[Fourwings]

The lack of EX status could be a major factor in influencing the price, its certainly a bit of a mystery as to why its not an EX lens.
I certainly wont be running out to get one, I am totally happy with my Bigma, it does the job admirably and gets me excellent results time after time.

The price also suggests that it may well be just an updated version of the 170 - 500mm "coffee grinder", in that case its not going to get close to the Bigma in terms of image or build quality.

The biggest bonus of this new lens coming out will be that it may drive the price of the conventional Bigma down still further. My advice would be to forget the temptation of OS, it really isnt necessary, and get a standard Bigma.