Rumors continue that Oly 300mm Pro will be announced Jan 6

Why do people keep trying to compare what the price of 300/4 should be with the Canon 300/4? To begin with, R&D cost for Olympus is not any cheaper then for Canon or Nikon. Production cost are at least equal and probably substantially more due to a lower volume of units produced. The Canon and the older Nikon are both approximately 19 years old and have seen a lot of price drops over those years. I looked up the price of the Canon when it was released for another thread and in today's dollars it was approximately $2,400. Nikon just released a new 300/4 that everyone discounts when talking about what price the Olympus should sell for. Well that lens is $2,000 and why would you expect the Olympus to be cheaper? Their R&D cost is probably equal and Nikon will sell more so can charge less to recoup those cost and can produce them at a lower cost per unit (such is how manufacturing works). Based on the price of the new Nikon and given the size of Olympus I can see why it will be priced around $2,500. When Canon releases an update to the 300/4 I bet it comes in right at $2,000 also.

If you don't like the price, don't buy it. You have two other options in one of the xx-300 zooms. This lens is not for everyone, was not built to be (if you think Olympus did not know this when they started the development you are delusional).

If you want/need an effective reach of 600mm in a native lens, you buy this lens or look elsewhere. Yes, there are cheaper options in other systems. You are free to vote with your wallet and change systems. But, remember that those cheaper options are consumer grade optics and not weather sealed. They will in no way compare to the IQ or capability of this lens. Or, you can shell out a whole lot more money to get the same IQ and capability.

 

I was talking yesterday with a Visionary, and he told me that the 300 F4 will be available at the end of January/beginning of February, and the price will be about 1500€.

I hope he's right.

 

That price seems much more in line and I'd buy one. Let's hope.

 

Jamie talks about his hands on experience with the 300mm a few minutes in.

 

I just received an email from BHPhoto showing the Oly 300mm f4 lens as Discontinued. Not sure why, hope Olympus is bot pulling the plug on this one

 

Uhhh... I've got some bad news guys...




View attachment 450988

 

Probably just a change in product number/SKU

K

 

I suspect this is an automated message generated because the original entry (SKU) was deleted from their data base, and you were notified because it also deleted your request of availability.

 

New ad with the 300 f4 by Thomas Dekany, on Flickr

 

Look at the photo of the original designed lens in the B&H listing & it is understandable that it is be "discontinued" to be replaced with the OIS version as in this photo.

 

I think B&H just has its finger on Olympus' pulse and you blokes are desperately clutching at straws whilst afloat in the Nile... View attachment 451043

 

Says the bloke from the middle of the desert in Western Australia.

 

I like the desert, no one remembers your name...

 

Sure we do, Troy. It's right under your avatar.

 

Dammit!