I think this new 600mm f5.6 PF lens raises a handful of interesting questions ..... 1. IQ 2. Weight 3. AF performance 4. VR performance, and 5. Cost.
This is what the Nikon Rumours article exactly had to say:-
"The new 600mm f/5.6 PF lens is also expected to be significantly lighter and cheaper compared to the current 600mm f/4"
Given that the 600mm f4 FL weighs 3.8kg and costs 12000 USD and importantly is an f4 , there is a LOT of room to move, and just what "significantly" exactly means in this context is anyone's guess. The dictionary talks of 'worthy of attention' , 'easy to see, or by a large amount' , or that has 'special meaning'.
I think it helps in answering that handful of questions, to consider where Nikon will position this lens and how it fits into the existing lens line up, future lenses (the 4 & 500 f5.6's), and any competition offerings.
We know that Canon's existing 400mm f4 DO ISII is a high end offering with correspondingly excellent MTF performance. It's performance even with TC's is as good as the Nikon 300mm f4 PF lens on its own. I expect that Canon's 600mm f4 DO will be a similar high end model with pricing in line with the refractive 600/f4.
I think Nikon could go head to head with the quality level of Canon's 400/f4 DO II , but think they will choose to position it more as a 'Prosumer' type level as they have with their 300/f4 PF. It is interesting that the patent diagram seems to show the diffraction grating on the rear of a lens behind the objective triplet, as opposed to encased in glass like Canon's 400/f4 DO II. If this is a literal representation, it could support more 'Prosumer' level positioning.
1. This will mean that the IQ level is similar - ie. a handy increase on the MTF curves above third party 150-600mm superzooms (and Nikon's own 200-500) , but not up to the near perfection levels of the high end f4 super telephotos (and perhaps even - wishing - a 600mm f4 PF).
2. Weight would have to account for the extra ~100grams of glass and barrel length above their 200-500, less the complicated zoom mechanics. I could hope for 1.8kg (4lb) but I think 2.27kg (5lb) is more likely. I think this weight will hold whether it is a 'Prosumer' or 'Pro' level positioning. The 'Prosumer' one would be made out of composites and built to a market positioning. Any 'Pro' level incarnation would have a magnesium chassis and FL glass too to keep weight down, and be built to a rugged 'Pro' level quality, in smaller quantities, and much higher profit margins.
3. The AF performance should be on par with the 300/f4 PF's - it looks like the increased lens count is toward that end of the lens, and may serve that purpose despite the loss of a stop of light at maximum aperture.
4. There is no reason for the VR performance to be any less than cutting edge even as a prosumer lens. That means 4.5 stops and 3 mode VR (normal, panning, and tripod).
5. Cost is very much dependent on the positioning. Assuming the 'Prosumer' call is correct, then we have to consider the existing line up and competition to give a more accurate picture. With the third party superzooms (and Nikon's 200-500) at ~1400 USD, the 300/f4 PF at ~2000USD, Canon's 100-400 L II at ~2000, and Nikon's 80-400 at ~2300 USD, then I would think the 600/f5.6 PF would come in at ~3000 USD (maybe 3500? USD if Nikon can get away with it? they certainly tried it on with the 80-400 ! ) . This would leave room for the 500/f5.6 (~1.75kg) to come in at ~2500USD ? . The 400/f5.6 I don't know - I can't even see a good reason for making that format ......
I think there will be high demand for this lens, so that makes it a volume /lower per unit profit proposition and the need for a facility to make it in high volumes. Just my guesses ....... though I suppose even if it comes in at 'Pro' level at twice the cost I suggested, it is still a 'significant' saving over a 600mm f4 FL. Maybe they will save that 'Pro' role for the 500/5.6 PF ? or even a range of longer f4 PF's ?? ...... :cat:
Chosun :gh: