If you are a birder, you have only two choices for Nikon – either the 300mm f/4.0 AF-S or an expensive/heavy professional lens such as the 600mm f/4.0 VR. All other semi-professional lenses by Nikon are not good enough/long enough for birding. The 80-400mm f/4.5-5.6D VR is too slow to focus and a lot of people are frustrated with it because smaller birds are constantly on the move and won’t just sit there for you to take your time. I have been using this lens for almost two years now and have been very pleased with the results. I take it with me everywhere I go and have used it more than any other lens so far (my second most used lens is the Nikkor 50mm f/1.4). It is relatively light and I primarily use it handheld for shooting birds and other wildlife of Colorado.
I also tried some macro with this lens and was quite happy with the results. The lens minimum focal distance is 1.45 meters, so you will need a close-up filter to get closer. Some people use and praise the Canon 500D close-up filter, but I haven’t yet had the need for that kind of macro work. If you want to decrease the minimum focus distance of the 300mm f/4.0, then Canon 500D is currently the only way to go (500D will decrease the minimum focal distance to 0.9 meters, approximately down to 1.1x ratio).
Macro – 300mm f/4 @ f/8.0, 1/500 sec, handheld:
Most lenses are best stopped down to f/5.6-f/8 to give consistently good pictures, while this lens is very sharp wide open at f/4. Couple it with a 1.4x TC and you will have 420mm on a full frame sensor or 630mm on D90/D300 1.5x sensor cameras. The 300mm f/4 + 1.4x TC is great shooting wide open and provides excellent results when stopped down. My only suggestion is to switch the focus limiter from “FULL” to “~3m” on the lens when you have the TC on to prevent “haunting” or long focus acquisition, especially in low-light conditions.
Bokeh on Nikkor 300mm f/4 AF-S is very good, I would say very comparable to bokeh produced by professional f/4 lenses. To get the best bokeh, I would recommend shooting at f/4.0 – f/5.6. Keeping a close distance to the subject and having no objects right behind the subject also helps to achieve good bokeh results.
Besides being a birder’s lens of choice, the Nikkor 300mm f/4 is also a superb portrait lens. I love shooting my family with this lens, because it isolates subjects and produces crisp and colorful pictures. It lets you capture natural behavior of people, because you can capture images from a distance, making your presence less noticeable. Bear in mind that it is not a lens for indoor photography though. If you are looking for a lens to shoot indoors, you will need a much faster lens such as the Nikkor 50mm f/1.4.
There are three small downsides of this lens:
- There is no back element on this lens, so you have to be extremely careful in changing lenses as dust will go inside and you won’t be able to remove it yourself (I’m sure Nikon did this to keep the cost of the lens down). When you look at the back of this lens you can clearly see the diaphragm – the last lens element. Although the diaphragm closes down to minimum aperture (f/22) when the camera is turned off and lens removed, if the dust goes into the lens it will get through the hole onto the last glass element that sits in front of the diaphragm. At that point, the only option is to send the lens to Nikon for cleaning. If you are buying this lens used, make sure that it doesn’t have large dust particles visible from the front element. If you are shooting in dusty/windy areas, my recommendation is to keep the teleconverter always on the lens if you absolutely need to change lenses.
- I wish it had VR (Vibration Reduction) in it. Hopefully Nikon will release a VR version for us birders soon. Most DX lenses have VR in them, so there is no reason why Nikon can’t add VR to this lens at the same or slightly higher cost.
- For heavy tripod use, I recommend replacing the original lens collar with a more stable version from either Kirk or Really Right Stuff. I have the Kirk collar and it does a much better job in keeping the lens stable, compared to the original Nikon version.
Overall, I’m very pleased with this lens. It would be great if Nikon added VR to the future versions of this lens, but we do have to work with what we have today :) Considering that the lens costs 4 times less than the professional 300mm f/2.8 VR and yet yields almost the same contrast and sharpness, it is a good bargain and is definitely worth getting. It is also an excellent choice for those who like to travel light and want to handhold their lenses for long periods of time.
