Nikkor 300mm f/4D AF-S

NvidiaDan · 6 Aug 2017 at 23:14

Anyone had any experience with this lens? Get some decent condition ones going for around £500 which seems good for such a sharp lens!

Aware it's quite old now though and can't seem to find a massive amount of info on it!

JDR82 · 7 Aug 2017 at 18:49

I had one for a while when I was first toying with the idea of downsizing from the Nikon 200-500 to a 300mm prime and TC as I prefer to be walking about rather than sitting still for more than 10 - 15mins.

I really liked it, was able to grab one in great condition for a good price and I instantly found the results to be excellent, solid well built lens with decent AF speed for the price. In the end I sold it on (and the 200-500) and grabbed the newer 300mm PF due to how small and light it is, also getting fantastic results at 420mm with the 1.4TC.

I do believe there is an issue with the tripod foot not being great, people either replacing it for a 3rd party one or jamming card in to stop potential vibration, I always used it hand held so can't comment.

A few images with the 300mm F/4D AF-S:

D.P. · 7 Aug 2017 at 19:42

^^ Love that osprey.

I had/have the 300mm AF-S. Its a great lens, incredibly sharp. i replaced it with the 300mm PF VR because I wanted something lighter for a backpacking trip and for hikes with one of my children on a backpack. The PF is somewhat disappointing in comparison to the AF_S which is why I held on to it. Ultimately the there is no real sharpness difference but the PF is much harder t get sharp photos form because it is just too light!

The biggest issue is it doesn't have that much reach obviously. I used it with a 1,4xTC and on an APS-C sensor this works well but on FF it is just too short.

NvidiaDan · 7 Aug 2017 at 23:01

Thanks both. Going from those comments I think I'll get one when one comes along for a good price and possibly a 1.4x TC as well!

Thanks for the replies

JDR82 · 8 Aug 2017 at 20:18

I find Wex to be great for used lenses, you get a bit more comfort than going down the eBay or local ad route.

There is one currently for £429 although with a bit of wear but it will be functioning perfectly or they wouldn't touch it, you might want to research the 300mm f/4D and 1.4TC results, I think I remember reading you want to go for the older 1.4TC II rather than the latest III version as they work better together.

Holst1981 · 8 Aug 2017 at 20:32

Im still extremely happy with mine.
Used most of the time with the 1.4 tc.

For that sort of money it's a bit of a bargain.

I use a sling strap with mine.
Its about as heavy as I'm happy to carry.
I mostly shoot handheld.
But I also carry a monopod as it's heavy to hold for too long.

Focus performance is pretty good on my 7100.
The AFS motor makes the screwdrive models less attractive.

NvidiaDan · 8 Aug 2017 at 23:09

JDR82 said:
I find Wex to be great for used lenses, you get a bit more comfort than going down the eBay or local ad route.

There is one currently for £429 although with a bit of wear but it will be functioning perfectly or they wouldn't touch it, you might want to research the 300mm f/4D and 1.4TC results, I think I remember reading you want to go for the older 1.4TC II rather than the latest III version as they work better together.

Thanks! Will take a look

Holst1981 said:
Im still extremely happy with mine.
Used most of the time with the 1.4 tc.

For that sort of money it's a bit of a bargain.

I use a sling strap with mine.
Its about as heavy as I'm happy to carry.
I mostly shoot handheld.
But I also carry a monopod as it's heavy to hold for too long.

Focus performance is pretty good on my 7100.
The AFS motor makes the screwdrive models less attractive.

Good to hear as I will also be using it with a 7100 until I've saved for the D500

Usually shoot with my Sigma 150-600 Sport handheld so the weight may actually be a bit of a relief!