Some technical junk:
- White Balance: Auto
- ISO: 200
- EXIF information is preserved in the images
- Lens was mounted on Nikon D3s FX Camera and Gitzo tripod
- Subject distance is about 8 meters (approx. 26 feet)
- Focusing was performed through Live-View Contrast Detect.
- Mirror Lock-Up mode with Exposure Delay set to “On” and remote cable release to completely eliminate camera shake
- Long exposure NR: Off
- Image Format: RAW
- Lightroom settings: Default settings, but exposure had to be slightly adjusted for some images
- Lightroom export: sRGB JPEG Quality 80
- Testing was performed at f/2.8, f/4.0, f/5.6 and f/8.0 apertures
- Nothing was moved during testing
13) Sharpness Test – Nikon 300mm Center Frame
Either hover your mouse or click on each image to see the aperture settings. Top left: f/2.8, Top right: f/4.0, Bottom left: f/5.6, Bottom right: f/8.0.
Do you see a difference between any of the above images? Because I don’t – the center sharpness of the Nikon 300mm f/2.8G VR II is looking very good at all apertures.
14) Sharpness Test – Nikon 300mm Corner Frame
How about the extreme corners? Let’s take a look:
Again, the corners look as good as the center frame, which is simply incredible! No wonder why images from this lens look so crisp and sharp.
About Nasim Mansurov
Great review, thanks for the work. I love that pika with grass shot!
Thank you Tom! Can’t wait to get out and shoot more :)
Great review!
I am using the 300f/4 + TC-20E III and it does autofocus for me, except sometimes I have to prefocus manually. I do not see loss in image quality for non-flying birds with the TC-20E III.
Before buying the 300f/2.8, I would like to find comparisons vs the 300f/4 with the TC-20E III for flying and non-flying birds.
Nasim, excellent article as usual. I agree with your comments across the board. I absolutely love this lens and when I go to photograph sports, wildlife or nature it automatically gets mounted on the D3s. I rented the TC20 III but still unable to purchase one, so I am hoping they will become available soon. I wanted to let you know that I use the Manfrotto 393 Telephoto support system on my monopod and my tripod and the results have been excellent. With the range of motion I can get with the 393 and the support, I am able to shoot for hours at a time without breaking my back. Thanks for your hard work and time on these articles.
Tim
Thank you for your feedback Tim, I appreciate it :) I spent a week writing this article and I rushed it last night, since it was already 3 AM, LOL :)
Let me know if you want me to get the TC-20E III for you – I will ask my B&H rep.
Great review Nasim – i’m very impressed by the combination with converters, especially the TC20 EIII – looks like a combo I’ll need to add to my arsenal.
On the subject of new lenses – I’m really looking forward to the Nikkor 24-120mm F4.0 – i hope its as good a the Nikkor 16-35mm f4.0, which I use a lot.
@Pasquier that 24-120 f/4 will be Nikon’s version of similar Canon’s 24-105 f/4? Any ideia of the price range for it?
Very good review Nasim, I really like the way you match it against different “price/quality” ranges so we can get a better notion of what comes with the price tag.
This is one of those lens that in my personal catalog will go to the ‘you can dream but you won’t get’ section :) Still, is good to know that the 300 f/4 with the 1.4 TC also does a great job (this one is on the ‘you can dream, so save and you will get’ section )
Rodrigo, can’t confirm the prices on the 24-120mm f/4.0 yet, but it will be in the $1,200-1,400 range.
Thank you for your feedback! And regarding the 300mm f/4.0 – it once again proved to be an excellent lens for the price! I just wish Nikon updated it with VR…
Pasquier, I am sure the 24-120mm f/4.0 will be superb – better than the Canon version. I will be getting it very soon, so stay tuned brother! :)
Mine is already on order – so you’ll have to be fast.
I’ll give the new 85mm f1.4 AFS a miss – I still got my old one for $900 at B&H, and the new one will cost close to 2K – too steep for my needs.
Am intrigued by the 24mm f1.4 though…. ah, NAS is a bad sickness.
Pasquier, same here, let’s see who gets it first :)
The Nikon 85mm f/1.4G is going to be selling at $1,700, around $500 more than what the current 85mm is selling for…
Yes, NAS is bad, somebody needs to cure me ASAP!