More sample shots with this lens:
Willet - 300mm f/4 wide open @ f/4.0, 1/1000 sec, handheld
Snowy Egret - 300mm f/4 @ f/8.0, 1/800 sec with 1.4x TC (420mm), handheld
Moon Shot - 300mm f/4 @ f/8.0 combined shot with 1.4x TC (420mm), tripod
Pros: Quick Focus, Durable, Lightweight, Strong Construction, Sharp Focus.
Cons: No back element, No VR, Bad Tripod Collar.
I bought my copy of the Nikon 300mm f/4.0 AF-S online from B&H, but you can also get it from Adorama or other large retailers. If you are in the USA, make sure to get the USA version that comes with the 5 year warranty.
Lens image courtesy of NikonUSA.com.
About Nasim Mansurov
I’ve just got my 300mm F4 AF-S
Here’s my first attempt with it
Colin, thank you for your feedback and congratulations with the purchase.
P.S. Sorry for responding so late, I didn’t even see this comment :)
I love that gooseberry shot! I am especially partial to close ups of plants and that has such wonderful colour and clarity.
I myself am a Canon shooter and I hope to be able to buy the 300mm f4 IS lens along with a 1.4x teleconverter. I have a European Buzzard that comes to my field every morning and I would love to get some decent shots of him/her – not sure which sex it is. I have an interaction with him that I really treasure ( http://myworldinphotosandwords.blogspot.com/2010/03/what-strange-behaviour.html ) and I would love to have some special images to remember him by.
Thank you Kerry!
It is unfortunate that Nikon has not yet updated this beautiful lens with image stabilization. Canon clearly has a lead in the lens department when it comes to telephoto lenses.
Coupled with the 1.4x TC, the Canon 300mm f/4.0 IS lens will yield superb results that you will be very pleased with. Every birder I talk to loves that combination! Canon also has Canon 400mm f/5.6 lens, but it has no IS :(
Your picture of Buzzard is beautiful! I left a comment under your post, but it has not showed up yet…
Thanks for the comment Nasim. I am truly blessed to have my visitor.
I have moderation on my posts as apparently there is a major problem with unpleasant comments that lead to unsavoury sites. :-( I must put a message to explain that.
you will never look back with the 300f4 he uses a 40d and takes some amazing bird shots with send me your email and will send some to you
Nasim -
Could you give us your experienced opinion or any testing you may have done in comparing the Nikon 300mm f4 with a TC 1.4 and the new 70-200mm f2.8 VRII and the new TC 2.0 III at 400mm?
Thank you!
Charlie, the Nikon 300mm f/4.0 AF-S with 1.4x TC is much sharper than the 70-200mm f/2.8 VRII with the TC-20E III.
Thanks Nasim! I guess I have to pony up for the 300mm f4.
Nasim
thanks for your review of the 300mm. I’m hesitating between this lens and the Sigma 150-500mm.
Have you had the opportunity to try the Sigma yet ? Your thoughts and comments would be appreciated.
Thanks !
Daniel, you are most welcome! Yes, I did try out the Bigma and while many photographers are quite happy with it, I have seen some bad samples out there with focusing problems and the one I tried had the same problem. If Sigma was a little more consistent in QA, I would have certainly recommended it. It is a cheap way to get to 500mm :)
Nasim,
Thanks for the reviews for the Nikon lenses, they are very informative. I am torn between getting a 70-200 vr2 w/ 1.4x or the 300 f/4, are they relatively the same in terms of sharpness? or would the 300 f/4 win it outright?
Thanks again.
Rocky, the 300mm f/4.0 would win when it comes to sharpness. If you need the reach, go for the 300mm + 1.4x. Check out my latest bird shots – they are all taken with the 300mm f/4.0 AF-S.
It be interested if you ever pushed this lens a bit more by using a 1.7x or 2.0x teleconverter.
FYI, the sandpiper in your shot is a Willet.
PAG, I did, but autofocus works extremely poorly and the images are not as sharp, even with the 1.7x.
Thank you for pointing out the correct bird name, I changed it :)
Hey Nasim
This was a very interesting article. And you got great captures.
