NikonGear'23
Gear Talk => Lens Talk => Topic started by: BruceSD on January 07, 2016, 22:30:34
-
I went out this afternoon with my D7100 with the older version of this 300mm f/4 lens on it. I shot it handheld wide open. It was a cloudy/snowy day.
Anyway, I shot the below photo of a McDonalds sign at their street entrance. I suppose that I was about 30 yards away.
The first photo is the entire image. The second photo is at 100%.
You can see that this lens has incredible sharpness, even wide open hand held.
This lens is handholdable if you remove it's tripod collar. Also it's fairly economical (I recently purchased one for a little over $600 USD).
For those, like me, who like Nikon photography and are on a budget, the AFS 300mm f/4 Nikkor (older version) is a great telephoto option to consider.
Also, here's a link ( http://www.lenscore.org/ ) to "LenScore's" Nikon Prime lens rating page. They rated the older AFS 300mm f/4 version of this lens that I have 8th. That's very high, especially when you consider the seven lenses that are rated above it are all much more expensive. Please note that the newer version of this lens is only rated 16th.
-
Please explain why you feel you need to remove the tripod collar in order to hand-hold the lens?
I prefer keeping it on, as I can then rest my elbow in my side, making for a more stable position.
-
Is this the version with the horrible tripod mount?
-
Is this the version with the horrible tripod mount?
I think that if it is the AF-S version, it is.
I replaced the mount on mine with the Kirk tripod mount, which then allowed me to demonstrate to myself all the pitfalls of camera-generated tripod wobble when using the "danger zone" shutter speeds.
I've owned two different copies.
This is a lens that forces me to use auto focus most of the time, due to the tacky-rubbery internal clutch feel of the manual focusing, a trait it shares with the AF-S 70-200/2.8 zooms.
It images extremely well on the Fujifilm X camera I have, using a Novoflex adapter.
-
That version of the 300 had excellent imaging quality plus the benefit of close focusing. Both features negated by its truly awful wobbling tripod mount.
-
A friend of mine sold the AFS version four weeks after he bought because he was so annoyed about the tripod collar. Went back to using his ancient 4.5/300 IF-ED for closeup work.
He's now thinking about getting the new 300mm though.
Hermann
-
That version of the 300 had excellent imaging quality plus the benefit of close focusing. Both features negated by its truly awful wobbling tripod mount.
Fortunately it is replaceable (similar to most other Nikon superteles) and that has become a Standard-procedure to be done for most of them
-
Wouldn't it be better not having to rely on third-party solutions? Besides, many of these long lenses are built in a manner that will not allow for optimal placement or construction of replacement tripod mounts. For example, you cannot fit really wide rotating collars to them.
-
Wouldn't it be better not having to rely on third-party solutions? Besides, many of these long lenses are built in a manner that will not allow for optimal placement or construction of replacement tripod mounts. For example, you cannot fit really wide rotating collars to them.
Yes! I fully agree! and it should be forbidden to combine stellar optics with mechanical construction of that crappy design. But I am glad that there is some kind of workaround - although some "features" like too narrow collars (including lens gems like the AF-S 200/2) and ill-planned positionong of the mount are unresolved by third party providers (at least they come with Arca-Swiss type rail integrated)
-
Bruce, thanks for reminding us of the excellent image quality of the AF-S 300 f/4.
If really on a budget, the even older 300 f/4 AF also produces excellent images, though the AF isn't as fast as with the AF-S version.
I've used both of these on a monopod for bird photography.
-
The AF-S 300mm f4 (the model immediately before the latest “PF” version) has excellent optics and is the budget longish lens of choice. Mongo bought his used near new from another camera club member for $700 Australian. It came complete with a new Rodenstock UV filter and “the right stuff” brand of after market foot and collar. Amazing value ! Despite other long lenses since buying the 300mm, Mongo has kept it as it is too good to part with.
Smallish, light, reliable and works great with converters. Very respectable results can be obtained even with 20EIII with good technique. Have used it for years and do not miss the VR.