Hi Nasim,
Thanks for such a comprehensive review, always good to get some feedback on how the lens performs in the field vs the studio. The photos from the lens look amazing and clear, I love the Nutcracker feeding her chick.
Especially appreciate the comparison vs the Sigma lens. I own the Sigma 150-500mm f5-6.3 VR after my first lens was the Sigma 70-200mm f2.8 which I found a really good lens for my sports photos and completely love. However the 150-500mm was very dissapointing in comparison and even at 300mm where the ‘sweet spot’ is on this lens I far prefer my Nikor 80-300mm f4.5-5.6 lens (even without the VR on this lens), even better I picked this lens up 2nd hand for only 270 CHF vs 1700 CHF for the (dust collecting) Sigma. So I don’t think that your poor experience withthe Sigma relates to your particular lens.
At a price of 6K USD I imagine I won’t be getting this lens any time soon (I can’t see my wife being impressed if I did since photography is a love and not a business for me) but it looks like a beautiful lens, I hope you enjoy using it and make sure you keep publishing the pictures on your site so we can at least share the results from it and keep dreaming.
Thanks,
Mark.
Mark, thank you for your feedback on the article and opinion on the Sigma 150-500mm! I knew that it would not be as good as the 300mm, but did not have a clue about its 500mm performance…
Nasim, haven’t had a chance to finish the article yet, but wanted to say I love the coyote and marmot shots in particular. Incredible sharpness and detail in the fur. Great captures! Would love the hear the stories behind the images. :-)
Under 27) Summary: “…to get the Nikon 70-300mm f/2.8G VR II…”. I´d love that lens! ;-)
Great review!!!!!
Lars, thanks for catching that typo, I meant to say 70-200mm :)
I have just purchased a second hand Nikon 300mm F2.8 VR and could not agree with you more. In good light the shots barely need touching. Super sharp, super colours and contrast.
I hand hold too but just love using this beast. The weight was an adjustment since I came from a Nikon 300mm F4 but you get used to it. Thanks for the review – only wish I had found it 3 weeks ago before I bought my lense!
Thank you
Stevie
Stevie, thank you for your feedback! I’m glad you like your 300mm f/2.8 – it is one hell of a lens for sure :)
Hi
You say “with a 1.5x larger field of view on DX sensor”. This should be “with a 1.5x narrower field of view on a DX sensor”
:)
Neil, thank you so much for pointing it out…I fixed the article!
Hi Nasim,
Love your web site.
I am looking for a longer lens, up to 500-600mm but can not justify the size and weight of the 400mm f/2.8 or 500 f/4.0.
I am interested in the 300mm 2.8 VR II, with TC x1.4 and TC x2.0 compared to the 200-400 f/4 VR II with TC x1.4 only.
Both would cover the same focal length range up to around 600mm, with the 300mm lighter and easier to carry on long walks.
I would be interested in your comments on these two outfits in respect to sharpness and useability in the field for birds, animals nature etc.
Geoff, the 300mm f/2.8G VR II works great with all teleconverters, even TC-20E III, so I would certainly go for the 300mm instead. It is also a more practical wildlife lens, due to smaller size and lower weight.
Hi, Nasim.
Hope you and your family are doing well.
I have never used any teleconverter so far and have one question. From what focal length does it make sense to use a teleconverter? The longest lens I have is a 85 1.4. I am not going to buy any longer lens now but if I use a new TC20-E III teleconverter, will I have any good result from such a combo? As I guess I will then have a 170 mm f2.8 lens which would be long enough for me. How do you think how much the quality will decrease if I use it for height portraits?
PS: I have finally bought a new 16-35 zoom and really like the shots I make. Thanks a lot for your review!
Alisher, I apologize for a late response.
Teleconverters are specifically created for long-range lenses such as Nikon 300/400/500/600mm lenses. They are also known to work with some of the pro-level lenses such as Nikon 70-200mm f/2.8G VR and Nikon 105mm f/2.8 VR. They will not work with your 85mm f/1.4 – the TC will not event mount on top of your 85mm f/1.4….
Why would you want to use a teleconverter with the 85mm f/1.4 though? It works great without one…
Nasim,
I would like to have a big tele lens but am not going to spend much money on it now. So I supposed that a teleconverter would solve this problem. Now I see that there should be one good tele lens before you buy any teleconverter. Thanks for your advice.