I personally use a nikon d5000, so could you please advice some good[& cheap of course ;) ] lens along with a teleconverter that could do something similar.
Cheers
Praveen, there is really no good “cheap” lens that can take teleconverters. Your best bet would be to get the Nikon 70-300mm VR lens, which will give you 300mm focal length.
Thanks Nasim I think I will go for those. But which would be the most ideal teleconverter for it considering I am into wildlife photography?
Cheers
Praveen, teleconverters do not work with the 70-300mm VR – they only work with very expensive, prime lenses.
Here’s the list of all the Nikon lenses that work with the different Nikon teleconverters:
http://www.nikonusa.com/en_INC/IMG/Assets/Common-Assets/Images/Teleconverter-Compatibility/en_US_Comp_chart.html
Praveen-
There is no teleconverter for the 70-300mm Nikon VR. You would have to go to a Nikon 300mm f4 ($1500) with a teleconverter or a Sigma 150-500mm ($1000) to exceed 300mm. Or something similar.
Thank you for responding to Praveen Charlie!
Nasim
Many thanks for your excellent review it helped me decide ( a few months ago) between a 70-300mm and the 300mm F4. I went for the fixed 300mm as it was principally required for wildlife and sports. Your review is very helpful and extremely clear. I look forward to your comments on the new 24-120mm Vr F4 as my main zoom is a little restricted 28-70mm F3.5-4.5, it’s nice and sharp as well as small but I could do with a single zoom with better range.
thanks
Thank you for your feedback Adrian!
I will have my hands on the 24-120mm tomorrow and will be testing it for the next 2 weeks.
Thank you very much Nasim for your deep review.
I use do do Street and need a mid range tele; wich will be you advice in terms of Price to Sharpess/AF Speed:
300mm F4 AFS
180mm F2.8 AFD
80-200mm F2.8 AFD
All 3 are in the 800/1200usd range but I just can afford one.
Best. Carlos
You are most welcome Carlos!
If you need the reach, the 300mm is clearly the right choice. Otherwise, the 80-200mm is a versatile lens for street photography.
Hi! what would be my best option? buying this lens for my D3 for soccer photography, or buying a D300S(for the reach) for use with my 70-200mm?
Is the AF speed good enough on the 300mm f/4 AF-S to photograph fast action?
Cheers!
Runar, 300mm f/4 will always give you better results than 70-200mm on a DX body. And yes, AF on the 300mm is super fast. I shoot birds with it.
Hi Nasim,
I am currently using Nikon D300s & 70-300mm VR lens for birding (new to birding), I am not satisfied with this lens’ performance at its maximum reach’(at 200mm to 300mm range images seems soft), after reading your review about Nikon 300mm f/4 I almost decided to buy the same which is affordable to me.
But I am not able to take a decision due to only one reason that, its a Non-VR lens;
Is VR really matters the sharpness while shooting birds handheld, if matters a monopod(never used a monopod) can overcome this problem or we must use a tripod ?
If we are following the shutter speed >=focal length (x 1.5) rule, this non-VR issue can be overcome to some extend ?
Thanks
Shanavas, yes, just keep the speed >= focal length formula in mind and you will get sharp images.
Hi,
I have a passin for photography.
I had a nikon D5000 + sigma 150-500.
I now also own nikon D300s.I find the sigma is very slow and wanted to upgrade myself.My options are Nikon 80-400 or AF-S Nikkor 300mm f/4D IF-ED + 1.4 teleconverter.If i go for 300mmf4 then i can use my 150-500 with my D5000 and 300f with my D300s.
I need your sugetions to make my investment since i have budget only for these lenses.
These are some of my pictures……..
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Srinivas-Me-and-Myself-Photography-as-an-hobby/139861309379973
Srinivas, the Nikon 300mm f/4D is much faster in AF performance than the 80-400mm VR. If you do birding, forget about 80-400 and get the 300mm f/4.
Dear Nasim,
Thanx for your guidance. iam going for Nikon 300mm f/4D only.
