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Nikon Nikkor AF-S 300 mm f/4D IF-ED

Pictures:
Specifications:
Manufacturer Nikon Nikkor
Model AF-S 300 mm f/4D IF-ED
Lens style Telephoto
Focal length 300 mm
Maximum aperture f/4
Angle of view 8.1 o
Closest focusing distance 1.45 m
Maximum magnification 1:3.7
Minimum aperture 32
Number of diaphragm blades 9
Auto focus type AF
Lens Construction 10 elements / 6 groups
Filter diameter 77 mm
Macro No
Available mounts Nikon F
Dimensions 90 x 222.5 mm
Weight 1440 g
Additional information Marketed 2000
Average rating (7 owners reviews)
Build quality
Optical quality
Value for money

Overall

4.43 Good
Owners reviews (7)
  1. Rainer U.
    Rainer U. 22 May 2013, 13:27
    Build quality
    Optical quality
    Value for money

    Overall

    IP 217.246.x.x
    Owner since: 6 years
    Price:
    User profile: Professional

    Cons: The weakest point is the ridiculous lens collar - a shame for Nikon. I replaced it by the Kirk one, which is fantastic.

    Pros: Very good optics, though a bit old by now. I wonder how it will fare with the latest cameras (D800, D600)

    Summary: Even if you replace the lens collar, the value for money is very good.

  2. avbee
    avbee 25 March 2013, 07:35
    Build quality
    Optical quality
    Value for money

    Overall

    IP 118.142.x.x
    Owner since: 1 year
    Price: 900
    User profile: Amateur

    Cons: no glass element at the back of the lens (dust gets in easily)

    Pros: sharp sharp, it is comparable with 300 2.8 (of course it is sharper)

    Summary: It provides sharp images with reasonable price. When you attahced TC14, the quality is still excellent. Of course the focus speed is not as fast as 300 2.8VR, and it is lighter (not problem for handheld shoots)

  3. MAK
    MAK 21 September 2012, 04:14
    Build quality
    Optical quality
    Value for money

    Overall

    IP 182.186.x.x
    Owner since: 2 years
    Price: $1150 USD
    User profile: Semipro

    Cons: Not so much that make one stop taking pictures Before mounting use the rocket blower 2 or 3 times with rear mount downwards. Weather sealing can be done by the available plastic bags in market. Tripod collar is pretty tough and can hold the D3s and D7000 bodies. It can also be adjusted for handheld shooting above 1/500 in CL or CH modes.

    Pros: Poor man's top notch tele with TC 14 E II it is a 420mm at 5.6 and it gives more AoV on DX at 630mm. With TC 14 E II at F8 it gives best results. haven't tried it with TC 20 E III but might be not as sharp as it is with TC 14 E II .

    Summary: It's a very sharp glass ,I'm glad Nikon is making it ,it's other big brother is 4 to 5 times expensive giving same results with TCs and VR is not an issue on tripod when one is shoting 7 to 9 fps bursts :)

  4. Amateur666
    Amateur666 4 February 2012, 17:21
    Build quality
    Optical quality
    Value for money

    Overall

    IP 91.155.x.x
    Owner since: 1 year
    Price: 1000 euros
    User profile: Amateur

    Cons: Shitty AF (very slow/hunts/some inaccuracy as well). Flawed design - no rear lens -> dirt can get deep inside the lens and you have no way of cleaning it yourself. Heavy. Bad tripod mount.

    Pros: Excellent optical quality.

    Summary: A lens that produces flawless images -if you can manage to get the AF right. The 2.8 version is so much better. Even the crappy 70-300VR can beat this thing on AF acquisition speed. Really needs updating. Sold my copy.

  5. Gianfranco
    Gianfranco 25 December 2011, 21:02
    Build quality
    Optical quality
    Value for money

    Overall

    IP 2.39.x.x
    Owner since: 3 months
    Price: 1300€
    User profile: Amateur

    Cons: Not very fast and no VR either

    Pros: Works very well with Nikon teleconverters. The only relatively low-price supertele available

    Summary: A good choice for mere mortals who cannot spend top money for long telephoto lenses

  6. KirkL
    KirkL 26 August 2011, 05:09
    Build quality
    Optical quality
    Value for money

    Overall

    IP 99.180.x.x
    Owner since: 1 year
    Price: $1300 US
    User profile: Semipro

    Cons: Outdated design with no weather sealing, no glass element on rear of lens so it is open to dust, no VR, flimsy hood, substandard collar, less rugged build than the main competitor's version. Pricey considering what is lacking.

    Pros: Relatively small and light for the quality and reach, distortion free, little vignetting, well controlled CAs, reasonably fast and accurate AF, reasonably sharp center wide open, very sharp center and edges stopped down to f/9, takes the Nikon 1.4x TC with little loss of IQ or AF speed, built-in lens hood, provides a very nice combination of high magnification and short close-focusing distance (1:3.7 at just over 4').

    Summary: No question: this lens is worth owning if you are on a budget, need to travel light and/or want to do close-ups of small subjects. However, if you can afford to do so I would strongly recommend trying the f/2.8 VRII version before buying the f/4. When I got the f/2.8 my keeper rate more than doubled because the AF is that much faster and more accurate, and the lens does not have to be stopped way down to achieve peak sharpness so shutter speeds are much higher. Also, the VR is effective to a degree that has to be experienced to be believed and the rugged build makes it nearly indestructible. Best of both worlds: buy the f/4 for every day use and rent the f/2.8 as needed?

  7. Pictureted
    Pictureted 17 August 2011, 17:30
    Build quality
    Optical quality
    Value for money

    Overall

    IP 76.126.x.x
    Owner since: 1 year
    Price:
    User profile: Semipro

    Cons: No VR, but then it doesn't cost as much as a small car either. You also need to buy the Kirk tripod collar (far superior to Nikon's). Needs good light to go birding.

    Pros: The complete package, if you don't need super speed or VR. IQ is superb at f4 (D7000) , it focuses closely, takes the TC1.4 well (IQ wise - if you stop down 1 stop - ie f8) and will neither break the bank or your back. Construction quality and ergonomics are exceptional.

    Summary: Perfect optics. But remember, 300mm f4 or 420mm f8 (with TC) and ISO 100 (all I ever shoot at) means you need a lot of light and/or good long lens technique and support. My best shots are with a tripod and cable release or a monopod. If you don't need faster speed or VR, this lens is without compromise.