I’m glad you are enjoying the 16-35mm – it is a beautiful lens!
Nasim,
I just got finished reading your review on the Nikon 300mm f/2.8 lens. I currently use the 70-200mm f/2.8 for sports photography and was looking for more reach. I shoot alot of indoor (low light)sports such as B/B,V/B and High School football (night games) with the 70-200 and being a f2.8, it works well but I’m wearing myself out moving around because of the lack of reach. I was on the fence as what to purchase next as the upgrade… 200-400mm f/4.0 or the 300mm f/2.8 but after reading your review I think the 300mm f/2.8 is the way to go !! Both are pricey, but I know that going in.. just want to spend that amount of $’s wisely !!
Thanks for your advice !!!
Ken
Ken, you are most welcome! Yes, the Nikon 300mm f/2.8G I believe is a better lens than the 200-400mm. I’m selling mine this week on Ebay to either get the 300mm or 400mm for wildlife.
By the way, I have just checked with B&H and they have the 300mm f/2.8G in stock. They just came back from holidays and they should be able to send the lens to you as soon as you order it.
Okay great… all of my gear comes from B&H, wouldn’t shop anywhere else !! Just a few more pieces of gear to sell and will have the $’s to order !! The 300mm f/2.8 and my D300 and D700 bodies should work well together !!
Thanks again !!
Ken
Sounds good Ken, good luck!
Thanks for a great review, Nasim. I actually read it when it first came out and before any comments were posted. I think I had ordered mine the day before and you confirmed my hopes and expectations with commendable precision.
Actually I had to send back the first copy I got because the autofocus failed on the second day and I didn’t get the replacement until a few weeks ago. I used it last weekend for many shots in a Blues Festival I cover and was most impressed with the clarity and isolation the lens delivers.
My primary reason for purchase was for a trip to Antarctica next year including shots from the deck of the ship and potentially with a TC14E or TC20E III.
Regards,
Murray
Murray, thank you for your feedback!
It is unfortunate that autofocus on your first copy failed…that does not happen very often with Nikon pro-level lenses ;-) But seems like you are quite happy with the replacement.
The Nikon 300mm f/2.8G is a superb lens and it will work perfectly well with all TCs. I’m sure you will capture beautiful images from Antarctica with this lens. Just make sure to stop down a little when you use the 2x TC and you will be in good shape.
Thanks Nazim for the tip about the 2xTC. When I get the time I intend to test the lens including with the two teleconverters at different apertures and also at different shutter speeds on a monopod, 5×4 studio tripod and carbon fibre tripod, and with different other factors such as mirror lockup and lens support. Hopefully that will give me a good sense of what I can do and what I can’t do.
Regards,
Murray
Murray, that’s a good idea – I also do test lenses in the beginning to see what they are capable of.
Good luck!
Excellent Review!! I also have the Nikon 300mm f2.8 VRII lens and agree that it is a stellar lens both alone or paired with the Nikon TC17EII (1.7x) teleconverter. I use this combination often and have been very pleased with my results. Thanks for taking the time to do such an in depth review. I do some short product reviews with sample image galleries (not nearly this in depth) on my blog and know that you put a great deal of time into it.
I admit to be a bit jealous that you have the Nikon TC-20EIII teleconverter to pair with this lens. This teleconverter has been on my wish list for several months now but it is never in stock. I wonder what is taking Nikon so long to get more of these new 2x teleconverters to the USA? Anyway, I plan on picking one up as soon as it is available.
Anyone who is interested in more sample photos with the Nikon 300mm f2.8 VRII both with and without the 1.7x teleconverter can check out my blog at : http://ksqphotography.wordpress.com/
Thanks again!
Kyle
KSQPhotography
Thank you for your feedback Kyle!
Hopefully Nikon will soon catch up with the demand on the TC-20E III – it is still unavailable anywhere in the US. I don’t think they were anticipating that much demand on it, since the TC-20E II was not a popular TC. Now that the TC-20E III performs so well with other lenses such as Nikon 70-200mm, more and more people want to buy it, hence creating such a huge demand.
Great review Nasim.
I was on the process to decide between 300mm f2.8 VRII and 200-400mm f4. Now it´s clear.
I use telephoto mostly for birds. Right now I have a 70-200 f2.8G VRII + TC-20II and have a lot of good captures, but in some conditions I feel I need more reach.
