Nikkor 1200-1700mm: The Mother of All Super Telephoto Nikon Lenses

This is, in fact, the proper way to carry the Nikkor 1200-1700mm f/5.6-8.0 super telephoto lens. Weighing in at 36 pounds and measuring nearly 3 feet in length, the manual focus lens was introduced in 1993 and had a hefty price tag of $60,000. It would be interesting to see how it stacks up against the magical Sigma 200-500mm.

The Italian website La Stampa published two images of the photographer Dylan Martinez who is hoping to capture the new pope at Saint Peter's Square with the monster Nikkor 1200-1700mm f/5.6-8P IF-ED lens. The lens has 18 elements in 13 groups, 9 diaphragm blades, the angle of view is 2°-1°30', minimum focusing distance is 10m (32 ft), the lens weights 16 kg (over 35lbs) and is 888mm (35 in.) long. Additional info on the lens can be found here.


For comparison, here are three samples images published by Nikon that were taken at 50mm, 1200mm and 1700mm - subjects are 130 meters away (over 140 yards):

50mm

1200mm

1700mm