The Sony 400mm f/2.8 G Master

I'm guessing there will be some very happy birders in this forum...if they can cough up the $12k...

The thing is huge!

Huff's site:


Dutch site:

AdVeen said:

The thing is huge!

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yeah, but lighter than the competition and with the weight in the center/back of the lens.

I can only dream of having one

muvovum said:

muvovum said:

The thing is huge!

Click to expand...

yeah, but lighter than the competition and with the weight in the center/back of the lens.

I can only dream of having one

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My back shut down all possible consideration as soon as my brain had the slightest glimmer of a dream....

I'd love to get my hands on one. But I don't think I'm willing to put that kind of money into one. I'll spend a bit for my birding and wildlife hobby - but lower 4-figures is my comfort zone - higher 4-figures just isn't comfortable and 5-figures is out.

I can justify '4-day trip to Disney or this lens', or 'round trip flight to Paris or this lens' pricing...but I have trouble justifying 'dream 7-day luxury safari in Africa or this lens', or 'new car or this lens' pricing!

But boy would it be fun to shoot at 400mm F2.8 at dusk in the wetlands, or in a dark forest!

I can't see myself owning one (sadly). This year I have lost three cameras to mishap (crashed Mavic Pro drone, accidentally submerged Sony Action Cam, and yesterday a dropped RX100 :-( ) With my recent luck, I wouldn't look at this thing without first taking out a special insurance policy.

However, I could envision renting one for a week in some place like Yellowstone or Alaska.

Justin,

Many, many moons ago, I attended a one day "Nikon School" workshop (I was still shooting Minolta Maxxum film gear back then). There were two presenters taking turns doing slide shows on various topics and one did a 15 minute segment on the wonders of the 600/4. He closed the topic by saying that at a previous workshop, a woman came up to him afterwards and said he shouldn't waste everyone's time talking about a lens that costs as much as a small car. He replied: "how badly do you need a small car ?"

But I know what you mean. I have the means to spend more on gear than I do, but I don't do photography seriously enough to warrant it. Even when it comes to wildlife, I'd have a hard time justifying the cost of the 100-400FE because, for me, it's more of an opportunistic "when I see something in the back yard" kind of thing. Anyway, just thought I'd throw that little anecdote out p.s. I liked the most recent set of swamp critters - the huge gator and that really sleek ribbon snake ...

- Dennis
--
Gallery at http://kingofthebeasts.smugmug.com

Well, now, I'd be willing to bet that no amateur photographer on this forum will be willing to lay out 12,000 of their special friends on a lens, no matter how great the lens. Prove me wrong !

Euell said:

Well, now, I'd be willing to bet that no amateur photographer on this forum will be willing to lay out 12,000 of their special friends on a lens, no matter how great the lens. Prove me wrong !

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Such lenses are in the hands of many wildlife enthusiasts (have several friends luggingen around 2.8/300mm lenses and one even has a 4/600mm lens). They are plain amateurs.

Some have money, asking for price is regarded rude or plain stupid. Guess a few of the lenses will find such buyers.

This lens is too expensive for the common one (could actually afford one if really really interested, but only if sacrificing other things) - the 100-400 is more like my way.

Have not proven you wrong, just said the possibility is there... :-D

For the price of this lens? A four person 3 week safari including flight for my family...only 6 days of those in hotels though.

would love renting for just one day though.

Trollmannx said:

Euell said:

Well, now, I'd be willing to bet that no amateur photographer on this forum will be willing to lay out 12,000 of their special friends on a lens, no matter how great the lens. Prove me wrong !

Click to expand...

Such lenses are in the hands of many wildlife enthusiasts (have several friends luggingen around 2.8/300mm lenses and one even has a 4/600mm lens). They are plain amateurs.

Some have money, asking for price is regarded rude or plain stupid. Guess a few of the lenses will find such buyers.

This lens is too expensive for the common one (could actually afford one if really really interested, but only if sacrificing other things) - the 100-400 is more like my way.

Have not proven you wrong, just said the possibility is there... :-D

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Ah, so you will not be the one to break the ice and lay down your 12000 Simoleans. The 400 f2.8 Canon is only about 10000 Simoleans. Maybe that one is for you? Or, maybe used? Pro sports photographers can write this off on their taxes. It's nice that Sony is putting out these spectacular top-of-the-line lenses, but ...but how about a few more APSC lenses, particularly top flight zooms??