Well, I doubt this is what you wanted, but I DO have two long lenses FOR SALE (hint hint):
Nikon 500mm f4.0 P EDIF This used to belong to Dave Cohen. I bought it from him in July for $3465. It is in mint condition. It includes the case (also in mint condition) and a Really Right Stuff Arca-Swiss style mounting plate. I bought it because I thought I could sell my 600/4 (because it is too big and heavy), and because the 500/4 is MUCH smaller and lighter than the 600/4. I thought I would like it, but I used it twice and decided I do not need it. It's a GREAT lens, with no flare, headlight ghosting, or other image degradation. I just don't need it, since 500mm really isn't much different from 420mm, which is what I can get with my 300/2.8 + 1.4x, which is what I prefer to use, since that lens fits in my camera bag. Hence, I've got almost $3500 tied up in a lens I never use. I would be happy to sell it for what I have in it (plus some shipping & insurance). Nikon 600mm f4.0 AIS EDIF This lens is a monster. It weighs 14 pounds and is totally unwieldy -- a real pain-in-the-ass to use (unlike the 500/4 which is no worse than a 300/2.8 for size/weight). Just like the 500/4, it produces outstanding images -- razor sharp, tons of contrast, and no flare or ghosting. The finish is excellent, and the glass is in great shape except for a few specks on the multicoating. These are NOT chips in the glass, but are just dirt spots on the MC which will not come off. They do NOT affect image quality in any way, and if I didn't tell you about them, you would never notice them. The case is beat to hell, but still in functional condition. I've owned this lens for almost 5 years now, and love it. However, it is way too big and heavy, and it is tying up a ton of my money (just like the 500/4) that I need for other toys. It includes the beat-up case, and a Really Right Stuff Arca-Swiss style mounting plate. I've got about $3250 in this lens, and will sell it for that plus some shipping and insurance. I really like this lens much better than the 500, because 600mm IS a lot stronger than 420mm; whereas 500mm is not. I would like to keep the 600 and sell the 500, but I might just as well sell them both, since I will probably be dumping ALL my Nikon gear this year anyway. Depending on where you shoot, a really fast long lens can be either crucial or worthless. Around here, there are only a few shots where such a lens is useful; but where there are hills or mountains, a long lens like this can create some amazing images that just can't be done any other way. You really have to learn how to use a big lens, as a short lens shooter will often overlook long lens possibilities. It took me a long time to develop the ability to recognize long lens shots. You also need clear air to shoot with a big lens. If it's hazy, forget it. Many times, I'm better than a 1/2 mile away from the train when I shoot it with the 600. You can't have any haze or the shot is ruined. Heat distortion is also a big problem with long lenses, which is why I like using them in the winter. Surprisingly, many of my shots with the 600 are never recognized by others as coming from such a long lens. It all depends on how you compose the shot as to whether or not it looks compressed. So, grab that money Santa left you in your stocking and give me a jingle -- I've got just the lens you need -- unless you're one of them there Canon types ;) Grumpy [EMAIL PROTECTED] Coming Soon: an all new version of Grumpy's web site -> SPORRS: Serious Photographers of Railroad Related Subjects -> Web Site: http://www.anet-stl.com/acphotog/sporrs
