Price was $850 Canadian, about $685 U.S. I thought that was a steal, especially considering that one went on eBay for over $1200 recently.
The lens is now in Albuquerque -- at UPS, where it will spend the weekend. I hate it when that happens. It will be delivered on Monday, but I will be in Denver that day. I should get my hands on it late Tuesday when I return. I would have had time to test it this weekend. If only....
I hope the third try does it. I bought two of the F* version from eBay in the past two months, and had to return them both. Got my money back both times, fortunately. Apparently a lot of people spend large sums on premium lenses, then don't take care of them. Based on this experience I decided to look for the newer FA version, even though it lacks the tripod mount.
Cotty mentioned this same store and my salesman (Patrick) a bit earlier today. I, too, can happily recommend both.
I'll reveal the test results when I get to them.
Joe