Thank you for this thoughtful site! I have several questions:
I own a D80, 18-200 VR I, 50mm 1.8, an SB-600 and a light duty Manfrotto tripod (7.7lbs max load). My passions are taking photos of my children and of birds. For birds, I’ve rented the 300mm f/4 and 500mm f/4 from time to time. I’ve been holding off purchasing the 300mm in hopes of a VR version coming out as my tripod doesn’t hold out so well when I’ve tried mounting heavier glass to it. Given my interests, I’m willing to delay my bird work to concentrate on taking better shots of my kids if replacing my D80 or adding something like a 70-200 f2.8 will make a substantial difference. If you only had the funds to change one thing in my setup, would it be the body or a different lens? I’ve been thinking that the 70-200 with a teleconverter might be OK for birding, but from your reviews, it sounds like the 300mm f/4 is a better way to go. Any thoughts?
Scott, wait until Nikon announces the D4+D400 in February – they might announce some long lenses with those cameras. The 70-200mm is a great lens for portraits, but I don’t find it very useful for small birds – you will need the reach and sharpness of the 300mm f/4…
I very much hope Nikon releases a lightweight 300mm VR lens soon. I would buy one in a heartbeat!
Hi Nasim,
Thanks for your helpful review of this lens. I am seriously considering buying this lens over the 70-200 f/2.8. One question that popped into my head is this – do I need to necessarily stick with Nikon TCs or can I use third party TCs? Do you have any experiences to share with TCs from other vendors like Kenko?
Thanks!
Ajay
Ajay, I personally use Nikon TCs, since they are often of higher quality than other brands. You lose light and some quality when you use TCs, and it is best that you use the highest quality TC to have less impact on your image.
Sorry for a late response!
Thanks Nasim! I got similar feedback on other sites as well, so looks like Nikon TCs is the way to go.
Dear Nasim,
Highly appreciate your comment for 300mm f/4.
I’ve bought 70-200mm f/2.8 VRII before and I’m planning to buy 300mm f/4 for birding.
I’m considering to buy TC 1.4 or TC 2.0 III which wil be used for both lens afterwards, which TC you’ll suggest?
Many thanks!
EDDIE
Eddie, forget about using a 2x TC with the Nikon 300mm f/4.0 AF-S – it won’t autofocus and you will lose a lot of IQ/contrast. I can only recommend the Nikon 1.4x TC with the 300mm f/4.0. The Nikon 70-200mm f/2.8G VR II, on the other hand, is much better with TCs and I have used all three Nikon teleconverters with it successfully, although with the 2x you still have to stop down a little to get better sharpness.
If you are after birds, just get the Nikon 300mm f/4.0 + 1.4x TC and you will have a great setup. Don’t try 1.7x or 2x with the 300mm – you will be disappointed.
Sorry for a late response!
Thanks Nasim!
Many thanks for your valuable comment! I’ve bought 1.4x TC eventually and found that it’s perfect for birding.
Thanks again!
Eddie, glad you like the combo!
What are your thoughts on the older Nikon 300mm f4 AF IF ED lens? The newer AF-S version is out of my price range. Or would the Nikon 70-30mm VR model be better? I shoot wild life, and landscapes. Both handheld, and tripod.
Thank You
Paul
nasim thanks for ur fantastic review , i own this lens now . i find it difficult to shoot handheld along with d 700 . can u give some tips for using it handheld . i have a tripod but im quite lazy for hanging out witha tripod .
i think fast shutter speed could solve the purpose . what do u say
I just got the Nikon 300mm f4. I’ve used it with the 1.4x Nikon teleconverter on my D7000. I am very happy with it. It’s as fast as I need, sharp, and light to handle. Autofocus is fine too.
Only minus is that there is no VR, but then again that would increase the price considerably. You have to make sure your shutter speed is not too low. I found that anything much below 1/250 can be a problem, which is to be expected when shooting with a 420mm (300 x 1.4), handheld, with no VR. Don’t mind the tradeoff for a lens this good and this useful.
People are keen on an updated version with VR, so I’m wondering if VR is actually needed if using this lens with a tripod?
I have been looking into buying this lens and would mostly be using it on a tripod for surfing shots. I’m led to believe one should switch off the VR when using VR lens on tripods – is this correct?
