As I "patiently" wait, I must agree with Abhinav's comment, as many of us do. I once posted a satirical comment "I didn't have the gray hair I do now" when the 80-400 was initially introduced. As more modern features and functions of other lenses developed through the years, many of us have waited with baited-breath for the possibilities of an updated version of the lens. Unfortunately, for those of us restrained by price-point and/or other issues--spouses, raising children, economic pragmatics and a host of myriad additional compromising responsibilities, the much anticipated evolution of the 80-400 hasn't come to fruition. As an observer of Nikon Corp through the years, I recognize it's a company stead-fastingly focused on dictating shape and form of the Pro-sumer market rather than responding to the expansive average enthusiast and/or consumer interests within the market. "Responding" appears left to the provence of Sigma, Tokina and other similar manufactures. I understand; R & D is an excruciatingly expensive process for most companies. So why not focus on the pro "core" and ignore the wannabe's?..Hmm, still I wonder; I'm old & gray enough to recall there was once another rather "obscure, little company" that focused, and continues to respond to this day, energetically both to the professional and the average consumer enthusiast needs on the streets. The company appears to recognize responding to consumer wannabe's who may grow eventually into a mature, loyal base and following as a business plan has a future. And, this once rather obscure and little company has developed quite a loyal following through the years; Canon...To Nikon: Isn't something to be learned from all this, or must history repeat itself?
