Nikkor AF300mm f4 ED-IF lens

[zig-123]

I recently decided to purchase a prime 300mm f4 lens. But, given the amount of usage I knew I would give it, did not want to spring for the latest version which can be had on the used market for about $1000.

So, instead decided to take a chance on an older version AF300mm f4 lens with IF-ED which I ended up purchasing at KEH.com for about $459.00.

In a nutshell, I'm not disappointed. While the AF is no barn burner, the clarity of this lens is pretty darned good.

Here is an example of what I mean:

Water Lily at normal magnification:




Same image but at 100% crop:



If you take a good look at the magnified image, you can clearly see a tick on one of the upper petals. BTW, no sharpening or post processing done.

[ramcewan]

Hey Zig

Nice shot. I had an old Manual Focus Nikon 300mm AI-S f4.5 for a little while and it was an excellent lens, I only sold it because the Tair 3 is slightly better. That said I kinda miss it as it was actually use-able hand held where as the Tair is really a tripod only lens.

I don't think you can go wrong with a Nikon 300mm prime imho, congrats on the purchase!

[zig-123]

Originally Posted by ramcewan

Hey Zig

I don't think you can go wrong with a Nikon 300mm prime imho, congrats on the purchase!

Hi Andrew,

Yes, you're right, it is hard to beat this older version 300mm prime for clarity and sharpness. While the auto focus is not as fast as the AFS 70-200mm VR, it does a credible job. I went out last night and fooled with it a bit more. A couple of seagull images:

[boBBrennan]

Zig, I believe you will have a lot of fun using that lens, these images are a fine beginning.

[jacobt]

Hi Zig,

Those are great shots with the 300F4. You got yourself a very good deal from KEH. I was using the the 70-200VRII + TC-14II to achieve the 300mm reach these days. I was wondering if there's any IQ difference between the two?

[zig-123]

Originally Posted by boBBrennan

Zig, I believe you will have a lot of fun using that lens, these images are a fine beginning.

Thanks Bob.

It is just an old style war horse of a lens. All metal, built like a brick-you know what.

It is an extremely sharp lens and I'm happy to have it.

[zig-123]

Originally Posted by jacobt

Hi Zig,

Those are great shots with the 300F4. You got yourself a very good deal from KEH. I was using the the 70-200VRII + TC-14II to achieve the 300mm reach these days. I was wondering if there's any IQ difference between the two?

I've got the older 70-200mm f2.8 VR version and use it with the TC-14E. I can't notice much, if any, image quality difference.

The reason I bought it was to add a 2x converter and thus have a poor man's 600mm lens. I found out AFTER I bought the lens that it is only compatible with a manual TC-200 teleconverter. Effectively turning this into a manual focus lens. Not the world's biggest issue. But one that I didn't expect.

I've got to try taking some more images with that combo and post a few


Zig

[Wingman]

Sharpness and IQ look really good Zig. Looks like you have already mastered the lens!

Jehan

[NHL]

Originally Posted by zig-123

The reason I bought it was to add a 2x converter and thus have a poor man's 600mm lens. I found out AFTER I bought the lens that it is only compatible with a manual TC-200 teleconverter. Effectively turning this into a manual focus lens. Not the world's biggest issue. But one that I didn't expect.

Zig

That's why they have the 1.7xTC, the combo is still below f/8 so the autofocus might still work depending on the camera

[zig-123]

Originally Posted by NHL

Zig

That's why they have the 1.7xTC, the combo is still below f/8 so the autofocus might still work depending on the camera

Unfortunately, the AF 300mm f4 is the older version which is not compatible with any of the TC series teleconverters that Nikon manufactures. To utilize the TC-17 telecon, it would have to be the AF-s version or later.