Feedback would be appreciated as I’m wondering whether to wait till Nikon upgrades this obviously fine lens, or to go ahead with purchasing the current version as I won’t be needing the VR for tripod work (…IF I’ve got my facts right, that is…)
sir i have 3000mmafs 4/f nikon and d300s nikon camera , can you please guide me what programme will be good for bird photos just guide me thanking you.
Dear Nasim,
I always enjoy reading your blog for more information about photography. I will said your blog is my information hub. haha! your lens review was excellence cover and provide alot information and i looking forward for your review on AF VR Zoom-Nikkor 80-400mm f/4.5-5.6D ED. anyway idea how the optical performance of this lens?
The 300mm f/4 looks like a great lens. I am very tempted but I need some advice. I shot a lot of wildlife and recently have begun to shoot a lot of sports, indoor and outdoor, namely football outside and volleyball and basketball inside. I have been looking closely at the 80-200mm F2.8 AFD nikon lens because I think it might work quite well indoors. For football I was thinking of putting a 1.4x Nikon teleconverter or 1.7x Nikon teleconverter on the 80-200mm F2.8 AFD. I’m concerned with the AF speed using the teleconverter or if it would have little effect on it. Also, I love the sharpness of the pictures you have taken with the 300mm f/4, excellent. Could I expect similar sharpness with the 80-200mm F2.8 AFD lens when shooting wildlife? Any other suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks.
i have a 55-300mm dx but it has very slow autofocus. I want a good auto focus lens, because the 55-300 focuses so slowly, that i have to use manual focus all the time (also in sports). i have missed many good shots this way. I am sick and tired.I have heard that the 300mm f/4 lens has good bokeh. So,Should i get the AF-D 80-200 f2.8 ,or this lens? pls suggest. Is the 300mm f/4 really worth it? i mean that it is a lot slower than the Af-d ( though it is longer), but ,do i really need need f/2.8?? p.s im a birder, so most of my shots are in low light, i.e either in the morning or in the sunset. in this case the f/2.8 renders to be much more useful. but i am still very confused.(since i already have upto 300mm, “longer” is not a factor). PLS REPLY!!!!!!
Dear Nasim Mansurov,
I read few of your reviews, and I want to compliment your examinations.
very wonderful and professional works.
this site is a real meaningful contribution to the photographer community.
many many thanks for you.
waiting to your next article ….
bye
Noam
Thank you for your feedback Noam!
I am very much interested in BIRD and I have decided to go for 150-500 mm of Sigma but after watching your bird photography I have decide to go for 300 mm f/4 of Nikon with 1.4 x teleconverter of Nikon for my Bird and Wild life photography. I have D90 camera means I will get focal length of 300 mm without tele converter 450 mm and with tele converter 630 mm. Right Sir.
One question what about VR and without VR we have to practice a lot for this lens right??
Please give your valuable comment for above.
Prashant, yes, you would get an equivalent field of view of approximately 630mm with the 300mm + 1.4x TC. You don’t have to practice with this lens – just try to keep your shutter speed above 1/650 of a second and you should be good (use Auto ISO).
Dear Sir,
Very thankful to you for giving your valuable reply to me. One more question I have almost finalized to go for NIKKOR 300 mm F/4 with 1.4 x tele converter. I only have a budget of 1600$ and
is 300 mm is the right choice to go for bird and wild life photography? I saw so many images of this lens and sharpness of this lens is just awesome.
I also want to buy MACRO lens of NIKKON and want your suggestion for the same. Can I go for 85 mm f/2.8 or 105 mm f/2.8 ??
Thanks and best regards,
Prashant Sagare
Prashant, yes, the Nikkor 300mm f/4 is an awesome lens and will work great with the TC-14E. Most of my images in my gallery are shot with this lens.
As for Macro, go with the Nikon 105mm f/2.8G or the Nikon 200mm f/4D.
Dear Nasim Mansurov,
I am interesting in macro len for Nikon D700.
I found good opinion on Sigma 180mm f3.5.
my questions:
1. do you know this len and what do you think ?
