sloscheider Loc: Minnesota

Nikon has announced a new 70-200 F4 lens with VR priced at $1,400 but the tripod collar is "optional":



Seriously? $223.95 for the optional tripod collar? Am I missing something special that tripod collars do? Perhaps it's precision machined titanium?

I like my Nikon stuff but if this isn't a typo it really bugs me when companies pull something like that. Maybe it's supposed to be $23.95...

http://www.adorama.com/ALC/News.aspx?googleid=0013931&alias=Nikon-70-200mm-f4G-Lens-Announced-Smaller-Lighter-More-Stable&utm_source=ET&utm_medium=Email&utm_campaign=Email102412Nikon

lighthouse Loc: No Fixed Abode

That price doesn't surprise me.
Wait 6 months and there will most likely be a popout out of China for $25.

Danilo Loc: Las Vegas

Welcome to the world of low production, handmade equipment.
BTW: There are generic collars available. You may, or may not like them.
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/search?Ntt=lens+collar&N=0&InitialSearch=yes&sts=ma&Top+Nav-Search=

SharpShooter Loc: NorCal

Nikon users would be so lucky to have a Ti. option for that lens, even at twice that price. The average lens user won't walk out of the house without a protector filter on their $200 kit lens, and your expecting them to trust a $25 knock-off on their new $2500 lens. I doubt it.
You have to pay to play.

Tina

Thanks for sharing the link. Out of 22 reviews only two were negative at B&H. For,
$49.95 compared to 100-200 dollars more; if, I needed a new collar I'd buy the less expensive one. I don't always believe that more expensive items always equate with a significant improvement in quality. Photography equipment may be overpriced not just because of quality but, as long as people are willing to pay the price there's no reason for manufacturer's to reduce their pricing. Most companies aim at producing a better profit margin than breaking even. Millions of dollars are spent on advertising and creating a recognizable name brand because we tend to put more trust in name brands we're familiar with. Brand names can also represent status symbols. Not every knock-off is made of inferior quality. I purchased a Canon 5DMark II and paid ~ $2,500 and it was defective from the factory. A Canon battery grip was ~ !70.00 and was defective but, functioning. I remain partial to Canon because
I have invested in multiple pieces of Canon equipment and the quality is usually there. I also appreciated that their lens were interchangeable so, you didn't have to buy new lens when you upgraded your camera (so are many other manufacturers now). There will always be enough room in the market for the original products and their counterparts.

jeryh Loc: Oxfordshire UK

If you need confirmation, hold a canon tripod collar in your hand, and then try a copy; you will answer your own question ! This is how I did it- Canon won hands down !

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

Get some PVC, a radiator clamp, and some black paint. :D

I'd have to think twice about buying a $225 used lens from ebay.

Jer Loc: Mesa, Arizona

Canon did the same thing with there collars.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

Real men don't use collars. :D

DavidT Loc: Maryland

Real men use duct tape.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

That gray, sticky residue is a badge of honor. :thumbup:

Jer Loc: Mesa, Arizona

So true............

BigGWells Loc: Olympia, WA

Duc tape fixes everything.....

I do agree, you look at some things and wonder why they are cost so much.

Take for instance the battery grip for the D7000. Nikon wants 225.00, I bought the Velo for $42.00. I figured if it didn't work, I can send it back. Well it is awesome...

sloscheider Loc: Minnesota

Thanks for the reality check everyone - I was just shocked to see that price on that little piece of metal... agreed it is tasked with supporting the $1,500 lens and $1,000 camera body (for me anyway... more for others)

Not so sure about the duct tape idea though...

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

If that were made to be used on the space station I doubt that it would cost more. Look at it - a 3" circle with a foot. I know there are machinists on this forum who could make something like that in an afternoon. Nikon sells complete lenses for less money.