Quote:As pointed out, a 200mm f2.8 FF lens is a lot cheaper. So, why would you expect a MFT 200mm f2.8 to be a lot more expensive?
First of all - this thing has to be compared to a 400mm f/5.6 L IS - not a 200mm f/2.8. If we agreed on that logic in the past we should stick to it regarding price comparisons as well.
There is no modern FF prime with these specs but there are zoom lenses - the gang of xxx-400mm IS/VR/OSS.
They all cost between 2000 and 2500 USD.
The ancient 400mm f/5.6L doesn't count here - in the stone age lens prices were cheaper and we don't even know whether this one is still in production (rather than supplied from pre-produced batches).
Thus in this context 3000USD are not bizarre but "only" overpriced. Just like with the Oly 300mm f/4 there is, of course, a reason for this - the production volume will be tiny compared to CaNikon. They did a business case and this was the result. Super high-end prime lenses are no money maker in MFT land. Let's face it - Canon also has no business case for an updated 400mm f/5.6 L IS - because consumers are buying the 100-400L II in vastly higher volumes.
Thus it is commendable that Panasonic made the effort but it's not more than a halo lens for showrooms in my opinion.