Looking at the bigger picture, the 200-400 VR is probably the cheapest 1200mm lens you can buy. I expect Nikon to eventually lower the $8,200 pricetag by about $1000 or less. The 200-400 VR is simply an awesome lens for those who are into wildlife photos and for obvious reasons, cannot get close enough due to the animal running away (or just opposite). This is also a perfect lens for any situation where distance is a good thing.

In case you're wondering if you could tote this thing around with your camera, you would most likely suffer a ruptured disc (or more) in your spine. Lugging around almost 7 and a half pounds (with protective glass), NOT including the camera's own weight, is certainly going to require a tripod (or at least a monopod).

Major Features

• Delivers super-high performance on both film and DX Format digital SLR cameras
• When mounted on a Nikon DX Format camera, the lens' picture angle is 8 ° to 4 °, the equivalent of 300-600mm on a 35mm [135] format camera
• Vibration Reduction (VR) system delivers the equivalent of shooting at a shutter speed three stops (eight times) faster
• VR automatically detects panning as well as vertical shake
• Nikon's exclusive Silent Wave Motor (SWM) provides swift autofocus with superior accuracy and ultra-quiet operation
• [M/A] allow rapid switching between AF and MF operation
• Four ED (Extra-low Dispersion) glass elements minimize chromatic aberration, for high quality images
• Nine-blade rounded diaphragms make out-of focus elements look more natural
• Internal Focusing (IF) design for smoother focusing and great body balance
• Lens mount fitted with rubber ring that is resistant to dust and drops of water
• New slip-on type Lens Hood HK-30 (supplied) greatly reduces stray light
• Soft lens case CL-L2 supplied