Some sample images just to demonstrate sharpness/quality:-
1. with D800 @ f8
2. with D800 @ f8
3. with D800E and X1.4EII @ f10, 1/1250th , ISO 400
4. with D800 and X1.7EII @ f6.7 (wide open)
-
Mongo, your four samples are quite simply excellent. Probably the first and third I like best. You have certainly gotten on top of this lens.
-
Mongo, your four samples are quite simply excellent. Probably the first and third I like best. You have certainly gotten on top of this lens.
Thanks Hugh. The images are just to demonstrate the lens and not for any photographic value
-
The images are just to demonstrate the lens and not for any photographic value
I think you're a bit too modest ... ;D The third one is a great shot, I think. Lovely.
I think I've got to go looking for my fieldguide to check which species it is, as I've never been to your part of the world. May take a while though, there're just too many books ...
Hermann
-
I think you're a bit too modest ... ;D The third one is a great shot, I think. Lovely.
I think I've got to go looking for my fieldguide to check which species it is, as I've never been to your part of the world. May take a while though, there're just too many books ...
Hermann
Thank you Hermann - you are too kind. This a little off topic but to save you looking through too many books, the bird is a common Magpie (juvenile). BTW f10 was only used in this case because Mongo was reasonable close and had a converter on - thus more DOF was required.
-
the bird is a common Magpie (juvenile)
That would be the Australian Magpie, not the European...
Excellent pictures!
-
I am looking into replacing my 28-300 (my longest reach lens) with something faster and looks like this would be a nice option. Really like your samples here Mongo.
I love mine 70-200/2.8 but sometimes I could use something longer and the lenses I have are not the sharpest at 300mm.
-
That would be the Australian Magpie, not the European...
Excellent pictures!
correct Roland and thank you for your kind comment.
I am looking into replacing my 28-300 (my longest reach lens) with something faster and looks like this would be a nice option. Really like your samples here Mongo.
I love mine 70-200/2.8 but sometimes I could use something longer and the lenses I have are not the sharpest at 300mm.
HI Alex and thank you for your kind comments.
Mongo also has the 70-200mm f2.8 VRII and it works reasonably well with converters also. However, depending on the type of photography you wish to do on a particular occasion, you will find that the 300mm f4 will be quite different to use to your 28-300 or even the 70-200 with a converter. In short, the 300mm AF-S f4 is very worth having. Combine this with its relatively very low cost (second hand) for what you are getting from this lens .....and it is really a must ! you will not be disappointed. You can see from even Mongo's 4th posted image that even with a X1.7 converter (wide open) it gives a very light, affordable and respectable 500mm f6.7. Do not be put off by f6.7. Mongo often shoots many of his longer primes and zooms at f8 even though they can be used at more open and faster apertures. Mongo only included the wide open aperture shot to help demonstrate how good the lens can perform at its worst with a X1.7 converter. You can imagine the slight improvement if circumstances permitted you to stop down a little.
In Mongo's opinion, unless you are shooting wide open because of sheer necessity to do so, it's just showing off !! (and that does not impress experienced photographers).
-
Hi Mongo,
Thanks for the info!
I do shoot 70-200 at 2.8 in dark churches or to isolate the subjects form the background when using it at weddings/people shoots. I've tried this lens with friend's of mine converter with good results.
But I'd like to have something longer and here I am getting sold on 300/4 AF-S. :)
That converter may follow sometime later if necessary. I am not sure if I will have use for it as I don't shoot sports nor wildlife....
-
I too have replaced the original tripod collar. First I used the Really Right Stuff one, but then I recently switched to the Kirk Enterprises one ( http://www.kirkphoto.com/Blemished_Lens_Collar_for_300mm_f4_AFS.html ). I like the Kirk version much better as it's over one inch lower, and it has an extra support that fits under the front of the lens.
I like to use my 300mm lens on a monopod. Attached is an action shot I took at 1/8000th of a second at the USA National Barefoot Waterski championships last August. This coming August I'll be using this same lens on my D7200 at the 2016 "International" Barefoot Waterski championships (only a few miles from where I live).
-
I've been interested in getting more into cloud photography after getting some nice images with my Sigma 180mm macro, which is the longest lens I have ever used. In terms of contrast, especially micro contrast, do the Af and Af-s versions differ? I certainly do not need faster Af.