I've been asking CP countless times, but they just keep saying Tokina does not have a fixed schedule in sending them. :dunno:
Not that i care much, I rather buy from HK. Much cheaper and equivalent warranty.
I've been considering the new Tokina 80-400 (~$700 to $900) vs Nikkor 80-400 VR ($2000-2200). Assuming the image quality is similar, there's the issue of VR. VR does help in determining whether you can do 400mm shots handheld in cloudy conditions.
Consider the environment you will be using the lens for. Most people will require VR.