I have still one question related to the differences between TC-20II and TC-20III, do you have any feeling if it make sense to have the III having already the II. And is it better to use TC-17 with 300mm and then crop the image or use TC-20 and crop less.
Thanks again
Thank you Jose! If you do not mind cropping, then I would personally shoot the Nikon 300mm f/2.8G with the TC-17E II, instead of buying another TC.
I had the TC-20E II and upgraded to the TC-20E III … and I can tell you the latter is sharper.
Here is test … showing the TC-20E III + Nikon 300mm/2.8 … shooting across a lake at night.
See the range and sharpness …
http://www.mundy.ca/Miscellaneous/Tests/TC-20E-III/
Steve
Dear Nazim,
Congratulations for detailed review, well done.
I was thinking of getting the latest 200-400 vr, but now i am a little bit confused.
as i understood you switched from the 200-400 to the 300? am i right? what is the reason you do that?
is the 300 f/2.8 flexible enough on the field? is it handhandable enough to sacrifice the zoom advantage?
i currently use the 70-200 vr2 with tc20iii,and i like the results, but i would like to get to the next step. The issue is that here in Greece the distances to the objects are never too long, let say 30-50meters.
I like to take photos of medium large birds and mammals, in the wild.
What’s your opinion?
thanks in advance
nikos
Nikos, sorry for a late response!
I will write a lot more on the 200-400mm lens later when its review is complete, but a couple of things you should keep in mind – the Nikon 200-400mm is great for close-up shots, but not for subjects that are far away. I find its AF to be unreliable with subjects shot beyond 100 feet, which is certainly an inconvenience, because I have to watch my focus when shooting distant subjects. The Nikon 300mm f/2.8G does not have this problem and focuses dead on even with TCs.
And yes, the Nikon 300mm f/2.8G is handholdable compared to the 200-400mm. If you can be really close to your subjects, then the 200-400mm is terrific and certainly more flexible than the 300mm f/2.8G.
Hi Nazim,
thanks for responds.
i will consider your advice.
best regards
nikos
I just found your website and am reading many of the reviews with great interest. Lloyd Chambers reviewed this lens and reported receiving a bad copy, where sharpness at f2.8 was very bad. One of his readers also reported this with his lens. What do you make of this? It has caused me to delay this purchase, as I don’t want to deal with such issues….
Update: Primarily due to your fine review, I did go ahead and buy this lens (from B&H). I got a perfect copy and verified everything you said. I am just amazed how good this lens is with the TC-20E III, just amazed. What a great addition to my arsenal. Thanks for your fine reviews here!
I also got an Aquatech push on cap for this lens. They are wonderful, and much nicer than the bulky “sock” caps that come with these exotic lenses. Do you use the Aquatech caps?
I also got a Kirk replacement foot, which was a bit of a mistake. Usually I buy RRS foots, and should have done so here. The Kirk foot does work in all my clamps, but is a bit too snug in my Mongoose Gimbal Head, and way to snug in my RRS monopod head (with level release clamp), making it way to hard to close the clamps. It works fine in my Arca-Swiss clamps (C1 Cube and Monoball P1 S with Quick Set Device Flip-Lock).
The Semi-Soft Case (CL-L1) works great with my D3x attached to the lens, as you said. It is quite adjustable, and I think I’ve found a way to carry this combo with the doubler attached. I had to get an extension for the front closing mechanism at REI, as the supplied mechanism is too short. I’ll test it the next time I have the doubler on.
Paul, I personally use the LensCoat camo products to protect my lenses. For the lens cap, I bought the LensCoat “Hoodie” cap that works great for me.
As for the replacement foot, I personally use RRS and find it to be very good. I have used Kirk in the past, but for DSLR quick-release brackets, not for lenses.
Shweet! I am glad that you found my review helpful, the Nikon 300mm f/2.8G is truly superb!
Paul, Lloyd Chambers probably got a bad sample of the lens – mine was certainly a good one.
I can’t get the new 300mm 2.8 in time for my next trip, i can only get the previous version. I do own the TC-20E III, do you think it will work as well with the previous version of the 300mm. A lot of people say that Nano Coating is just marketing stuff but the colors and sharpness from the new lenses looks better for me. I have the 85mm 1.4g, the 16-35mm f4 and the new 70-200 vr II and my photos look better that my old lenses. That is why i’m willing to pay more for the new versions. But now I’m in a hurry and i don’t know if it the right move
Alejack, yes, the Nikon TC-20E III will work equally well with the previous version of the 300mm f/2.8G lens. If you cannot wait, the older 300mm f/2.8G is still a very good lens.
