Nikon 200-400mm f/4. I'd get it here, here or here. It helps me publish this site when you get yours from those links, too. Enlarge.

Introduction

This beast was introduced in July 2003. Here's the press release. It is intended for wildlife and sports photography. It is very expensive: about $5,500 in September 2006. This may be the perfect lens for DX digital cameras photographing surfing from shore.

Personally I find my far smaller, lighter and less expensive 80-400mm more convenient for carrying around, as well as having a wider zoom range. This 200-400mm focuses closer and much, much faster.

VR is important. It usually eliminates the need for a tripod.

Specifications

Name: Nikon calls this the Nikon ED AF-S Nikkor 200-400mm f/4G IF VR.

Optics: It has 24 (!) elements in seventeen (!) groups.

Diaphragm: It has a lovely 9 bladed diaphragm stopping down to f/32.

Close Focus: It focuses as close as 6.5 feet (2m), quite good.

Size: 4.9 " (124 mm) around by 14.1" (358 mm) long.

Weight: 7.2 pounds (115 oz. or 3,275g.)

Filters: It takes 52mm filters internally.

Accessories: Comes with a slip-on HK-30 hood and a case.

Nikon Product Number: 2146, in catalog as of spring 2008.

Performance

Sorry, I haven't tried it yet. I suspect it is spectacular as all Nikon fast supertelephotos have always been.

The Focus Preset feature is reminiscent of the little adjustable detents on the manual focus supertelephotos. You can preset a distance in memory, and hitting a button brings you right to it. This will be very handy.

Recommendations

This is a great and expensive lens if you have both the money and the desire to carry it around. I'm too lazy and prefer my lighter 80-400mm for daily use with a digital camera. If I shot film for action or did this all day I'd certainly consider it.