Technical aspects of the AFS 300mm f/4 E PF lens

[Andrea B.]

Simone, I do agree that evidence should not be ignored. There is no equivocation applicable here because clearly there is something (still) wrong with the lens, the problem should be acknowledged, replacements should be offered.

This is not simple "VR softness" which we know can happen. This is some kind of weird "doubling" effect. Like the VR hiccups at some point in the stabilization procedure.

It might serve a useful purpose to ask for your money back or for a replacement 300/4E VR because this request would let dealers - and then perhaps Nikon - know that this kind of thing should not, nor cannot, be ignored.

If you do this, then of course I know you will thoroughly test any replacement lens before accepting it. 

[Ilkka Nissilä]

Simone, I agree that if you can get a full refund for the lens, it makes sense to go for it, or ask for a replacement lens.

Sometimes Nikon replaces the lens with a new one if it is the most cost effective way to a functional lens. Howeve, for that they would have to admit the lens is defective. If is is easier to get a replacement or refund at the camera store, I would go that route.

Bjorn I completely agree the subtle differences in sharpness may not be real world significant but I tend to try to minimize sources of uncertainty and blur, no matter how small, as in real world shooting the sources of blur tend to add up, eventually leading to something that the eye can see in print.

[Bjørn Rørslett]

Absolutely, in a real world setting I would never attempt hand-holding a 300 mm lens, VR or no VR. Nor would I use a Gitzo 3551 either.

[chris dees]

It's still a weird problem.
This image is with my D810 and Simone's 300PF.
I can't get a sharp image with my 300PF and Simone can't get one with his copy.
When we changed our 300PF's everything looked good. We even thought about keeping it that way.

My D810, Simone's 300PF F4.0 1/125 ISO250 some basic LR PP. I would be very happy to get this result with my own copy.
Second one is about 100% crop

[chris dees]

And this one is even better.

[ArendV]

Did some testing with 56mm extension based on a recent discussion in another thread (using rings from Apurture with 8 contacts and decent stability).
(moved it from Photobucket to flickr now - full resolution via the link).

@f/4

300PF 56mm extension testing by Arend, on Flickr

@f/4 (need to clean my shaving brush.....)

300PF 56mm extension testing by Arend, on Flickr

@f/8

300PF 56mm extension testing by Arend, on Flickr

[Bjørn Rørslett]

No photos are showing.

[ArendV]

Photobucket was not cooperative - now moved them to flickr (full resolution via the links).

[Erik Lund]

This is what I have seen using my TC-20E extension ring, a very narrow central zone with good resolution and sharpness, then iq declines rapidly into oof

There will be difference also where on the focusing scale you are, closer to minimum focus distance should be 'better',,,

[ArendV]

Yesterday in the zoo - so not so challenging to take - but the result shows why I like this lens so much wide open on my D500 :-)


Lion by Arend, on Flickr

[Erik Lund]

Nice rendering!