Nikkor 70-200 lens: I have been researching the 70-200 FL lens in recent months in hopes of making an investment to compliment my D850. However I am now seeing a significant price drop...

A Frame

I have been researching the 70-200 FL lens in recent months in hopes of making an investment to compliment my D850. However I am now seeing a significant price drop from near $2800.00 down to near $2100.00, and even lower at Abe's of Maine. Does anyone have an idea of what the reason might be? Thanks

casyjones3 Loc: Bronx NY

Stay away from Abe's of Maine. They are a gray market dealer. Nikon has dropped the price on many of there lenses for a summer sale.

Bill_de Loc: US

Could be a new one coming, or just the big draw for their current lens sale. I ordered mine Thursday from Amazon and got it yesterday.

First shot, hand held on D500. Will put it on D850 today or tomorrow.

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FTn

A Frame wrote:

I have been researching the 70-200 FL lens in recent months in hopes of making an investment to compliment my D850. However I am now seeing a significant price drop from near $2800.00 down to near $2100.00, and even lower at Abe's of Maine. Does anyone have an idea of what the reason might be? Thanks

Nikon requires all of its authorized dealers to sell at fixed prices. They run sales periodically in order to move product and balance inventories. They are running one now. With that in mind, if a certain internet dealer has a Nikon product priced lower than anyone else there is usually a catch. Gray market, caps, lens hoods, instruction manuals, etc. extra.

- FTn

Strodav Loc: Houston, Tx

Before buying the Nikon take a look at the DxOMark lens database for 70-200mm f/2.8 from Nikon, Tamron, and Sigma. My recommendation is that IF you are willing to tune the Tamron, it is a better buy than the Nikon. IF you are not, buy the Nikon.

Bill_de Loc: US

Strodav wrote:

Before buying the Nikon take a look at the DxOMark lens database for 70-200mm f/2.8 from Nikon, Tamron, and Sigma. My recommendation is that IF you are willing to tune the Tamron, it is a better buy than the Nikon. IF you are not, buy the Nikon.

I couldn't find the DXOMark lens test for the Nikkor 70-200 f/2.8e Fl, only older models. If you found it could you point me to it? Thanks.

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Kmgw9v Loc: Miami, Florida

A Frame wrote:

I have been researching the 70-200 FL lens in recent months in hopes of making an investment to compliment my D850. However I am now seeing a significant price drop from near $2800.00 down to near $2100.00, and even lower at Abe's of Maine. Does anyone have an idea of what the reason might be? Thanks

It is a sale. Good time to buy, but not from Abe’s of Maine.

Strodav Loc: Houston, Tx

That's the problem with DxOMark. While their reviews are great, they are slow at testing. Here's an in depth review from an organization I trust, but it doesn't include the Tamron G2, only the older model. https://www.cameralabs.com/nikon-70-200mm-f2-8e-review/ and here is a good review for the Tamron G2 https://www.pcmag.com/review/353225/tamron-sp-70-200mm-f-2-8-di-vc-usd-g2?source=autosuggest

If you are a professional and will be able to have the lens pay for itself, then buy the Nikon, but I could not justify the additional cost posting mainly on social media and for 13x19 prints, so I picked up the Tamron G2 and am very happy with it.

FTn

Strodav wrote:

That's the problem with DxOMark. While their revi... (show quote)

I also shoot with a D850 and the new Nikon 70-200mm FL. It is one great combination. I can't comment on the Tamron. Never shot with one. I can say that you bought a D850 for a reason. Please don't short change your investment with less than the best glass.

- FTn

MT Shooter Loc: Montana

A Frame wrote:

I have been researching the 70-200 FL lens in recent months in hopes of making an investment to compliment my D850. However I am now seeing a significant price drop from near $2800.00 down to near $2100.00, and even lower at Abe's of Maine. Does anyone have an idea of what the reason might be? Thanks

the Nikon 70-200mm F2.8E FL version is on sale because of the new S type 70-200mm F2.8 being released in September for the new Z Mirrorless Nikon bodies.

A Frame

Are there any enhancements on the S type and if so would this lens work on the D850?

MT Shooter Loc: Montana

A Frame wrote:

Are there any enhancements on the S type and if so would this lens work on the D850?

Of course not, its for mirrorless. No way to adapt any mirrorless lens to DSLR bodies.

A Frame

Thanks everyone for all of your great help.

Real Nikon Lover Loc: Simi Valley, CA

I just posted some results using the 70-200 on my D850. Read here:

https://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-600904-1.html

starlifter Loc: Towson, MD

I've got the tamron G2 version of the 70-200 and love it. Great build quality, colors and image quality for almost half the price.