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Canon EF 840mm f/4 DO Lens

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Renowned American bird photographer, Arthur Morris, also a Canon Contract prhotographer released a photo a few days ago at this link: http://www.birdsasart.com/bn319.htm
The shooting info given with the photo was:
Canon 840mm f/4 IS DO lens handheld with the EOS-7D
Although Canon have never released a lens of this spec, there is rising speculation that something in the pipeline. Diffractive Optics (DO) cuts both size and weight of a lens by 20-30%, so it makes a great deal of sense in a monster lens like this. Since Canon are the only manufacturer to date to have mastered this technology, it makes further sense for them to release a lens like this at a time when they desperately need a leading edge.
One wonders about the price. When the 800 was released a couple of years ago, it was way more expensive than predicted. The DO is longer, faster, and Canon has always charged a premium for DO. But, a 1.4 times converter will take this lens to 1200 f/5.6, the exact specification of their (now discontinued) "made-to-order" monster with HUGE price tag.
Copied from outdoorphoto forum. posted by Andre /Brerfox makes one think.

The 1200 cost a whopping 100.000+ euro, so likely this one too... Somehow I don't think this lens will ever be in my hands...
But it would be great for birding!

Hey Dq turns out this was a typo error by the photographer concerned apparently not the first ahh well we could all dream for a minute, nothing left to spend the pocket money on now.

You already have the 1D MKIV?

Oh well, the 800 mm is too heavy for international travel anyway...

1Dmk1V I wish nope I still have a lot more pennies to save. I saw the new pentax 645D http://www.pentax.jp/english/news/2010/201008.html

has been released

Typo. Should be the 400mm DO IS. One of Arties favorite lenses and in combo with the 7d is superb for handholding. I spent all day Friday shooting birds of prey with my 400mm DO IS and can't make up my mind to sell it. I have to get rid of it as I need the money but can't bear to part with such a great lens. There is still talk (rumors) about a replacement 100-400mm lens which may be a 100-400mm f4 DO IS. If this ever comes out I shall be very happy indeed.

The DO seems to be a good option and canon dont seem to have persued this in any other lenses how do you find your 400 DO is it as sharp as the other primes. I would be interested to see a comparison of the DO against a standard prime.