Author Topic: Nikon 200mm f2 vrII, buying option  (Read 3338 times)

golunvolo

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Nikon 200mm f2 vrII, buying option
« on: October 08, 2021, 15:41:52 »
I may have the opportunity to get a brand new with full warranty but open box and of the shelves from nikon Spain. Asking price is 3999€. What do you think?

Gone

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Re: Nikon 200mm f2 vrII, buying option
« Reply #1 on: October 08, 2021, 21:51:29 »
I think that is an awful lot of money!

David H. Hartman

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Re: Nikon 200mm f2 vrII, buying option
« Reply #2 on: October 08, 2021, 22:02:26 »
$5,697.00 (USD) B&H Photo NY, NY if it's the same lens? ...but backordered which often means discontinued at B&H photo.

Full warranty? Do you need it? Perhaps you should buy it.

Good luck!

Dave

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MILLIREHM

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Re: Nikon 200mm f2 vrII, buying option
« Reply #3 on: October 08, 2021, 22:31:48 »
I bought my sample second hand (near mint i'd say but unboxed without warranty) for 3200 € in the year 2012 just after I had decided to stop my lens aquisitiion programme. It was the only sample I ever got my hands on it and I immidiately decided to take this very special lens. I never regretted it.  It is unique and there wont be a FL - successor, if you wish to have it, see a use for it, thinky you will enjoy it, can afford it and be prepared to lug it around - go for it i'd say.
Wolfgang Rehm

Jan Anne

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Re: Nikon 200mm f2 vrII, buying option
« Reply #4 on: October 09, 2021, 01:01:22 »
Used to have the MKI which was one of the best optics I owned and I had a few haha, still regret selling it.

And Paco, a man with your talents would get stunning results I can't wait to see :)
Cheers,
Jan Anne

mxbianco

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Re: Nikon 200mm f2 vrII, buying option
« Reply #5 on: October 09, 2021, 13:49:59 »
I see:
Recommended retail price: 6699€
weight: 2930 g
not exactly a walk-around lens, but...

at 3999€ and with the same warranty as a brand new, full price lens, go for it!

Ciao from Massimo
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Birna Rørslett

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Re: Nikon 200mm f2 vrII, buying option
« Reply #6 on: October 09, 2021, 13:53:32 »
I join Jan Anne here: the 200/2 is one of a kind of special *and* stellar optics.

OK, so there is money involved, but that won't make the lens less attractive.

Dogman

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Re: Nikon 200mm f2 vrII, buying option
« Reply #7 on: October 09, 2021, 14:00:08 »
I would not be afraid of an "open box" sales.  Several of my cameras and lenses were purchased as open box items and all were the same as new.
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Fons Baerken

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Re: Nikon 200mm f2 vrII, buying option
« Reply #8 on: October 09, 2021, 14:12:36 »
I got mine, the first edtion 200/2 vr for €2500 second hand but in good condition with one year warranty, now there maybe a few small differences like coatings?, but the price difference is quite significant between the two versions. My 2 cents.

mxbianco

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Re: Nikon 200mm f2 vrII, buying option
« Reply #9 on: October 09, 2021, 15:02:37 »
I got mine, the first edtion 200/2 vr for €2500 second hand but in good condition with one year warranty, now there maybe a few small differences like coatings?, but the price difference is quite significant between the two versions. My 2 cents.

There's a used 200/2 VR (first edition) right now on Ebay at 2199€, but there's at least a 16-year usage difference (2003-2005 production date), no warranty, and the VRII is more performing than VRI...

Ciao from Massimo
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ThomasAdams

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Re: Nikon 200mm f2 vrII, buying option
« Reply #10 on: October 09, 2021, 18:39:48 »
I voted yes, seems to be a fair price and just as new. Nearly purchased the lens myself some time ago. I opted for the 200-400 VR II but still have the 200 on my "To Get List". :P

Whatever you decide, post photos  ;)

Wally

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Re: Nikon 200mm f2 vrII, buying option
« Reply #11 on: October 10, 2021, 18:50:41 »
Another data point: I got my VRII sample in 2011 like new w full warranty for $3500.-
Go for it!
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Ilkka Nissilä

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Re: Nikon 200mm f2 vrII, buying option
« Reply #12 on: October 10, 2021, 22:04:55 »
I may have the opportunity to get a brand new with full warranty but open box and of the shelves from nikon Spain. Asking price is 3999€. What do you think?

I'd take it. It cost 5600€ when I got mine. I'd love to have a backup copy since I doubt anything like it will be made in my lifetime again.

golunvolo

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Re: Nikon 200mm f2 vrII, buying option
« Reply #13 on: October 10, 2021, 23:10:50 »
Thank you all for your invaluable input. It really helps.

  The situation right now is: the nikon service confirmed the lens is in perfect working order but it is missing the hood. Now waiting to see if they can get an spare to be able to sell it. If they can manage, we will go from there.
  It is the last copy they have in their inventory...

    Lots of things unsure -even me  :)- Crossing my fingers!

Roland Vink

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Re: Nikon 200mm f2 vrII, buying option
« Reply #14 on: October 10, 2021, 23:13:48 »
Quote
I doubt anything like it will be made in my lifetime again.

You think Nikon won't replace the AFS 200/2? According to my figures Nikon made over 11000 units of both versions (combined) since 2004. The AF-S 300/2.8 versions have sold at least 28000 units over the same period - more than twice as many. The 200/2 has sold well considering it is a more specialised lens, and Canon are still selling their version, I think it would be strange for Nikon to abandon this lens type which they created in the first place.

Regarding the hood - hoods for AF-S 300/2.8 will fit and provide better shade protection. The hood for the 200/2 is rather wide so it can be reversed and fit over the tripod foot, but it is not so effective for shading the lens. I would not let the lack of hood to influence your decision :)