Mr. Nasim Do you or have you used the polarizing filter available for this remarkable lens?
Natasha, yes, a polarizing filter is available for this lens – it is a drop-in filter from Nikon.
Thanks for one of the more useful reviews I’ve seen for the 300 2.8 &/or the 200-400 compared. I had a 300 pre-VR & sold it several years back for the then-new 200-400. Like you, I enjoyed using the 200-400 for several years. I sold the 200-400 last year, and acquired the 400 2.8. I loved the fixed 400, but sold it: Just too large & heavy for most purposes other than the sidelines. Stil, a wonderful lens for subject isolation and brute AF accuracy & speed.
I have considered acquiring the updated 200-400, but am really on the fence vs. the 300. Your revealing review has me again leaning in the 300 direction, as it’s just really hard to see anything that isn’t a positive from this lens. Both lenses perform very well on DX, but the 300 seems to offer greater flexibility, as it’s more useful with the TC’s.
Thank you for a most comprehensive review. I borrowed a 300 from Nikon when shooting the Open golf at St Andrews last year. It was just terrific. I shot the winner on the final hole from the roof of the St Andrews Club (5 stories up) and got pin sharp results even in cropped images. Great colour, contrast and tone. I have coveted one ever since and now have the opportunity. Your review helped the rationalisation! The quality of the results with the 1.7x converter, which I often use with the 70-200 2.8, and the comparison with that lens is really the difference. The shots in the review say it all. Thanks again
I primarily shoot airshows and have been on the fence on which lens is best for this application, the 300 2.8 or the 200-400. While the 300 2.8 sounds like it is sharper, I think the the ability to zoom on the 200-400 would help follow fast moving aircraft with greater accuracy and flexibility. I wanted to see if you have used either of these lenses in this type of application and what are your thoughts in this area. Thanks for a great site.
Tom, I apologize for such a late response – I somehow missed your comment. For your situation, the 300mm f/2.8G VR II is still a better choice in my opinion. The 200-400mm has a problem with focusing on distant subjects, so I prefer the 300mm f/2.8G instead for that reason.
I shoot a lot of air shows, air races, and I find the 300mm/2.8 VR the perfect lens for this application. I was shooting with both the 300/2.8 and 500/f4 at the Red Bull, but found the 500 to be too close most of the time. If you have the 300/2.8, you can shoot at 510mm/4.8 with the TC-17, but you cannot shoot at 300/2.8 if you have the 500/4. I prefer a sharper prime lens to the slower zoom.
If you are planning to use your prime with TCs, starting at 2.8 is a huge advantage. Plus, it gives you the ability to shoot at a wider aperture. Most people concentrate on the speed advantage, but the wider aperture will give you a narrower DoF, and better background blur and bokeh. You cannot substitute that with higher ISO.
The 300/2.8 is my most used lens, and just a real dream to use.
With my 3 TCs, easily kept in pockets, this one lens gives me the following primes:
300mm/2.8
420mm/4
510mm/4.8
600mm/5.6
.
Thank you for your feedback Steve!
добрый день.
хотелось бы уточнить слегка озадачивший меня момент
- что значит в примерах “ФР 500 мм” ?
это описка, или округленные 300*1.7=510, или еще что-то ?
:)
и еще, очень интересно узнать у автора – “Since I shoot hand-held a lot” -
насколько все же реально снимать этой линзой с рук во время прогулок ,
в т.ч. в “зенитном” направлении ? :)
сильно ли устают руки при съемках, успеваете ли оперативно реагировать
с этой увесистой кучкой железа на пролетающую над головой птицу, ну и т.п.
спасибо!
Александр, что-то не вижу я 500mm…покажите где пожалуйста.
А снимать с рук очень даже реально – я постоянно с рук снимаю когда использую 300mm f/2.8. Рука устает конечно-же, но 10-15 секунд передышка и можно снимать дальше.
Hi Nazim,
“it is extremely tough to make sharp images with the 300mm f/4.0 AF-S when the shutter speed is slower than 1/250th of a second, due to lack of VR system.” , when handheld? or even on tripod?
