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[BerserkerCatSplat]

Is it that insane, though? The 300/2.8VRII was launched in 2009 for ~$6000USD - that's ~$7200 with inflation over the ensuing decade. An additional $2300 (~30%) to turn that pro prime into a pro zoom doesn't seem like a terrible ask, especially if it removes the need for some pros to carry a 70-200 and a second body, plus it covers the 200mm-300mm gap that was not previously available in a f/2.8 flagship pro lens.

I'm sure the Sigma is a decent lens but first-party pro teles aren't usually competitively priced.

[Mitsu3000gt]

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Is it that insane, though? The 300/2.8VRII was launched in 2009 for ~$6000USD - that's ~$7200 with inflation over the ensuing decade. An additional $2300 (~30%) to turn that pro prime into a pro zoom doesn't seem like a terrible ask, especially if it removes the need for some pros to carry a 70-200 and a second body, plus it covers the 200mm-300mm gap that was not previously available in a f/2.8 flagship pro lens.

I'm sure the Sigma is a decent lens but first-party pro teles aren't usually competitively priced.

Nope, it's really not. It's a high price if viewed in isolation but for what you get it doesn't stand out at all if you look at other similar lenses. It's actually a good deal depending on your usage - You get almost a 70-200/2.8 FL ($3500) and 300/2.8 FL ($8k??) (which doesn't exist yet) in one lens for about the same price as both would cost separately, but without lens change hassle and with 201mm-299mm bonus coverage. Everyone freaking out about the price is simply not the target market. Looks like an awesome lens for those who need it - Nikon does a ton of market research before developing lenses and this one is just next on the list. The fact that they prioritized it over a 300/2.8 FL is saying something as well. Also the fact that a third party offers the same specs for less money doesn't make it overpriced, since there is no way the Sigma is going to perform in the same league - you always pay a lot more for the best, and the point of diminishing return is pretty low - it's been that way forever in photography.