One of the finest professional telephoto lenses available: the Nikon 300mm f4.0 AF-S ED-IF.
Written: Sep 13 '05 (Updated Jan 18 '08)
Product Rating:
Pros: Accurate and silent focus, amazing optics, professional build quality, great handling, good accessories, reasonably priced.
Cons: Light grey model can be difficult to find.
The Bottom Line: Highly recommended as a professional-quality telephoto with amazing optical properties, build quality, and ergonomics. I doubt anyone could be disappointed with this lens.
jvandegr's Full Review: Nikon AF-S Nikkor 300mm f/4D ED-IF Lens
Introduction
When my Nikon 80-200mm 2.8 D ED needed more reach, I began looking around for a teleconverter. Unfortunately, there are none that offer full functionality for this model of this lens. My next choice was the Nikon 300mm f/4.0 AF-S. Although much more expensive than a teleconverter, it has much to offer. When mounted on my Nikon D300, the image quality has been exceptional, thanks to the superb optical quality of the lens. Many experienced professionals have argued that glass should be a photographer's primary equipment consideration, and the camera body comes second. After using the Nikon AF-S 300mm f4.0 ED-IF, I believe.
Features
- 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: 1:3.7
- Attachment/Filter Size: 77mm
- Dimensions (diameter x length): 3.5 x 8.8 inches
- Weight: 50.8 oz.
- Nikon Lens Hood: Built-In
- Case(s): Ballistic Nylon -CL-M2
- Included Accessories: CL-M2 case, front cover, rear cap
Mechanical Performance
Focusing
Three words: fast, accurate, and silent. Together, this makes for an almost imperceptible focus process. When mounted to a professional camera body, including the F100, F5, D2X, D200, and D300, its accuracy is very reliable. Focusing speed is also quite fast when mounted on one of these cameras, although not as fast as the Nikon 70-200mm f/2.8 AF-S. When mounted on a D100, D70, D70s, or D50, there is a noticeable decrease in focusing speed. Focusing accuracy is also not quite as good on these cameras, but it's certainly not bad. However, on any camera, the focusing remains silent thanks to the silent wave focusing mechanism. Canon users will notice similarities in speed and quietness when compared to the ultrasonic L lenses.
Two switches on the left side of the lens control all of the focusing options. The top switch allows the user to choose between full-time autofocus operation and autofocus with full-time manual over-ride. The lower switch is the focus limiter, with a choice of either full focusing range or 3m to infinity. Setting this switch to the latter is a noticeable focus time saver and battery saver. Both switches are well-placed and easy to operate, but not too easy - there is a pronounced "click" as they snap firmly into position, and they are nearly flush with the lens body. This means no accidental changing of positions and the lens will remain in the mode in which you left it.
The manual focusing ring is wide (approximately 1.3"), covered in textured rubber for easy gripping, and almost perfectly dampened. The autofocus on this lens is so accurate that I seldom need to use the manual focusing ring, but it works very well when I do. It's nice to know that I can grab it at any second and easily achieve perfect focus. When the batteries get low, this is a nice technique for saving some critical energy.
Handling
This is a very well-balanced lens. More weight on the front than the back as expected, but not so much that it feels unstable. Mounted on my Nikon D300 or F5, it balances quiet nicely. Although tripod use is recommended for critically sharp shots, hand holding works very well. The weight is approximately the same as my 80-200mm D ED, the diameter is approximately the same, and it is only one inch longer. In other words, if you're comfortable hand holding the 80-200mm D ED, or the Nikon 70-200mm f/2.8 AF-S, you'll be comfortable with the 300mm f/4.0 AF-S. The textured surface adds more grip than some of the previous Nikon lenses I've used. This is especially nice when there's a bit of moisture on the lens. I prefer the light grey color to black, simply because it absorbs less heat.
Construction
There is a lot of metal on this lens and this contributes significantly to its build quality. It is designed to withstand the abuse of professional photographers. I used this lens on a two week storm chasing trip across the Great Plains. It took high winds, dust, and light rain with ease. It also took a few bumps when we were in a hurry to get out of the way. No problems whatsoever.
