Drew,
$4K for a used 400mm EDIF sounds a little steep. One sold last year for $1600 that was in mint condition and, although I haven't been in the market for one, I have saw them selling in the $1600 to $2000 range on ebay. I own both the 300mm and 400mm non ED versions purchasing the 400mm as a "demo" from Adorama for $795. Except for the box, which looked like it had been opened several hundred times, the lens was in absolutely pristine condition: not even one speck of dust in the lens or even the slightest mark on it anywhere. Although it is a heavy lens, ~8 lbs, a Gitzo G1348 and Arca Swiss Z1-sp ball head will hold the lens and camera off-axis without migration or vibration when using slow shutter speeds. Recently I bought a Gitzo G1500 tripod and G1570M head off the forum which will provide an even more sturdy support should that be required. Here's a link to an astronomical image of the Horsehead Nebula taken with the 400mm non-EDIF:
http://www.narrowbandimaging.com/ima...a_xga_7hrs.jpg
Although the non-EDIF version is super sharp - sharper, IMO, than the 300mm (but maybe my 300mm needs a little collimation) -, I'm sure the new version is even better and certainly it eliminates the chromatic aberration discussed in the review.
Steve,
Although I have yet to do Elmer’s Glue, I do recall sitting in my high chair in the kitchen while mom was at the stove cooking. Apparently I was cutting-up and she handed me an un-opened pack of Pall Malls to play with to get me to quieten down. I opened the pack and ate the cigarettes! I don't recall eating them only mom standing at the stove with her back to me and the red color of the pack. Next thing I remember she's in my face all concerned and being pick-up and brought to the hospital and she's telling them that I ate the cigarettes. She told me later that I had turned yellow in color. I must have been under 2.
Thomas
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