Well, the text box is gone for starting new threads, and I can't make a search.........so......does anyone have any experience (or recommendations for AC power / LED lights ?

Oh.....I just remembered......one more question; I recently bought a Hoodman loupe (used) on eBay; the thing was described as "3 inch loupe for D SL:R's etc....even had a sales promo photo (apparently from Hoodman); the "thing" arrived today........the "hood" is a mere 2 inches X 1 1/2 inches ! I know in reason this thing was designed for a P&S model camera; I sent the "guy" a VERY terse email; you completely misrepresented this thing.......therefore I want my money returned IMMEDIATELY (if not sooner), as I will be contacting eBay on nor about Monday, next.

eBay has always been very "wishy-washy" with seller problems, but this one is so clear cut they don't even have to take my word for it !
They already have a copy of his advert, and I shoot a photo of the thing sitting on a ruler ! I still haven't been able to locate anyone who has actually used the Hoodman LCD loupe.
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If it allows a slower shutter, higher number f/stop, it would be nice in certain circumstances. Actually I am thinking of a design for an LED macro ring light which runs off batteries. So, the VR would be helpful when one is using the lens without flash.

VRIII useful for the lens' job moonlighting as a fairly slow 200mm lens, but would VRIII be that much of a game-changer for macro?

Now that VRIII is here, it would not surprise me to see a revision of a lot of the Nikkor lenses. And, if Nikon does come up with a 200mm f/4 VRIII Micro Nikkor with possibly a built in light source or LED ring light available, this would be interesting.

qwerty said:
I would love to know, what the future holds for the legendary 200mm F4 micro lens?
Its nearly 20 yrs old and is up for a re-design and yet doesn't drop in price. Arguable the best macro lens from Nikon. I can't keep thinking it might end up as a 180mm f 3.5.
But when? My dealer recommends to wait for the updated model. Nikon is just 20 years too slow to respond.
I would love to speculate if this would be able to match the newer lenses from sigma and canon?
Does anyone have an info to share regarding the competitor's products?

I'm trying to figure out if this lens is worth buying on the grey market as it might be discontinued shortly anyways.

Buy the Sigma 150 f2.8 macro, it's better. It has VR, swm AF and it a superb lens. I'd be tempted to try the new 180 first, I can't comment on that one, haven't tried it myself.

@tcknight - AFAIR the time between patent launch and lens delivered was brought up by Thom Hogan this week, You may want to check that.

If they manage to take the tech from the 105mm f/2.8 macro (which imho produces better bokeh and a slightly more pleasing color cast) into the 200mm next gen, it will be a beast.

I love my 200mm f/4 micro, and I love the 105mm; if they could get together and make a baby the world would be a better place.

Eric said:
What would you change? I like it as it is. It's sharp. If it were any faster DoF and aberrations would have to be dealt with. I guess it could be made AFS so it would work on bodies without a focusing motor, but I suspect that most folks shoot it with manual focus anyway. My choice would be for an update of the 70-180 micro.

70-180 micro update would be my choice too, especially if they were able to achieve 1:1 reproduction.

Cold Hands Luke said:
Actually, yes: http://nikonrumors.com/2011/06/22/nikon-patents-update-3.aspx/ (third one down)

Great! I missed that.

So, if it was filed in 2011, that, based on history, means we may see one in 2014, right? Admin, didn't you write something about the normal time between patent filings and eventual release? Or did I read that somewhere else?

shawnino said:
It's ironic but I think the best way to get a new version is if all-of-a-sudden macro photography became the next craze and the old version ended up in ridiculously high demand.

I think that you are probably right. You're right about their scaricity too. The only one I have been able to find was at the Nikon store. My local dealers can't get one.

I find the bokeh on the one I borrowed to be equal to, but not better than, my Tamron 90 and I would like to see an improvement there. I would like to see the AF speeded up a little too and you would think that with today's technology they could increase the usability of AF in macro since right now it has only limited use. You would think that by now focusing rails would be a thing of the past. Maybe this is one of those hurdles that costs too much to jump, though. I think my D800 will replace my F5 and Velvia now for macro and I was starting to stir around for a replacement for the Tamron.

Anyway, I was curious as I hadn't heard anything in a few years. Thanks for the replies.

I do have a 200mm f/4 Micro, and I love it. (Well, I love all my lenses except my 50 and the 55-300mm kit lens, which I can't coax great results of--but I think it may be my technique.) Ridiculously sharp, great working distance, 1:1 ratio. Giddy-up.

I don't know if it's an urban myth but everybody tells me that Nikon sells very few of the 200mm f/4. I almost never see another one in the field, and I rarely see them in store showcases. I am strictly guessing, but if it's not a huge seller, at that pricepoint which is quite reasonable for pros, serious enthusiasts, and those with a specific use requirement ($1500, plus or minus), I don't know why Nikon would devote the R&D to a serious overhaul. It's ironic but I think the best way to get a new version is if all-of-a-sudden macro photography became the next craze and the old version ended up in ridiculously high demand.

Personally, I couldn't care less about an update: my macro stuff is generally on a tripod, but I also handhold it for rugby from the touchline and five-a-side. If you jack up the aperture to 2.8 or 2, I would assume it's tripod only and I'd lose functionality..