Shanavas, when hand-held of course.
A basic question for you Nasim: If you set up the 300mm on a tripod and took a shot, then added a teleconverter behind the lenss and took the same shot, which would be the sharper image – a cropped image taken without the teleconverter, or the uncropped image using the teleconverter? Why would one be better than the other?
NikJ, it is hard to say which one would be better, because it all depends on what TC is used, what aperture, etc. It is always better to have the reach than having to crop…
Excellent review. However, I think the Nikon 200 f/2 edges out the 300 f/2.8 for sharpness and bokeh – only just though. I have both VR II versions.
Matt, the Nikon 200mm f/2.0 VR II is one hell of a lens for sure :) Very sharp, with any TC.
I hace the same lens and see a problem(wierd issue) with the bokeh. It makes a duplicating image of the defocused points, that looks unnatural and weird. I dont see this effect in other nikons like 70-180, 135 DC, 50f1.4, 24PC.
This effect is easy to see when the point not in focus is near the plane of focus and the focus plane is far (aprox 50mts). Try to take pictures of building in manual focus and look what happens when windows, brick or tension wires are not in focus.
The 400mm f2.8 VR II have the same issue?
Jony, try turning off VR and do another test – let me know if you still see the same problem
To me at least, the picture of the bird shot with the 300 TC20 combo just looks like the camera did not achieve perfect focus. I think a stationary object might show how sharp the lens is better. But that’s just my thoughts. Other than that, a great review!
Thank you for your feedback Devin! The picture you mentioned, is that the one with the hawk (before and after sharpening)?
My Friend,
You authorise me to call you my friend..? I am 67 and have been a passionate of photography since I was 8 and I still have my first camera to remind me of my beginning.To cut a long story short I have just come across your site in looking for a new prof monitor .I can see that we share the same feelings..I have the Nikon D3 ,70-200Vr2,24-70mm, 14-24mm,24-120mm ,85mm 1.4 ,and My dream is to handle either the 200mm f2 or the 300 f2.8 .My favourite category being landscape what do you suggest I shoulld get first…
Christian, of course you can call me a friend, it would only be an honor!
As for your lens dilemma, neither the 200mm f/2 nor the 300mm f/2.8 are landscape lenses – they are great for portraits and wildlife. Do you shoot wildlife? If you do, then the Nikon 300mm f/2.8G VR II is what you want, probably with the Nikon TC-20E III teleconverter.
The 300/2.8 is my most used lens, and I have all 3 Nikon TCs, including the TC-20E III.
If you are only buying one TC, or the first one you buy, I would say should be the TC-17E II. It is so sharp that I cannot even tell without looking at the EXIF, that I used a TC. The TC-20E III is good, but it does ever so slightly show a bit of sharpness loss. You cannot go wrong with any TC, but the TC-17 gives the best magnification without any quality loss. IMHO.
Hi Nasim,
Thanks for a great review.
I have just bought Nikon 300mm f2.8 VR ll & wondered if you could give me a little advice.
I mainly shoot wildlife & birds in flight & have read many conflicting reviews regarding the VR ll.
Should I use the VR ll when handholding for BIF?
Should I leave VR ll on for tracking birds on a tripod or monopod on a Manfrotto Gimbal head?
Your advice would be appreciated.
Regrds,
Maria
Maria, if your shutter speed is above 1/300th of a second (which it should be for BIF), then turn off VR. VR should only be used when the shutter speed drops in low-light situations. And if you are using a monopod/tripod, then you should avoid VR unless the shutter speed is very low. When using VR, make sure that you half-press the shutter for at least 2-3 seconds for VR to fully stabilize.
For BIF, I would recommend at least 1/1000th of a second at the minimum.
After reading this review I took the plunge and bought this marvelous lens. I had been using the Nikon 300mm f/4 and had hit the wall with its limits time and time again. The f/2.8 VRII is much better in every regard. What most amazes me is
1.) How sharp images turn out, even handheld in soft light with a Nikon 1.4x TC attached.
2.) The gorgeous bokeh, even at apertures as small as f/8. How could this be?
3.) The confidence that such a superbly crafted instrument imparts. Just picking it up makes me feel
that I can accomplish anything.
