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 format) | 8°10' |
| Optical Information | |
| Lens Elements | 10 |
| Lens Groups | 6 |
| Diaphragm Blades | 9 |
| Extra-Low Dispersion Glass Elements | 2 |
| Nano Crystal Coat | No |
| 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
Comments
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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
Excuse my comment was wrong, it relates to the new 300mm pf
Peter
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.