Everything Else
The built-in lens hood works as well as anything else on this lens. It is made from very lightweight yet durable plastic and has the same textured surface as the main body of the lens. This makes it indistinguishable from the rest of the lens in any position. The inside is covered with a black, minimally-reflective felt like material. The hood lightly clicks into place when fully extended or fully retracted. I am a huge fan of built-in hoods because I usually don't have time to dig for the a non-built-in hood without missing a shot. In the case of the 300mm AF-S ED-IF, this is one of the best designs I've seen and it does not negatively impact the handling or weight of the lens in any way.
The lens cap is worth its weight in gold. This is the newer center-pinch design that is thicker, stronger, and much easier to use than previous manufacturer-issued caps. It takes me one second to remove this cap and stick in a pocket, whereas earlier side-pinch caps cost often cost me two to three seconds. Simply stated, this time difference can be the difference between getting the shot and not getting the shot. For everyday use, this cap is just easier to use and offers great protection for the front element of the lens.
I've heard some rumors that some folks are unhappy with the "flimsy" tripod mount on this lens. I've had no problems whatsoever. I've used it several times and I've had sharp photos every time. It locks tight, removes easily, and seems to be very well made. I'll update this section if I have problems in the future, but everything is fine so far.
The lens case is actually very functional. My hard cases just sit on the shelf, but this one actually goes into the field with me from time to time. It is made from decent quality ballistic nylon and has a hard bottom to protect against impact. The sides have a thin layer of padding throughout for additional protection. Not nearly as well-padded as a lens case from LowePro, but it works. YKK zips insure on the top inner flap years of use, something not offered by LowePro. A plastic coated lining inside the zippers helps keep moisture and dust out. The top outer flap provides still more protection against the elements by covering up the zippers completely. This flap seals against the inner flap with a velcro strip. Together, the inner and outer flaps contain the same amount of padding as one of the sides. A removable and adjustable nylon strap allows you to fling the bag around your shoulder. This strap is less than an inch wide and is not padded, so plan on getting something else for extended periods of use. A large nylon loop on the back allows the bag to be attached to a waist belt. Finally, a small leather window on one side can hold a tag for lens identification. Although not up to LowePro standards, this is one of the best manufacturer-included lens cases I've seen and I trust it enough to use it in the field in most circumstances.
Image Quality
In a word, image quality is exceptional. Color reproduction is excellent. I've found no chromatic aberrations in any of my photos when used on a Nikon D200 or Nikon D300. All of my images have been very sharp from corner to corner, even at f4.0. I haven't noticed any ghosting or vignetting so far, even with a Nikon L37c filter attached. Lens flare has been a non-issue so far, but I haven't really used the lens in extreme lighting conditions without using the lens hood extended. Given the geometry of the lens elements, I suspect that this is something that needs to be watched for closely when shooting toward a light source. Of course, the built-in lens hood can work to minimize this problem. At 300mm, compression of distance in a photograph is apparent, especially with landscapes, but this is true for any lens of this focal length. See below for some descriptions of image quality in comparison to similar lenses.
Comparisons
The following comparisons were made using a Nikon F100 with Kodak E100GX film.
Compared to my Nikon 80-200mm D ED zoom (the one touch model), the 300mm AF-S ED-IF is slightly sharper at 200mm, focus speed is considerably faster under all lighting conditions, focus operation is quieter, and focusing accuracy is slightly better.
Compared to the Nikon 80-400mm VR, the 300mm AF-S ED-IF is an all around better performer, without question. Images are noticeably sharper, build quality is higher, focusing is faster, focusing is much quieter, focusing is much more accurate (less hunting), maximum aperture is larger, and overall handling is better.
Compared to the Nikon 70-200mm VR, the 300mm AF-S ED-IF is slightly sharper, but just barely. Indeed, the 70-200mm is a very sharp lens. Even with a Nikon teleconverter attached, this lens excels. This combination can give the 300mm AF-S ED-IF a run for its money, especially considering the added utility of the vibration reduction. However, you'll pay double the price of the 300mm for a 70-200mm with a Nikon teleconverter. Focusing speed and accuracy are both very good on these lenses.
Conclusions
For just under $1000, this is easily the finest telephoto lens available in this price range. For any price, it is unquestionably one of the best that has ever been produced. I do not hesitate to recommend this lens to any serious photographer.
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