The new Nikon 800mm f5.6 lens, you know – that $17,896.95 monstrosity – is now shipping to NPS members according to a post on Nikon Rumors. The lens had been delayed, and the new official release date is not until May 31^st.

Some sample images from this new lens have also been shared (I’ve included a few below) and you can find them here, here, here and here.

This lens is just a beast! I love shooting wildlife and birds on the weekends out in the local refuges. My 300mm serves me well, but just thinking about the shots I could get with this beast just makes me drool. Too bad this lens is worth about as much as a decent car brand new. I mean I would almost be afraid to take a lens like this outside, at that price you had better have insurance or you are screwed. I can’t even imagine owning a lens that expensive, and I would be too scared to rent one for fear of something happening to it.

What would you guys use this lens to shoot? Leave a comment below.

{via NikonRumors]