Where have all the Nikon 'pro' lenses gone?

StewartR

StewartR

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Has anyone tried to buy a Nikon 'pro' lens recently? Some models within their range just seem to be virtually unobtainable. And it's not just here in the UK. Major suppliers in HK and the USA are out of stock too.

I expect this is probably a consequence of Nikon's sudden increase in DSLR market share at the top end (D3, D300, D700 etc). We all know Nikon don't have the same resources Canon do, and I guess they can't ramp up production fast enough.

It will be interesting to see whether there's a backlash. I mean, for example, what's the point buying a D700 or two to shoot weddings if you can't get hold of a 24-70mm f/2.8 for love or money? And what's the point of buying a D3 for sports/action photography if you can't also buy a big telephoto?

(Incidentally, if anyone does know of a place to get Nikon pro lenses at sensible prices, I'd love to hear from them.)
 
Stewart, have not looked for pro glass but maybe worth trying

Mifsuds


or



Robert White


I have had excellent service from both. I am not sure if they are the cheapest but service is top notch
 
Have you tried by any chance Grays of Westminster:

http://www.graysofwestminster.co.uk

They only sell Nikon gear and also have a large selection of second-hand Nikon bodies and lenses. I've bought lenses from them whenever I visited London and have always been pleased with their service. A lot of the used gear is in mint or near mint condition and they offer a 12 month warranty on them.

They're not cheap though, I have to say.
 
hey stewart, id guess it is also the economy as well, not many people can afford to have the large stocks they used to:thumbs:

good luck in your search
 
Which lenses were you looking for?

Locally, to me, they seem to be well stocked on some pretty hard to get oldies! The 17-35, for example, are still in stock and the local dealer is getting a "new" batch of them this coming week.
 
StewartR said:
Has anyone tried to buy a Nikon 'pro' lens recently? Some models within their range just seem to be virtually unobtainable. And it's not just here in the UK. Major suppliers in HK and the USA are out of stock too.

I expect this is probably a consequence of Nikon's sudden increase in DSLR market share at the top end (D3, D300, D700 etc). We all know Nikon don't have the same resources Canon do, and I guess they can't ramp up production fast enough.

It will be interesting to see whether there's a backlash. I mean, for example, what's the point buying a D700 or two to shoot weddings if you can't get hold of a 24-70mm f/2.8 for love or money? And what's the point of buying a D3 for sports/action photography if you can't also buy a big telephoto?

(Incidentally, if anyone does know of a place to get Nikon pro lenses at sensible prices, I'd love to hear from them.)
Click to expand...

I think you will find that both are in the same boat and have laid off employees, you also need to consider the downturn, distributors are not going to lash out money to have glass sat on shelves, they are going to keep the money in the bank and order as required.

I recently sourced a 200-400 without too much problem, and the same guy had a 500 available if I wanted that.

Mifsuds, Robert White and Grays already recommended would be a good start.

Failing that Stewart bearing in mind your line of business have you tried contacting Nikon UK direct?
 
EdGary has bought them all?
:shrug:
 
Jessops have the 24-70 in stock, and my local one in Basingstoke has one in store, along with D3's, D700's, 14-24's, 70-200's....

Jacobs have the 300/2.8 and 400/2.8 VR's in stock right now...
 
StewartR said:
It will be interesting to see whether there's a backlash. I mean, for example, what's the point buying a D700 or two to shoot weddings if you can't get hold of a 24-70mm f/2.8 for love or money? And what's the point of buying a D3 for sports/action photography if you can't also buy a big telephoto?
Click to expand...

I suspect this wont be as bad as people think, because when upgrading people go glass first, so they may well have lenses in the bag before looking at new bodies (D700, D3 etc)

Stock maybe low but people will pay more to a company who has stock, its just a case of looking harder
 
Non-issue - I could go out now and be back within 30 minutes with 2 D3's, a 14-24/24-70/70-200 trio and at least 2 fast primes. I could have a 200/2, 300/2.8 and 400/2.8 plusa 200-400 tomorrow if needed.

Price is another matter altogether - but if you need it quickly you'll pay whatever it costs. It sounds like you're complaining more about price than availability.
 
I wouldn't hold stock at todays prices, what happens when the prices go back if the pound V yen changes, wholesale prices drop and you're left with a lot of expensive stock.
 
who? said:
EdGary has bought them all?
:shrug:
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lol dont know about that with the latest gadget he has taken 20 steps back cant wait to see his latest batch with his new toy.

Michael
 
Bought a few recently they are there but not many bargains around.

UK seems to be a bit of a problem because of the Euro situation, loads of people from Netherlands , France, Belgium etc buying up stocks. A guy in Calumet showed me the orders on his system for the 70-200mm 2.8 about 50 on back order and 45 of them heading for Europe.
 
I've just received my brand new Nikon 70-200 2.8 VR today from Simply Electronics. I know it's a 'grey import' but I got it for £1299 delivered. They still have some in stock I think if anyone else is feeling wreckless ;)

Not sure I'd buy from them again though but a saving of £200 is quite a big deal so I think it was worth it.
 
StewartR said:
Has anyone tried to buy a Nikon 'pro' lens recently? Some models within their range just seem to be virtually unobtainable. And it's not just here in the UK. Major suppliers in HK and the USA are out of stock too.

I expect this is probably a consequence of Nikon's sudden increase in DSLR market share at the top end (D3, D300, D700 etc). We all know Nikon don't have the same resources Canon do, and I guess they can't ramp up production fast enough.

It will be interesting to see whether there's a backlash. I mean, for example, what's the point buying a D700 or two to shoot weddings if you can't get hold of a 24-70mm f/2.8 for love or money? And what's the point of buying a D3 for sports/action photography if you can't also buy a big telephoto?

(Incidentally, if anyone does know of a place to get Nikon pro lenses at sensible prices, I'd love to hear from them.)
Click to expand...

Stu,

Paradoxically, Nikon have slowed production right down to contest with the prices rises. It is a catch 22. Likewise Sony and Canon. Example being, Sony UK are only importing 6 A900's in the UK at a time and only reordering when the aforementioned 6 are gone.

It has gone a bit mad.
 
wack61 said:
I wouldn't hold stock at todays prices, what happens when the prices go back if the pound V yen changes, wholesale prices drop and you're left with a lot of expensive stock.
Click to expand...

Nikon UK are adamant that the prices will sustain and not drop, irrespective of if the global fiscal climate gets better any time soon....
 
StewartR said:
Has anyone tried to buy a Nikon 'pro' lens recently? Some models within their range just seem to be virtually unobtainable. And it's not just here in the UK. Major suppliers in HK and the USA are out of stock too.
Click to expand...

Have you thought about renting lenses, instead of buying?
;)



Sorry, couldn't resist it. I thought it was funny.
 
^^^ :lol:
 
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