Nikon 300mm f/4 AF-S Photo Gallery by Michael Ng at pbase.com

Nikon 300mm f/4 AF-S

The Nikon 300mm F4 ED-IF AF-S was introduced by Nikon Japan in August of 2000. It was set to replace the legendary 300mm f/4 AF, which experiencing a drop in popularity due to Nikon’s move to Silent Wave AF. When it was introduced, there was some air of disappointment that it did not feature Vibration Reduction (VR) like the 80-400mm which was released in January of that year. However the introduction of AF-S, ED-elements and a host of other perks made this lens an upgrade from its predecessor.

*Nikon 300mm f/4 AFS mounted on a F100 w/ MB15.*	Lens Construction: 10 elements in 6 groups (2 ED) Picture Angle: 8 degrees 10 minutes (35mm format), 5 degrees 20 minutes (Nikon DX format) Minimum Focus Distance: 4.8 ft. Maximum Reproduction Ratio (Macro Setting: 1:3.7 Attachment/ Filter Size: 77mm Dimensions (diameter x length - in.): 3.5 x 8.8 Weight (oz.): 50.8 oz. Nikon Lens Hood: Built-In Case(s): Ballistic Nylon -CL-M2 Included Accessories: CL-M2 case, front cover, rear cap New Price: USD$1104.95 Used Price: USD$750-800 (mint)
*Beautiful black and gold, with Nikon’s signature crinkle finish.* *Case of the missing rear element. Aperture is exposed.*	GETTING ACQUAINTED: What’s in the Box: The lens comes with the same nylon carrying case (CL-M2) as the 70-200mm f/2.8G AFS VR. My case stays in storage and never sees any use. The lens also comes with a removable tripod collar (more on this later) and the standard Nikon front and back caps. Of course, the manual is included. Cosmetics: The 300mm f4 AFS came with the nice crinkle finish found on all of Nikon’s newer high end lenses. This texture gives it a really good feel and may, although negligibly so, improve one’s grip on the lens. Nikon calls this a “simulated leather finish”. The diameter of the lens barrel is noticeably larger than the 300mm f/4 AF. It looks a lot less like a lead pipe or a piece of plumbing too. As nice as this may sound, this fact also means taking up more space in your camera bag. Where’s the Rear Lens Element? I was shocked when I removed the rear lens cap and peered into the lens. There was no rear element to be found! The first thing you see when peering behind the lens is the aperture. After the aperture is the last lens element. Interesting design there, which worries me about damaging the delicate aperture blades. However the aperture is deeply recessed beyond the reach of stray fingers so it should be pretty safe. Still, I would think twice about trying to clean the rear lens element should the need arise.
*300mm f4 AFS with the removable stock tripod collar* *MF/AF switch and Focus Limiter.*	FEATURES: Hood: Just like its older brother, the 300mm AFS comes with a built-in hood. The hood snaps into place when in its retracted position. When extended, the hood is secured by twisting it until it tightens to the lens front end. Tripod Collar: Having used the 70-200mm f/2.8 AFS VR and its wonderfully crafted collar, I could perfectly understand the countless gripes 300mm f4 AFS owners had about the one on their lens. I wouldn’t label it as total crap, nor would I say that it’s great either. Stability issues apart, which I will leave to the experts to measurebate over, the rotating action of the tripod collar isn’t smooth by any means. It does not feel damped like the 70-200mm. Instead it feels like the coarseness of metal rolling on metal. Kirk makes a tripod collar replacement called the NC-300 which will set you back a good $150 excluding shipping. I read that it’s an excellent substitute. But considering the fact that I rarely shoot outdoors with a tripod I don’t think I can justify splurging on a replacement. 