Nikon Lens Updates: Does anyone know about how often Nikon typically updates their lenses? I'm considering buying the 200-500mm but I know it's been out a couple years now and Tamron...

drizztguen77 Loc: Tualatin, OR

Does anyone know about how often Nikon typically updates their lenses? I'm considering buying the 200-500mm but I know it's been out a couple years now and Tamron has come out with a new, much better, version of theirs. It seems that typically not long after I buy a lens the company comes out with a newer improved version. I don't want that to happen again. Has anyone heard any rumors if Nikon will be coming out with a new version of this lens anytime soon?

Curtis

cjc2 Loc: Hellertown PA

soaro77 wrote:

Does anyone know about how often Nikon typically updates their lenses? I'm considering buying the 200-500mm but I know it's been out a couple years now and Tamron has come out with a new, much better, version of theirs. It seems that typically not long after I buy a lens the company comes out with a newer improved version. I don't want that to happen again. Has anyone heard any rumors if Nikon will be coming out with a new version of this lens anytime soon?

Curtis

Won't be for quite a while and I don't believe it's even been out a year yet. If you want that lens, and I hear its really a gem, I'd suggest you buy it now. Best of luck.

Winslowe

soaro77 wrote:

Does anyone know about how often Nikon typically updates their lenses? I'm considering buying the 200-500mm but I know it's been out a couple years now and Tamron has come out with a new, much better, version of theirs. It seems that typically not long after I buy a lens the company comes out with a newer improved version. I don't want that to happen again. Has anyone heard any rumors if Nikon will be coming out with a new version of this lens anytime soon?

Curtis

Rumor has it there will be no new version until you buy the old one!

PixelStan77 Loc: Vermont/Chicago

soaro77 wrote:

Does anyone know about how often Nikon typically updates their lenses? I'm considering buying the 200-500mm but I know it's been out a couple years now and Tamron has come out with a new, much better, version of theirs. It seems that typically not long after I buy a lens the company comes out with a newer improved version. I don't want that to happen again. Has anyone heard any rumors if Nikon will be coming out with a new version of this lens anytime soon?

Curtis

Curtis, It is a great lens. I have one and if you have any thoughts about getting one, go for it.

rmorrison1116 Loc: Near Valley Forge, Pennsylvania

And what is wrong with getting a lens that has been in production for a while?! The 200-500 has only been in production for just under 2 years so there will not be a newer version any time soon as it is the newer version.
I own one of these lenses and although it's not pro build quality, for around $1300, it is a really nice lens and it works quite well with a Nikon 1.4 teleconverter.
As for older lenses, I just paid $525 to have a 12 year old Canon EF 28-300 f/3.5-5.6L repaired and reconditioned. That's a whole lot cheaper than laying out $2300 for a new one.

DavidPine Loc: Fredericksburg, TX

The Nikon 200-500 is an excellent lens.

mborn Loc: Massachusetts

soaro77 wrote:

Does anyone know about how often Nikon typically updates their lenses? I'm considering buying the 200-500mm but I know it's been out a couple years now and Tamron has come out with a new, much better, version of theirs. It seems that typically not long after I buy a lens the company comes out with a newer improved version. I don't want that to happen again. Has anyone heard any rumors if Nikon will be coming out with a new version of this lens anytime soon?

Curtis

No rumors as yet get the lens it is great

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

soaro77 wrote:

Does anyone know about how often Nikon typically updates their lenses? I'm considering buying the 200-500mm but I know it's been out a couple years now and Tamron has come out with a new, much better, version of theirs. It seems that typically not long after I buy a lens the company comes out with a newer improved version. I don't want that to happen again. Has anyone heard any rumors if Nikon will be coming out with a new version of this lens anytime soon?

Curtis

Unlike cameras, lenses are a long time between new versions. There is more technology they can improve in cameras.

Architect1776 Loc: In my mind

Winslowe wrote:

Rumor has it there will be no new version until you buy the old one!

Isn't this the case with everything you want it seems?
About the only thing not this way is you know a new car will come out every year supposedly improving on the previous model. Don't like the new model then you know to wait 1 more year for the next one to come out.
If you want that lens, I would say get it if you have a real purpose for it besides GAS.
If not you will be losing all those shots you have been envisioning for it while you wait 3-6 years for an update. Lenses are generally much longer lived than camera bodies which are easier to update with bells and whistles if anything to convince you upgrade.

billnikon Loc: Pennsylvania/Ohio/Florida/Maui/Oregon/Vermont

soaro77 wrote:

Does anyone know about how often Nikon typically updates their lenses? I'm considering buying the 200-500mm but I know it's been out a couple years now and Tamron has come out with a new, much better, version of theirs. It seems that typically not long after I buy a lens the company comes out with a newer improved version. I don't want that to happen again. Has anyone heard any rumors if Nikon will be coming out with a new version of this lens anytime soon?

Curtis

Do not look for that lens to be undated anytime soon. It is still basically a new release. It is a solid lens for the price and for now I don't see how they could improve it as it now knocks the socks off the slim competition. Sometimes it takes 7 years for an update, sometimes longer. Lenses are not updated as quickly as the bodies. If you shoot wildlife how many years are you willing to wait and miss out on opportunities?

Fotomacher Loc: Toronto

I was not aware that glass goes obsolete... Some of my lenses are +20 years old and better value, more durable than current versions. One case in point is the Nikkor 35mm f/1.4 AI-s. Another is the Nikkor AF DC 105mm f/2.D.

cthahn

Why do you want to listen to rumors? You worry more about having a new model lens instead of learning how to use them.

sathca Loc: Narragansett Rhode Island

That lens is a gift! For it to be much better it would have to be much more expensive! I think it's a case of downgrading in a sense. They already make better lenses. 200-400 f4 and up ( the 80-400 doesn't compare ) I think this a case of Nikon figuring how they could offer the best compromise to all the others for a reachable price for the masses. Rent one for $100 for a weekend and you'll be hooked like I was!

billnikon Loc: Pennsylvania/Ohio/Florida/Maui/Oregon/Vermont

sathca wrote:

That lens is a gift! For it to be much better it would have to be much more expensive! I think it's a case of downgrading in a sense. They already make better lenses. 200-400 f4 and up ( the 80-400 doesn't compare ) I think this a case of Nikon figuring how they could offer the best compromise to all the others for a reachable price for the masses. Rent one for $100 for a weekend and you'll be hooked like I was!

I own the 200-500 and the 200-400. I am hard pressed to see a difference in IQ, but you can really tell the difference in weight.

mellis5132

Have the 200-500. I love it. Go for it. Whose to say the new one will be better or just more expensive.