Nikon's $9,500 lens is worth every penny

Nikon's $9,500 lens is worth every penny

Yes, you read that right: the Nikon 120-300mm f/2.8E AF-S FL ED SR VR is a $9,499 / £9,499 / AU$15,499 lens that is worth every penny. 

How is that possible? How can a camera lens even cost as much as a small car in the first place, let alone be worth such a ludicrous price? How could anyone in their right mind pay almost 10K for a lens when there are so many cheaper alternatives – after all, isn't it supposed to be "all about the idea, not about the gear"?

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James Artaius
Editor

The editor of Digital Camera World, James has 21 years experience as a journalist and started working in the photographic industry in 2014 (as an assistant to Damian McGillicuddy, who succeeded David Bailey as Principal Photographer for Olympus). In this time he shot for clients like Aston Martin Racing, Elinchrom and L'Oréal, in addition to shooting campaigns and product testing for Olympus, and providing training for professionals. This has led him to being a go-to expert for camera and lens reviews, photo and lighting tutorials, as well as industry news, rumors and analysis for publications like Digital Camera MagazinePhotoPlus: The Canon MagazineN-Photo: The Nikon MagazineDigital Photographer and Professional Imagemaker, as well as hosting workshops and talks at The Photography Show. He also serves as a judge for the Red Bull Illume Photo Contest. An Olympus and Canon shooter, he has a wealth of knowledge on cameras of all makes – and a fondness for vintage lenses and instant cameras.