Weight-racing, Canon is releasing new Superteles

[MILLIREHM]

https://www.photoscala.de/2018/06/27/sony-praesentiert-super-tele-fe-400mm-f2-8-gm-oss/

canon is releasing new 400mm f2.8 and 600mm f4 EF lenses with 2840 and 3050 g weight. The 400s weight is practically the same (nominally a bit lighter) than the Sony 400/2,8

So the Nikon FL series with 3800 and 3810g now are remaining top position in weight

Interesting: the canons combine FL lenses with a Super UD lens. If that is the same that we know from Nikon as Super-ED glass this is what I thought makes a lens relatively heavy (given the 200/2 and the 80-400)

[Roland Vink]

The current Nikon FL 400/2.8 and 600/2.8 are already about 1kg lighter than the previous VR versions, which in turn are about 1 kg lighter than the older AF-I versions. How light can they go?

The lighter weight makes them easier to hand-hold, but they must still be difficult to handle due their bulk and long focal length. Some weight can be useful. Light weight lenses have less inertia so are more easily buffeted by wind, more affected by mirror/shutter slap, photographer's pulse etc. If the lenses are too light, you wonder how robust they are...

[Akira]

Interestingly, the concept for the weight distribution of the optical system of Canon's new super-teles looks very similar to that of Sony 400/2.8.

[arthurking83]

.... If the lenses are too light, you wonder how robust they are...

Looking at the differences in optical design of the 400/2.8's, I'd say the vast majority of the weight saving would be simply the reduced glass sizes, with the assumption that their diagrams are dimensionally equal.
It would be unlikely that they compromised structural integrity in any way.. more likely improved it.

If the suppositions and rumours of a higher end pro model Nikon Z cameras are to surface prior to the Tokyo Olympics in short term future, it's very likely that Nikon will respond to these new lenses at the same time.
Nikon do have 3 unmarked Z lenses slated for a 2020 release in their roadmap. The question would be if they would they do long tele Z mounts lenses, or maintain the status quo and keep them in F mount(if they did respond)?

In saying that too  it's probably very likely that Canon will also have a high end pro level RF camera too.

[MILLIREHM]

The current Nikon FL 400/2.8 and 600/2.8 are already about 1kg lighter than the previous VR versions, which in turn are about 1 kg lighter than the older AF-I versions. How light can they go?

The lighter weight makes them easier to hand-hold, but they must still be difficult to handle due their bulk and long focal length. Some weight can be useful. Light weight lenses have less inertia so are more easily buffeted by wind, more affected by mirror/shutter slap, photographer's pulse etc. If the lenses are too light, you wonder how robust they are...

I did not say that lighter lenses are better lenses in any case. Even with reduced weight these bulky lenses are not the best choice for quick handheld operation

And in the 800/5,6 categorie, Nikon is still offering the lightest lens BTW ;-)