Eric said:
What would you change? I like it as it is. It's sharp. If it were any faster DoF and aberrations would have to be dealt with. I guess it could be made AFS so it would work on bodies without a focusing motor, but I suspect that most folks shoot it with manual focus anyway. My choice would be for an update of the 70-180 micro.

I do not own one of these, but by reputation it is a great lens. However, as new technologies are being developed via computer design capabilities, and new coating technology has well, Nikon may come up with something even better. Of course, I suspect a lot of patents may also be to eliminate a design Nikon has produced and does not want another company to put into production.

The really interesting patent is the 800mm f/5.6....wonder how many of those they will sell?

tcknight said:
Okay, it's been 2 years. Has there been a patent filing or anything yet?

Actually, yes: http://nikonrumors.com/2011/06/22/nikon-patents-update-3.aspx/ (third one down)

What would you change? I like it as it is. It's sharp. If it were any faster DoF and aberrations would have to be dealt with. I guess it could be made AFS so it would work on bodies without a focusing motor, but I suspect that most folks shoot it with manual focus anyway. My choice would be for an update of the 70-180 micro.

No.

Okay, it's been 2 years. Has there been a patent filing or anything yet?

Someone already said this,mbut I think of b&h as a large local. But that's because I work in NYC. But if you're going to go big, at least go with a place that specializes in cameras, as opposed to the big box Walmart or best buy. I had to buy a tv recently, and because of all the closings of the pure audio visual stores in the last couple of years, I was forced to buy at best buy, and while best buy was a good deal price wise, it was a crappy experience. And they obviously have more TV knowledge than they do camera, but even in that arena, they couldn't answer a lot of questions.

I'm a big proponent of local. I get the convenience of ordering online, and I do that too, but I miss bookstores, music stores, small hardware stores. I really don't want to see camera stores go that way too.

To clarify.... .. I have posted some experiences of a negative nature regarding my interactions with local retailers. However, I almost always prefer to shop at the locally owned, small shops. I will even pay more. I have posted my previous experiences in the hopes some of the retailers who may read this, if any do, will pay attention to what is going on. Being female may give some of the shops the impression I am not serious, but interestingly enough, when I walk into Neiman-Marcus, dirty blue jeans, baseball hat, they treat me like a queen. Yet the small photo stores seem to "profile" me and maybe they need to wake up.

In all other areas, I shop the small stores and avoid the "big box" like the plague. My allegiance to small stores was what set me up for the unfortunate incident with a store which is no longer in business. But, maybe I will try another. So, shop local if possible, but if there are no dependable retailers locally, B & H is absolutely the best!

Well it depends. We have two local places I know of. One of our local camera shops is probably worse than best buy as far as product knowledge and had super limited items and none at the level I was looking for...ie they would have to order any "pro" level equipment. If price was fairly equal I might go with the local place, but the other local camera store we have has been very rude and unhelpful the few times I have been in. I haven't been in since my last experience where they were very unhelpful and rude so maybe they have changed? I have purchased $2000+ worth of camera stuff since that experience and all of it was online because of poor previous service. Maybe I will give them another shot next time I am in the market...I do like to handle and see the product before I buy it, but if I already know what I want then it isn't crucial.

As one who has a local store of pro-video cameras I would say if possible buy local. We bend over backwards to give the best customer service and do our best for box sales to match or come in below B&H (for example). We are giving internet discount pricing and service. I live near Orlando, Florida and I purchased my D5100 from Colonial Photo. The price was slightly higher than B&H. I told the salesman I'm a pro-video dealer and one week later he recommended a customer to me who wanted to buy a professional (Sony) camcorder. We have also loaned equipment to our customers when they were in a jam or rented to them for a discounted price. Go local...

mirtos said:
There are tons of reasons to support local:

1. better support
2. better employee benefits, and people who care more.
3. It keeps local businesses in business, and thus in the future you have those options in the future.

i get when people dont want to spend a little more, and "big box" stores usually will be cheaper. but its that type of thinking that has driven out business after business, and usually the customers in the end regret it.

+1 egzakerly

There are tons of reasons to support local:

1. better support
2. better employee benefits, and people who care more.
3. It keeps local businesses in business, and thus in the future you have those options in the future.

i get when people dont want to spend a little more, and "big box" stores usually will be cheaper. but its that type of thinking that has driven out business after business, and usually the customers in the end regret it.

The cost differential is insignificant and should not play a role in your decision. You should base your decision on where you are likely to get the best service after the sale. Anybody can sell a product and virtually everybody can price match given the markup on this type of merchandise. What is truly important is the merchant that understands he/she is not selling a product but selling their services - before, during, and AFTER the sale.

B&H is EXCELLENT at customer service- after 15 years of service they have NEVER let me down at any point of the process - IF you live in NYC it IS a local store.

Now, though, most of my purchases are on eBay (a local business where I live).

I've worked in retail and service for a big-box retailer, and I've worked for their suppliers, and I've worked for the mom & pop small business.

Support the local stores that have knowledgeable, enthusiastic staff, that have a passion for the product. It makes sense in the big picture. You will make far more than $15 worth back in good customer service, knowledgeable advice, and care of your product before it reaches you, and in service after the sale.

If you are only out for yourself and your pocketbook, then by all means, go the foolish route. And good luck with customer service at those big box stores if anything goes wrong with your order, or the product down the road. That advice comes from a lot of experience in the service dept behind the scenes.