Customer Reviews

Nikon 300mm f/2.8G IF-ED AF-S VR Nikkor Lens for Nikon Digital SLR Cameras

5 star:		(4)
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The price tag on this lens is steep, but I needed something that would track birds in flight during uncertain lighting conditions hand held, and still provide sharp images. This lens is about the largest Nikon prime that doesn't require the support of a monopod or tripod. I use it with a Nikon TC17eII, and have found perhaps a very slight softening wide open at f/4.8, but no noticeable degradation if stopped down at all. Even wide open it produces amazingly sharp images w/ the TC! This combo produces a 510mm f/4.8 for much less investment than a 500mm f/4, and it can be hand held.

My family just spent two weeks with this lens photographing wildlife, hand-holding it all day. It does get heavy after a few hours, but except for a sore shoulder or two we have nothing to complain about. My daughter, 15, held it better than her parents, so we gave her the bird work. For me, the value of the lens lies in the quality of the blur it creates. Much like the similar Nikon 600mm, it will frame your subjects in an abstract setting that is as smooth as a watercolor painting. Also, no other lens I've used takes advantage of that "C" autofocus setting so well. For example, we were able to shoot grazing antelope from the back of bouncy, moving truck and get the fur in focus in every shot.

I am blown away how fast the auto focus is on this lens. I knew this was going to be a great lens before I got it. I knew it's top pick by pros around the world. But the auto focus speed of this lens is just mindblowing.

Of course, as others have said, it has nice Bokeh (something to be expected with a 2.8), it's glass produces crisp and clear images at F5.6 through F16. It works great in low light and paired with a Nikon D3s, is an amazing setup.

An amazing lens by any standard. Sharp as a tack, Ultra quick AF, beautiful Bokeh wide open. Fabulous and expensive. Oh and don't buy it off Amazon, get it from B&H.