Nikon 300mm

[Hassan]

I’ve been using the Nikon 300mm f/4E PF VR and it’s been a fantastic lens – super sharp and incredibly lightweight for the reach. Just wondering, how many of you use it for birds-in-flight? Any tips?

 

[Compuwight]

As you say its a beaut of a lens and pairs well with the 1.4TC, it may be a little short for BIF unless they are big and/or close. I find best results around f8 and never less than 1/1000 with ISO set to auto. As birds are often against a bright sky, I mostly set +1 on exposure and set metering to centre weighted with exposure set to point. Hope this helps and have Fun !

PS I also use the big brother 500PF and is my goto for BIF

 

[Hassan]

Thanks a lot, really appreciate the detailed reply!


Yeah, I agree – with the 1.4TC it gets decent reach, but I can see how the 500PF becomes the go-to for serious BIF work. Your tips on exposure compensation and metering setup are super helpful – I’ll definitely try that +1 trick for sky shots.


Thanks again and happy shooting!

 

[Graham W]

Yes, I have it and as you say for the size and weight it's marvellous! Also takes the 1.4 TC well.
I also have the 400 2.8 vr and in comparison it's like trying to lift a washing machine!

 

[welshwizard645]

Lot depends on the camera body - 300mm + 1.4TC should be enough for DX cameras....500mm is just too much sometimes.