77mm Filters! “No more drop-in filters!” exclaim those who have stepped up from the 300mm f4 AF. I think it’s wonderful indeed that the AFS version is compatible with the standard filter diameter for most pro-grade lenses. But other than maybe a protective UV filter from time to time, I don’t see myself using filters on this lens. Maybe a polarizer, but then again that would be really rare. Thumb Switches: The 300mm f4 AFS comes with two switches conveniently placed on the left hand side of the lens where ones thumb would normally be. i) M/A and M switch: This switch turns on and off the Silent Wave motor. Helps you save battery juice too. ii) Focus limiter switch This enables you to limit your AF range between infinity to 3m. This improves AF speed and reduces hunting too. Pseudo Macro: One of the biggest selling points of this lens is its close focusing capability. This lens focuses down to 1.45m giving a reproduction ratio of 1:3.7 which is about a quarter life-size. Doesn’t sound like much but when you’re shooting with a D-SLR, this value increases (think crop factor and megapixels). Oh, and with the 77mm filter thread, you can slap on a Canon 500D achromatic close-up lens for an even larger magnification! According to Ricardo Polini the ratio should be about 1:1.1 on a Nikon D100.
FIELD TEST: AF on this lens is fast. Not as fast as the 70-200mm f/2.8G, probably due to its smaller maximum aperture, but adequately quick and silent. The AF motor does exhibit some slight “chattering” once in a while. The manual override AF feature of this AF-S lens is a great plus especially when you want to fine-tune where you want your focus to be on. On occasion, the AF sensor on your camera can be tricked, but with a slight twist of the AF ring, the focus can be adjusted without having to flip the MF switch. Unfortunately, this lens doesn’t have AF-lock buttons on its barrel like its more expensive f/2.8 relatives.. Images produced by this lens are very sharp and contrasty. I’m very satisfied with the pictures produced taken by this lens, which are very well saturated and pop-out at you. The results are on par and often exceed what I’m used to getting on the 70-200mm f/2.8G. Other reviews suggest that it is almost as good as its 300mm f/2.8 AFS brothers. This lens is also extremely versatile, being handy for real tightly cropped portraits down to tack sharp macros. Many associate lenses this range for sports, but I’ve found that given its features, so much more can be achieved. Teleconverters: This lens is only compatible with teleconverters that are compatible with Nikon AF-S lenses like the TC20E, TC14E (I & II) and the TC17E II. However, due to the limitations to the focusing and maximum aperture, it is recommended that you use only the TC14E (I & II) and the TC17E II teleconverters. For each teleconverter your settings change as follows: i)TC 14EII Focal Length – 420mm Maximum Aperture: f/5.6 ii)TC 17EII: Focal Length - 510mm Maximum Aperture - f/6.8 I have only used this lens with the TC17E II. AF speed slows considerably, but the image quality is still top notch. Users of the TC14E have reported that there is almost no loss of image quality when the 300mm f/4 AFS is coupled with the TC14E. The TC14E and the TC14E II are both optically similar. The only difference is the finishing in which the TC14E II has Nikon’s “Simulated Leather” finish to match the newer lenses (namely the 70-200mm f/2.8G) better. ©Michael Ng 2005*	Lens as a portrait lens with great subject isolation. As a macro lens (not full ratio).

