
Evidence that Nikon’s new 800mm behemoth is shipping to customers in China appeared earlier this week on the Mobile01 forums, where a user posted images of his new $18,000 lens. This should serve as good news to US customers who have pre-ordered the super-telephoto lens, as B&H Photo currently lists it as expected to ship next week on April 4.

[via NR]

Alongside the new AF-S 18-35mm lens, Nikon has also unveiled its new super telephoto lens – the AF-S NIKKOR 800mm f/5.6E FL ED VR.
Included with the new lens is the matched AF-S Teleconverter TC800-1.25E ED which was developed exclusively for the 800mm f/5.6 lens. Combined with the 1.25x teleconverter, the new 800mm lens offers a max focal length of 1000mm at a max aperture of f/7.1. On a DX-format camera, the new 800mm lens offers an equivalent focal length of 1200mm – or 1500mm when equipped with the included 1.25x converter.

The lens contains 20 elements (with two fluorite elements and two ED elements) in 13 groups and uses an electromagnetic diaphragm. The built-in Vibration Reduction compensates for four stops of correction.
The AF-S NIKKOR 800mm f/5.6E FL ED VR lens should be available in April at a retail price of $17,899.95. Check availability here at B&H Photo.

Nikon has announced the upcoming 800mm f/5.6 super-telephoto lens. The lens is the longest Nikon AF lens – ahead of the 600mm f/4G VR.
The new 800mm monster will be on display at Photokina 2012.
No price or release date has been announced yet. My estimate is that it will be in the same $14k range as the Canon 800mm f/5.6L and maybe Nikon will get more official about availability around Photokina.
Update – Here’s a closer look at the lens:

See the full press release below. [click to continue…]