Nikon- CL-L2 Ballistic Nylon Lens Case Service Advisory

http://www.nikonusa.com/Service-And-Support/Service-Advisories/CL-L2-Service-Advisory.page

See the above web page for photos and return form.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
May 26, 2009

Notice to users of the Semi-soft case CL-L2
(Supplied with the AF-S VR Zoom-NIKKOR 200-400mm f/4G IF-ED and sold
separately)

Nikon Inc.

It has recently come to our attention that select components incorporated
in some CL-L2 Semi-soft cases may be compromised. This may result in
cracking of the bottom of the case. In a worst-case scenario, the bottom of
the case may fail. Should a failure occur, the case's contents would be
subject to release and possible damage. Nikon has studied this issue
thoroughly and steps have been taken to effectively correct this issue,
assuring the quality of CL-L2 Semi-soft cases going forward.

Recognizing the possible problem that may affect some number of CL-L2
Semi-soft cases, Nikon will replace cases affected by this issue free of
charge. In addition, Nikon will take what it has learned from this event,
applying it to quality assurance measures that will contribute to the
prevention of similar events in the future.

The CL-L2 Semi-soft case is supplied with the AF-S VR Zoom-NIKKOR 200-400mm
f/4G IF-ED, and available separately for use with 400mm, 500mm, and 600mm
AF-S or AF-I ED lenses.

This issue does not apply to CL-L2 Semi-soft cases with a "T" (in one of 2
variations) imprinted on the bottom of the case. These products meet Nikon
quality and durability standards, and replacement is not needed.

For further information about this issue, contact the Nikon Customer
Relations Department toll-free at 800-645-6687. Calls will be received
Monday thru Friday, between the hours of 6am-4pm, PDT.

To obtain a replacement CL-L2 Semi-soft case:
If you own a CL-L2 Semi-soft case affected by this issue (without a "T"
imprinted on the bottom of the case), please follow the return information
available from our website at: http://NikonUSA.com/CL-L2 or contact the
Nikon Customer Relations Department toll-free at 800-645-6687. Calls will
be received Monday through Friday, between the hours of 6am-4pm, PDT.

A Customer Relations agent will confirm that your CL-L2 Semi-soft case is
affected by this issue and arrange for its return to Nikon, at Nikon's
expense. When the affected case is received by Nikon, a replacement CL-L2
Semi-soft case will be shipped to you free of charge. It may be necessary
for the Nikon Service Relations agent to request personal information in
connection with the CL-L2 replacement process. Such information will not be
used for any other purpose.

Nikon thanks you for making our brand an integral part of your photographic
system and regrets any inconvenience this issue may have caused.

 

I would assume this is the older heavier one and not the newest carbon
fiber one?

http://www.naturfotograf.com/lens_tele.html

Much depends one your predicted use. The 200-400 f/4 is at the maximum
range of how I would use a long lens, and I frequently mount a TC-14E-II
behind it on a D300. I frequently carry this beast for miles and almost
always shoot handheld. I could not imagine doing such with anything
larger/heavier, not even getting into thinking about non-stabilized. For my
use I'm frequently near wide open and at higher iso to even come close to
getting a shot. I would think you probably are going to want at least 800
iso if using this handheld for many situations, maybe I'm wrong as
everyone's use is different. I do love Bjorn's comment about manually
focussing. I only wish I could see that well to even contemplate doing
such.

 

Nikon have (or used to have) a 500mm f8 catadioptric reflex lens,
which gets you the same kind of length at very much lighter weight and
lower price, if you can live with the f8 restriction and the doughnut
bokeh.

 

As opposed to what?

The Chinese make some very good quality stuff as do the Taiwanese and
the Japanese...

BTW what American cameras are there? (That is US designed AND
manufactured)?

For real crap we could look at cars like GM and Chrysler used to
make...

 

I was thinking more of commercially available cameras.

 

Something similar in the news this week:

http://www.thespacereview.com/article/1380/1

which contains the following link:

http://history.nasa.gov/afj/simbaycam/itek-pan-camera.htm

 

You would probably benefit from using a really good monopod, if you
haven't already got one. I use a Swiss-made Monostat with my longer
lenses. It has a patented articulated rubber foot that works at a wide
range of angles. Monostats are very popular with sports shooters.

I also have a Manfrotto which is smaller and lighter and suits anything
up to a 200mm focal length.

 

Trigger action ball head? Fastest aiming and fastest locking head you
can get.

 

The difference in portability is so large that if I was rich enough or
cared enough the extra image quality I'd have both. I'd lug the huge
heavy thing along when I was definitely planning to use it. And since
it weighs nearly a stone, as much as a vacuum cleaner, I'd also have
planned how to get as near as possible to the site with wheeled
transport. So it would be great for motor sports, indoor athletics,
and watching wild life from a hide with a nearby car park. I'm now too
old to consider taking a huge heavy lens like that for an afternoon
stroll in the countryside, or even in a park, just in case.

If I had both I'd still end up taking most of my longest shots with
the mirror lens, simply because it's small and light enough to carry
around as an extra lens just in case, including up mountains.

 

I checked out Monostat reviews but could find out whether that special
foot was just a simple good grippy foot on a ball joint, or whether it
managed to address the most serious deficiency of monopods in
stabilising cameras, rotation about the vertical axis of the monopod
(camera yaw). Some other monopod makers offer special feet which
address that problem, but are a lot clumsier than the Monostat's foot.

 

Still waiting to see some of your shots, kook.

 

Still waiting to see your photos, kook.

 

Sure, & that dates back to the sixties.

 

Still waiting to see some of your amazing P&S wildlife shots...

 

All I see here is "This photo is currently unavailable". I guess the
kook isn't so proud of his work after all.