2. did you check the Nikon 200mm macro ?
3. Actually, I need the best focus and field-depth. which len can you please recommand ?
many thanks
Noam
Noam, if you want the best macro lens for the Nikon mount, get the Nikon 200mm f/4 – there is nothing better than the 200mm out there for macro. I have not tried the Sigma, so I cannot comment on its performance.
Nasim, I own Nikon D60 am pretty happy with the results. Do you have any guess when Nikon releases D400 ? Currently, I can afford for 300mm f/4 with 1.4 TC is it really a good Idea to use 300mm with D60. I am sure I will get decent pictures with that combination, my worry is the weight of the body and lens will that do well?
Thanks.
Srikanth K Iyengar.
Nasim
The Nikon 300mm f/4.0 + 1.4x TC combination looks like the ideal combination for birding, but I can’t determine if the 1.4x TC is compatible with the D5000.
Thanks for providing such a great resource.
Chuck
Chuck, TCs are compatible with all cameras. You have to make sure that the lens is compatible and that it has a built-in AF-S motor.
Nasim, thanks for the reply. One more quickie, what do you think of B&H’s grey market lenses?
Chuck, they are as good as the US versions, except they have no warranty. If you buy one of those, NikonUSA might refuse to service the lens.
Dear Nasim
Thank you very much for your kind answer and sorry, I didn’t want to generate a Nikon 300mm f/4 question’s tsunami.
I red your review and I understand that if I change the 300mm lens while using a teleconverter I would have not a problem with dust going inside of the lens. Is it that statement true ?
Do you advice me to buy the 300mm f/4 now, or do you think an update with VR in coming soon ?
Please, could you send me the link where you explain the “shutter speed >=focal length (x 1.5) rule”.
Once again, thank you very much. Your page is my favorite. Best regards, Jorge Balarin.
Dear, Nasim,
Your web site is great resource, I find it very usefull. Thank you again..
I am planning to get 300 F/4 as a tele, and I plan to use it for both outdoors\wildlife and portrait.
Currently, I have 35 f/2 and 85 f/1.8. I love both of them.
I would need a further advice on a tele-zoom. I used to have the most basic 70-300, it was, OK. But sold it.
I’m looking for zoom-tele, to supplement both 85mm and 300mm. Maybe 80-200 or 70-300 vr? I cannot afford 70-200.
What would you recommend?
Mustafa
Dear Nasim,
I am using D700, but the result are disappoiting. no sharp.
Can I send you my camera+lens for check and review ? ( international shipping )
if not, do you know where the best lab for nikon, what address ?
thanks
Noam
Nasim,
I have a quick question. I love birding and I have the 70-300 and find that I can only get good sharp pics @f/8, which limits my opportunities to sunny days. Hence I am thinking of getting the 300 f/4 but am wondering how sharp is it @f/4 or does one need to stop it down a bit to get really sharp photos? I want to make sure that if I get it I can use it in less light and still get good bird photos.
thanks in advance
Robin
Nasim,
I am moving from D7000 to D700. I own the 105 f2.8D and 70-200 VRI which are great for DX – not so good on FX. Would you recommend replacing these two lenses with the 200 f4 micro? I also have the 24-120 f4 and 300 f4 to round out the kit. The 200 would seem to fit nicely.
Hello Nasim,
Having read your review and going through this thread completely and after looking at your pictures – i can see why people fave the 300mm f/4. I am new to DSLR photography and my first DSLR is a D7K I purchased a couple of months back. I picked up a 70-300 VR along with it and am pretty pleased with the results I get – not for birding though. As recently as a week back I saw a friend of mine use a 300mm f/4 with his D7K along with a 1.4x TC. Took a couple of shots with it and just fell in love with it. I am considering an upgrade to this lens in the near future.
Over a period of time, I may be a serious birder myself and my question is this – Will this suffice the needs of a moderate to serious birder. I really cannot afford the 500mm or 600mm that Nikon sells.
Hi Nasim,
I have Nikon D7000, I am looking forward to buy 300mm F/4 but just want to research how this lens will work on DX format….Could you please reply….
Thanks,
Raj