I bought the first version of this lens in 2005 NEW for $2K
Since then you have added the "DG" moniker (no change at all to the lens) and improved the anti-glare coatings, and jacked the price up to $8k before finally discontinuing it.
It was a one of kind beast of a lens. It was ahead of it's time. No truly, in the real sense. IF you'd released just a few years later it might have incorporated your OS image stabilization tech that adorns more modern lenses like your current 500mm f/4 "Sport"
In it's day, this lens was actually quite popular!
On the FM forums it was talked about constantly, and I know of so many that bought one.
But,. it's lack of OS, it's size and weight, and it's terrible MFD, meant that in a few years it was of far less interest to most.
You have had the tech to update this lens for years, and never did. Instead you chose to let a nearly 20 year old lens design just fade away. Who's going to pay $8K for a 18 year old design?
It is time for a Mark II!
- Make it a little lighter, like Canon and Nikon are doing with their super-teles.
- Add OS!!
- Make it 1.4x T-Con compatible with OEM bodies for AF @ F/8!
- Fix the MFD!
- Maybe squeeze another 100mm into the short end? (200-800mm)
Charge a reasonable price for it!
thank you for your consideration of my biannual request for this update 