4.) How well thought out every little detail is. Nikon must have set their best designers to work on
this one. And they even included a fully functional soft shell carrying case that is expandable so
that it can accommodate the lens with a camera attached. Finally!
The one and only disappointment has been that VRII does not help when the rig is mounted on a sturdy tripod and I’m photographing static subjects. Pictures definitely turn out sharper with it off. Other than that, all is bliss. Thanks, Nasim. – Kirk
Kirk, thank you for your feedback!
Why are you using VR when the lens is mounted on a tripod? You are not supposed to – even Nikon manual states that :) You should never use VR when the camera is on a tripod, or your shutter speed is faster than the focal length of the lens.
It depends which Nikon VR lens you have.
Some Nikon manuals tell you to leave VR set to ON when it is mounted on a tripod.
It is not a universal rule.
:)
Thanks for your very careful review. Your images are astounding; they validate your claims.
You are most welcome and thank you for your feedback!
Hi Nasim,
Your reviews are excellent and I thank you for them as they are very informative, easy to understand and from my own experience with the lenses you’ve tested and written about, that I also own, seem right on the mark.
Partly due to your excellent review of the 300 f2.8 VRII and TC’s attached as well, I ended up purchasing this lens and the three TC’s about 12 months ago and I have not bee disappointed. Even using the 2x TCIII attached to either my D700 or D7000 has resulted in exceptional IQ shots that I would have only ever dreamed about. It really is a cheap and compact way to get to 600mm with VR!
The beauty of this lens is that it is relatively compact, light and easy to carry round for long hikes, as well as the three TC’s, in it’s Nikon lens case. I actually have this attached onto the left side of the waist belt of my Lowepro Flipside 400 and it is at the right height on the belt for resting my left elbow for handheld shooting! It really is brilliant and makes for relatively unfatiguing shooting with the 300 f2.8. Even if you are not using the 300 itself, it can be used for resting your elbow for other lenses on the camera. I did have to make a slight modification to the waist belt of the Flipside 400 by getting the last part of the strap sewn to the waist belt pad in order for the two straps of the 300 f2.8 lens case to fit correctly. Any decent boot repairer or whatever should be able to do this for anyone who needs it done.
Also, with the lens on the waist belt, it is a more balanced set up if you are taking a few lenses with you in the Flipside 400. I have tried putting all my lenses, including the 300 f2.8 into a larger backpack, but I feel as though I am about to fall backwards due to all the weight being on my back!
Again, thank you for your accurate, well balanced in depth reviews and your excellent sample images. Your reviews are becoming the standard reference for me and an often linked reference for others that need assitance in lens purchase decision making.
Cheers!
Hi Lance,
I had something similar in mind when I manage to save up to purchase this lens. Ideally I would like to transport it at the front of my body to be quickly-accessible should any shooting situation suddenly arise, as I would often be on the move instead of having everything set up on a tripod for example. Do you think the provided case can be to attached to a chest harness? I don’t see any attachments on the cases, although I don’t personally own one. If there are none then do you figure it could be modified? Your idea sounds good but I would prefer it to be attached in a central position as I often go hiking for long distances.
Hi Shariff,
The 300mm f2.8 VRII lens case has two attachment straps at the rear about 4″ (100mm) apart running vertically and use velcro as the means of attachment. These work well with my Lowepro Flipside 400, but I did need to get an extra loop sewn into the waist belt as the current two loops available are not wide enough. I had a boot repair person do this for me or anyone similar with an indutrial sewing machine. I also did the same for my Lowepro Prorunner 350′s waist belt. It easy relatively easy to access the lens from the waist belt position without having to remove the backpack.
I have the lens case’s handle attached to a strap on the front of the shoulder strap of the backpack in order to keep the lens case upright when attached to the waist belt. I just use a strap with a slip lock on it from some other bag. You could use something else, though. I also use a similar slip lock strap to go around the lens case just below where the straps attach to the waist belt loops and this prevents the velcro form undoing and is another added piece of security.
I can provide photos of the system if you require.
The attachment straps of the lens case could be used to attach the lens case to some sort of harness for central positioning, but I have no experience of a harness for such a use. This is not to say that there isn’t anything available.
hi,
thanks for your precise review,bought this lens after reading it.
Cheers
Nasim,
Another great lens recommendation. Picked one up last weekend and was blown away. This lens was a valuable addition to the bag – fast, sharp and great with TCs.
Thanks