Comment on the Nikkor 70-200 f/4 VR

So the Nikkor 70-200 f/4 VR got announced yesterday the other day.  Here is the official Nikon page:

http://imaging.nikon.com/lineup/lens/zoom/telephotozoom/af-s_70-200mmf_4g_ed_vr/index.htm

Key specs compared to the 70-200 2.8 VR II:

- VR is better (Nikon claims 5 stops vs. 4 stops slower shutter speed than would otherwise be required)

- 40% lighter (850g vs. 1540g)

- Closest focusing distance is almost 30% closer (3.28 ft. vs. 4.6 ft.)

- Costs 40% less ($1400 vs. $2400)

- Slightly shorter (7 inches vs. 8 inches).

I would be interested in this lens except for the length.  At 7 inches, it is more than 25% longer than the Sigma 50-150 non-OS (5.5 inches) or Tamron 70-300 VC (5.6 inches).  When I had the Nikkor 70-200 2.8 VR I, its length (8.5 inches) was the main reason I didn't use it much.  But perhaps if the image quality of the 70-200 f/4 is reeaaaaally good, I might consider it.  We'll see...

RELATED POSTS:
Sigma 50-150 review
Tamron 70-300 VC review - TBA