Lens Summary
Brand: Nikon
Also Known As: Nikon 300mm f/4D
Lens Type: Prime Lens
Format: Full Frame / FX
Focus: Autofocus
Lens Mount: Nikon F
Release Date: 2000-08-29
MSRP Price: $1499
Made in: Japan
Infrared Rating: Good
Production Status: In Production
Lens Description: This lightweight, compact, fast-focusing telephoto lens for sports, wildlife and action photography is perfect for carrying around during a full day of shooting.
Photography Life Review Summary: I have been happily shooting with the Nikon 300mm f/4D AF-S for the last 6+ years. It has given me lots of opportunities to capture beautiful wildlife shots and it is still a very active lens in my arsenal when I have to travel light or hike long distances. While I also own the Nikon 200-400mm f/4G VR lens (which costs 6 times more than the 300mm f/4!), I find the latter to be heavy and bulky for travel, so I end up using the 300mm f/4D more when I travel to other states and countries by air. Thus, the biggest advantage of the Nikon 300mm f/4D for me is its compactness and light weight, which saves my back and lets me hand-hold the lens for extended periods of time. When I know that I will be hiking long distances, I also prefer to carry my 300mm f/4D - it fits nicely in all of my backpacks, even with the TC-14E II attached. Read the full Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 300mm f/4D IF-ED Review by Photography Life.
Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 300mm f/4D IF-ED Specifications
| Lens Specifications | |
|---|---|
| * Supplied accessories may differ depending on country or area | |
| Lens Type | Prime Lens |
| Focal Length | 300mm |
| Mount Type | Nikon F |
| Format | Full Frame / FX |
| Compatible Format(s) | FX, DX, FX in DX Crop Mode, 35mm Film |
| Compatible with Teleconverters | Yes |
| Maximum Reproduction Ratio | 0.27x |
| Vibration Reduction (Image Stabilization) | No |
| Aperture Information | |
| Aperture Ring | Yes |
| Maximim Aperture | f/4 |
| Minimum Aperture | f/32 |
| Maximum Angle of View (APS-C or smaller format) | 5°20' |
| Maximum Angle of View (Full frame or larger format) | 8°10' |
| Optical Information | |
| Lens Elements | 10 |
| Lens Groups | 6 |
| Diaphragm Blades | 9 |
| Extra-Low Dispersion Glass Elements | 2 |
| Super Integrated Coat (SIC) | Yes |
| Focus Information | |
| Focus | Autofocus |
| Built-in Focus Motor | Yes |
| Silent Wave Motor (SWM) | Yes |
| Internal Focusing | Yes |
| Minimum Focus Distance | 4.8 ft. (1.45m) |
| Distance Information | Yes |
| Filter Information | |
| Filter Size | 77mm |
| Accepts Filter Type | Screw-on |
| Physical Characteristics | |
| Weather / Dust Sealing | No |
| Mount Material | Metal |
| Tripod Collar | Yes |
| Dimensions | (Approx.) 3.5x8.8 in. (Diameter x Length) 90x222.5mm (Diameter x Length) |
| Weight | (Approx.) 50.8 oz. (1,440g) |
| Other Information | |
| Available in Colors | Black |
| Supplied Accessories | CL-M2 case Front cover Rear lens cap |
Lens Construction
MTF Chart
Image Samples
Reader Interactions
User Reviews
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What MP fx sensor can it cover without degradation in picture quality?
After reading through some of your amazing articles regarding birding related equipment, please correct me if I am wrong but the Nikon 300mm f/4D IF-ED AF-S is the basic lens i will need to start taking pictures of birds.
My question is what is the minimum priced Nikon body will i need to go with it.
In your tips on bird photography you did much with the D300 which seems hard to find now and if you do find it has a huge shutter counts, the next one seems to be the D700 which also seem to have very high shutter counts used.
I don’t care about video, I would just love to take beautiful photos of birds.
On a budget in 2016 what do you recommend for the novice, to get in the door and take advantage of the Nikon 300mm f/4D IF-ED AF-S?
I do want to stay with Nikon btw.
Thanks so much for all the information , even a bit over whelming for me right now.
Excuse my comment was wrong, it relates to the new 300mm pf
Peter
I’m waiting for the 3 lens, the first and second had massive problems with the VR stabilization at 1/125 second and near. The optical quality is convincing, but the problem with the VR but not acceptable.
Peter