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Focus Window	Switches	Aperture	Side profile
F100a	F100b	F100c	Tripod Collar Removed
300mm vs. 70-200mm w/ Hoods	300mm vs. 70-200mm w/o Hoods	Portrait	Pulling Power
Macro

comment |

Sermet		29-Nov-2012 20:23
Thank you for this detailed review. I have a question. I own an 18-300 mm Nikon lens. I photograph mainly landscape, at nite turbe. Some sports. Is it an over kill to purchase this prime lens? Thanks for your advice. Sermet

Ken Wilson		18-Sep-2012 14:50
Thanks for the excellent review! I've just purchased this lens with the TC-14E II and the results are simply amazing! This is the best lens value available!

Christofer		27-May-2011 17:35
That was one of the most positive reviews, and wise to leave the lens collar issue to techs, as there are now two variants of that collar depending on the date of manufacture for the lens. Like you, I do not see the need to indulge in the replacement collar at this time, mine is metal and it does not matter a whole lot if it feels dampened when it's rotating on the tripod. It does feel solid, and is a great performer. A 1.4 teleconverter will protect the vulnerable rear lens element from foreign elements entering into the lens. My D700 says it's still at f/4 when the Sigma TC is mounted, but it works very, very well on this lens. Wildlife shots with this lens at www.aikenimagery.com

Lorne		14-Nov-2010 20:46
Regarding the missing rear lens element, have you experienced any problems with dust or dirt getting in the barrel and/or on the diaphragm blades? I know the blades are noticeably recessed and I'm usually very careful to only change glass in a controlled situation but when birding conditions aren't always the best. Of course I could leave the TC-14E on when needing more reach but I'd like the option of using this glass at 300mm as well. Optically, for a 300 prime, it appears to be a very sharp, flat field lens but the thought of having to send it to Nikon for regular cleaning is of real concern.

Jampa		11-Oct-2010 14:51
Great review and thanks for helping in my decision making. I was looking at TC 20E and worried about AF not working on 300mm f4d but doubling the range. You convinced me to sacrifice the range for functional AF though maybe slower.

khusro		21-Apr-2010 10:29
would a VR AFS lens help if i were to add a 2x teleconvertor to the lens compared to a non vR lens

Guest		05-Apr-2010 11:57
Could there be quality diferences between different exemplars of this lens? (to pay attention to when buying one)? Gret. Antonioli

John Williams		04-Apr-2010 13:37
Read your inclusive review and right away ordered the Nikon 300 and TC 14E. Thanks !

John Williams		04-Apr-2010 13:37
Read your inclusive review and right away ordered the Nikon 300 and TC 14E. Thanks !

Guest		19-Mar-2010 22:39
ho appena comprato l'obiettivo, dopo questa recensione sono ancora più soddisfatto! grazie

Ron		10-Mar-2010 04:25
Good detailed review. Also I pondered between the Nikon 300 and the Sigma 100-300 but after reading this (several times) I've decided on the Nikon 300mm. Thanks.

Richard		14-Feb-2010 23:17
Thank you for an excellent review. I have just purchased this lens.

Wes		28-Dec-2008 23:57
Just got the lens a few weeks ago and I am very happy with it. I shot birds most of the time and this lens with the 1.4 work very well together. I underestimated the difference of a prime lens and a zoom lens. I now have this and the Nikon 105 VR macro (for the past year) and they are the favorites in my bag. Thanks for your write-up.

Guest		31-Oct-2008 20:40
Hans van den Broek - Netherlands One of the better test/review on thise lens. I was narrowing my choice coming from sigma 100-300 F4 and Nikkor 300 F4.....it clear now...Nikon Prime 300 Thank you very much

Paul Hogan		06-May-2008 02:56
Thanks for the good review. Very informative. I am going to order this lens and the TC14E

Gary		17-Jan-2008 08:36
Very good review. Good for birding plus macro!!!Thanks Mike.

Pedro Nunes		06-Jan-2008 15:57
Thank you for this good review, I am getting one soon.

papa85		31-Dec-2007 15:09
Thanks for the review. You made my decision easy after reading the review. I'm buying thanks.

rifat oktem		03-Nov-2007 17:39
Your review very usefull for me.

Rifat Oktem		03-Nov-2007 17:37
Very good review

Guest		02-Nov-2007 01:55
Greg P. F. Nice well made just got tthe lens today and have a 17e ii and a 14e ii nice to know bith work. Also used as a macro was an unexpected surprise.

Alex		31-Aug-2007 00:00
Nice and well made review, thank you. I did not found the button where clic to get the lens for free :o)

Adjacir Cidrão		11-Jul-2007 16:45
Thanks for Review....

Yi Feng		14-Jan-2007 22:32
Thanks for the great review here. I'm very interested in buying one with TC 1.7 for birding.

Shan Rawlins		14-Aug-2006 11:27
Very balanced review. I was caught between this lens and the 80-400mm VR.Now seeing its all around capability with use of teleconverters and the Canon 500D,an an amateur who likes the best quality/price ratios, I see great possibilites with this lens on my D70S nad to alesser extent my N75,which I may sell after my film runs out.... Thanks.

Guest		23-Jun-2006 18:37
Nice review!

Guest		14-Jun-2006 01:02
Very nice write up on this lens. I was doing lots of research on this one and everyone has only great things to say, except the tripod collar.

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