Nikon 300mm f4 AF-S primeprime

merv

merv

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Anyone any experience of this lens for planes and sport? It has no VR but is this a drawback. Opinions of this lens would be appreciated.
merv:bang:
 
It's excellent. And paired with a 1.4tc it's even more excellent for aircraft.
 
For aircraft (Loop) it's a bit short on a full frame body. I have used a 300mm on a crop, and a 600mm on a full frame. It depends what shots you want really.

For airshow stuff, it's good as it's easily manoeuvrable. I do find the 400mm a bit heady for aircraft flying overhead.
 
Do you think over £800 is too dear for second hand? New just over a grand!
Yea I have the 200-400 and its a brute handheld but very feasible. Overhead and you feel like tipping over !
What about no VR?
 
VR isn't very useful for either sport or planes in flight. Planes static on the ground, aye ..

I have this lens, and use it with the TC 1.4x also. Works very well. It's pretty light considering you get 420mm with that combo, no problems using it hand-held.

No VR keeps the price down. The 300 2.8 VR is 4x the price.
 
Thanks for the link Jan. I have a stammer so thanks thanks for pointing it out!!! Haha

I accept that VR is not important for high shutter speeds for jets. Props?? Maybe and on the ground yes
 
It's a superb lens! I've just bought my 2nd copy from MPB (1st nicked a few years back a week after paying for a new AF motor grrrrr....)

As has been said - performs well with a x1.4 TC.
 
With a 2TC III on will the loss of 2 stops mean autofocus won't work?
 
On the D4 you should still have Autofocus, however it'll likely be pretty slow/inaccurate (shooting at f/8 minimum).

I think it's a bit rich at £800, they seem to fetch around £700-750 - is this with a dealer?

You won't miss the VR with the 300 f/4, maybe if you have a TC with it, but it's easily handholdable at slower speeds for prop aircraft.
 
Yep. Am I allowed to mention names? One in Brixham and one in Pimlico, London??????

The doubler prob isn't necessary. Sounds like the 1.4aTc would be Ok on the D4 and D600.. What do you think?
Thanks
 
Mifsuds? are good to deal with imo

Also, there may well be a new/updated 1.4TC coming soon.
 
Yep Mifsuds. They are excellent to deal with and I have bought a lot of stuff from them. Conclusion appears to be brilliant lens with 1.4x but don't try it with the 2x - or at least try it but it mightnt work
Thanks:clap:
 
Bill thats one hell of a photo of the bird/fish. 300/1.4TC I presume?
Theres an overwhelming feel that this is a super lens, also with the 1.4TC but no more. Thanks all for comments
merv:clap:
 
Most of my plane shots in Transport is with this (some have been with 70-200). I think exif is intact so you should be able to see.

Brilliant lens, quite light considering and great IQ
 
I paid £1100 for mine - new. I think 800 is decent from a reputable seller.

But ... you may find it cheaper used.

It really is a nice lens to use. Not the most fantastic looker, and it has it's issues, I don't like the hood for one ... but so far so good on the output. And that's all that really matters in the end :)
 
I used to own the 300 f4 AF-S.

It worked fine with both the 1.4 and 1.7 Nikon Tc's.

However for the used price you are also in the range of the Sigma 120-300 2.8 which takes a2xTC with no AF problems.
 
Its very good for sport photography I use it with my D700

1_9.jpg
 
Some crackin' shots there. So impressed have ordered the 300 f4 new and a 1.4TC. Was offered a mint used for £930 by a leading dealer - crazy. New £1029. Thanks for all advice
merv
:clap:
 
There is rumours of a VR version with nano coating coming, although I'd imagine the Nikon pricing would be ridiculous.
 
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