Most expensive lens you've ever used?

[996GT2]

So, let's hear about all the rare, expensive glass you've mounted on your camera before.

Personally, the most expensive lens I've used is a Nikkor 17-55mm f/2.8, which, at about $1150, isn't even that expensive in the lens world.

 

[Brainonska511]

My Canon 200mm f/2.8L lens; it was about $750.

 

[Farmer]

My friends Nikkor 14-24mm f/2.8 AF-S, I think it's about $1.5K. A great, massive lens, but by no means "expensive," at least not in the realm of photography.

 

[xchangx]

Currently borrowing a Nikon 17-35 2.8 ($1.5k+) & 70-200 2.8 vr ($1.5k+), have borrowed his 110-300 2.8($1.5k +)

When I had a Canon 30D, I had the 24-70 2.8L and have used the 70-200 2.8L IS

 

[Kirby64]

I own a Canon 80-200 F2.8L which was worth $1320 retail back in the day... does that count? (it's nicked, scratched, and bashed up.. plus it's 17 years old haha)

 

[jpeyton]

No birders here? They arguably use the most expensive lenses on a regular basis. 300mm f/2.8. 400mm f/2.8. 500mm f/4. Their tripods, gimbal heads, quick release plates, etc. probably cost more than most of our lenses alone.

 

[ArizonaSteve]

Nikon 400mm f/2.8 at an airshow (I got talking to one of the professional photographers there who allowed me to make use of it). Since then I have purchased a 200-400 f/4 zoom, which is used on a regular basis.

 

[xchangx]

Man, I'd love to use the 400 2.8 at an airshow

 

[angry hampster]

300 f/2.8 IS for football last fall. This was on a 1DMKIII.

 

[GoSharks]

Nothing too special here. I own the DA* 16-50mm f/2.8, FA 77mm f/1.8 Limited. My dad has the DA* 50-135mm f/2.8 that I've used before.

 

[shortylickens]

My own?
About a hundred bucks.

Ever used in my life?
My dads two thousand dollar telephoto. I dont even recall the brand, but when he trusted me to take pictures with it I felt a lot closer to him.

 

[jpeyton]

Just some values to throw out there (from Amazon):

Nikon 400mm f/2.8 VR $8299.95

Canon 300mm f/2.8 IS $4100.00

Nikon 200-400mm f/4 VR $5119.95

 

[996GT2]

Anyone here used a Sigmonster or Sigzilla before?

Edit: for those who don't visit POTN enough to know the nicknames, the Sigmonster is the 300-800mm f/5.6 ($7999.00) and the Sigzilla is the 200-500mm f/2.8 EX ($24,499.99)

 

[jpeyton]

I think if we're going to discuss the most expensive camera lenses ever made, this should be on the short list.

A one-off Zeiss 1700mm f/4 (pictured with a Hasselblad 6x6 body attached).

 

[996GT2]

Originally posted by: jpeyton
I think if we're going to discuss the most expensive camera lenses ever made, this should be on the short list.

A one-off Zeiss 1700mm f/4 (pictured with a Hasselblad 6x6 body attached).

I really doubt anyone here has even seen that monster of a lens in real life, much less had a chance to use one, lol

 

[Jawo]

nothing real fancy....probably the 17-55 IS USM ~$1k

 

[virtuamike]

300/2.8 for a baseball game. It was a rental

 

[Flipped Gazelle]

Nothing special... I never mount anything I can't afford...

 

[soydios]

Nikkor AF-S 400mm f/2.8. College sports newspaper photography (baseball).

 

[angry hampster]

Originally posted by: Flipped Gazelle
Nothing special... I never mount anything I can't afford...

What a boring life!

 

[Deadtrees]

Canon 200mm f/1.8

 

[Koing]

Originally posted by: 996GT2

Originally posted by: jpeyton
I think if we're going to discuss the most expensive camera lenses ever made, this should be on the short list.

A one-off Zeiss 1700mm f/4 (pictured with a Hasselblad 6x6 body attached).

I really doubt anyone here has even seen that monster of a lens in real life, much less had a chance to use one, lol

That thing is just unreal!

One of the Sheik's who likes bird watching has one I think?

I have used my mates Canon 70 200 2.8 IS L on his 400D. Really sweet to use, but savagely front heavy . He's also lending me it to use on the 5D I'll be getting over the weekend. Can't wait!

Koing

 

[xchangx]

Originally posted by: 996GT2
Anyone here used a Sigmonster or Sigzilla before?

Edit: for those who don't visit POTN enough to know the nicknames, the Sigmonster is the 300-800mm f/5.6 ($7999.00) and the Sigzilla is the 200-500mm f/2.8 EX ($24,499.99)

My friend said he's going to buy the 200-500 2.8, not sure how much truth is in that though. He's a physician and has a lot of money, so it's possible.

Can't wait though if he does!

 

[foghorn67]

Canon 600 f4 IS LMNOP.

 

[corkyg]

Getting back to the original OP question - I have used all of these lenses: All Canon except #8 which is Tamron. Current B&H catalog prices are in ( ).

Lenses

Legend:

1 = 18-35mm f/2.8 L ($1450)
2 = 24-105mm f/4 L IS ($1059)
3 = 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 DO IS ($1190)
4 = 70-200mm f/2.8 L IS ($1699)
5 = 50mm f/1.4 ($325)
6 = 50mm f/1.2 L ($1400)
7 = 24mm f/1.4 L ($1170)
8 = 90mm f/2.8 Macro ($329)

It would appear that #4 is the most expensive.