And you know what, in a few years, even a 500mm f/4 lens at $10,500 will look like a bargain.

Look at Sony's new 500mm f/4 telephoto lens, it comes at a whopping $13,000 euro! Sadly this is probably a precursor of what's coming.

(I sure hope Canon is not reading this board).

[S.Horton]

They know. Double price, cut volume by 20% and profits go way up.

[Wookster]

I'd love a 200-400. Seriously considered swapping to Nikon for that lens but once you have a couple of lenses it just gets harder. Quality wise I can't see it being the same as the primes, not by a long shot.

I do think Canon has gone a bit crazy with their pricing, £2,149 for the new 24-70 is really rather ridiculous, so is £8,499 for the 500F4 II.

[Overread]

And £639.00 for a new top end flash! You can get the 580EXII and a pocketwizard for less - and at £600 per flash you're really starting to get into money where you can get small studio strobes for as much or less which will offer more light strength.

Sadly prices are going up across the board and I doubt we'll see big drops till the recession is over (I mean it has to end oneday right? )

[RobDickinson]

Studio strobes arnt as portable and take longer to discharge, the new canon flash has a lot more control than a 580 & pocket wizzard, easier to deal with too.

not saying its perfect or the price is good but you dont have to buy it do you.

[watt100]

Originally Posted by S.Horton

For me I'd seriously consider selling both my 400 DO and 100-400 to help buy it. I'd probably dump both TCs as well.

it would have to be very good (and at a decent price) for me to sell the 100-400

[andrikos]

It will be great no doubt.
Decent price? Not so much!
I'd say closer to $10k than $5k.

[S.Horton]

There should be a poll with a prize for closest without going over.

[howiewu]

posting a link I saw on another forum (you know which ):

http://www.northlight-images.co.uk/C...ew_lenses.html

[Echo Johnson]

It's already on the list of qualifying lenses for CPS Europe.

[Jahled]

That was eagle eyed of somebody. Cool though

[powaysteve]

Now it is at the London Olympics:
http://www.canonrumors.com/

[_aravena]

That thing is a BEAST compared to the 100-400. Be nice but I'll be happy when the 100-400 drops in price. I know the IS isn't the best but I like it. Still considering the Sigma alternates.