The AF-S NIKKOR 120-300mm f/2.8E FL ED SR VR, a superlens indeed

[Macro_Cosmos]

I originally posted about that lens here:
https://nikongear.net/revival/index.php?topic=8838.0
This was in 2019.  I have since graduated and found a job.

Through some luck, I got a copy for AUD 2000.  It had some fungus spots.  Our local Nikon service centre determined that the fungus was growing inside a cemented doublet (the large front element).

The repair quote was $3700. :'(  The fungus was not too bad so I am just going to use it as is.

Look at how massive this thing is.

It is just barely within my hand-holding limits after my left arm had to undergo surgery.
The focusing is incredibly fast and accurate on my Z8.  It feels way faster and a lot more accurate than my 500mm PF.
I tried it with the TC800-1.25E ED, no loss in image quality or AF speed was observed.  Image quality loss with a 2x TC is noticeable but acceptable.  AF is still fast, it still feels faster than my 500mm PF.  I might sell both of my PF lenses because of this acquisition.

 
Here are some photos I took.  It works so well for wildlife where the surrounding environment can be incorporated into the shot.
(All wide open.)






With the 2x TC.



I love the results.  Even messy backgrounds melt away.  This makes me want to get the 400mm F2.8 TC or the upcoming Z-mount 120-300mm which no doubt has a TC built-in too.

[Lumens Pixel]

Congratulations for this acquisition. You may UV bath the lens creating a box with the inside covered with aluminium foil and housing an UV C lamp (Be very careful not lighting up the lamp while looking at it). This might kill the existing fungus and prevent future growth.

This kind of model is a good example: https://www.amazon.com/uvcoolplunge-Light%EF%BC%8C99-99-Sanitization-Wavelength-Storehouse/dp/B0DPH9XYY2/ref=sr_1_23?dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.6eaSLKAmCOpzLLoKsh30LQKYJa3TdbHAaT-e4wUfIjxxw-2XKizjkVWbr9YPTZ_e5SKBnvRv6RXiszxn-1qQkTbdqRMD7rXWaWWQTKr6kjAn_mpj0c9RnZTql3Ok8HnwvmwX2tFI-t1btivPcMaZe-kfpaaucOwxNXQQ9CELmuuctGlnuGu-k5A4sOHrYgoWiMDtSNkE-0zmeKz7mDUOil60yokSitQBK8jFCYiXfazlC-NVgAE3vWYtVTI-wVySfU3ggdXzz6AzScw1ON3NiG0DBoB66rZ4tU_FB4d5YE0.LFXZST2MJmynuUMG39o3H5RXvG0k7_lvaiTIT_egpo8&dib_tag=se&keywords=uv-c+lamp&qid=1776087310&sr=8-23

[John Geerts]

Great results, congratulations with this super lens

[ColinM]

Congratulations Macro Cosmos

I once rented a version of the AF-S NIKKOR 300mm f/2.8G ED VR back in 2011.

It was amazing, but I'd hoped to use it hand-held for b.i.f. shots
After an hour or so, my arms ached so much I needed a break.

That one weighed around 2.9kg
I think yours weighs around 3.25kg !

[Akira]

Amazing images, especially considering that these are shot by hand-holding this beast!  Thanks for sharing!

[Thomas Stellwag]

you put it in a good use, congrats

[Macro_Cosmos]

Congratulations for this acquisition. You may UV bath the lens creating a box with the inside covered with aluminium foil and housing an UV C lamp (Be very careful not lighting up the lamp while looking at it). This might kill the existing fungus and prevent future growth.

This kind of model is a good example: https://www.amazon.com/uvcoolplunge-Light%EF%BC%8C99-99-Sanitization-Wavelength-Storehouse/dp/B0DPH9XYY2/ref=sr_1_23?dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.6eaSLKAmCOpzLLoKsh30LQKYJa3TdbHAaT-e4wUfIjxxw-2XKizjkVWbr9YPTZ_e5SKBnvRv6RXiszxn-1qQkTbdqRMD7rXWaWWQTKr6kjAn_mpj0c9RnZTql3Ok8HnwvmwX2tFI-t1btivPcMaZe-kfpaaucOwxNXQQ9CELmuuctGlnuGu-k5A4sOHrYgoWiMDtSNkE-0zmeKz7mDUOil60yokSitQBK8jFCYiXfazlC-NVgAE3vWYtVTI-wVySfU3ggdXzz6AzScw1ON3NiG0DBoB66rZ4tU_FB4d5YE0.LFXZST2MJmynuUMG39o3H5RXvG0k7_lvaiTIT_egpo8&dib_tag=se&keywords=uv-c+lamp&qid=1776087310&sr=8-23

It is still insane to me how one can just purchase something like this straight from Amazon.
There have been numerous cases where such lamps were used by accident because workers could not distinguish the lamp type from its generic packaging.  I recall two instances in mainland China (restaurant and assembly plant) and one in Hong Kong that made the news:
https://arstechnica.com/health/2023/11/bored-ape-creator-says-uv-lights-at-apefest-burned-attendees-eyes-and-skin/
These generic lamps are shipped with plain white boxes.
That said, I will purchase one to kill off the fungus.

The local service centre promised a detailed report, I got nothing.  Removing the front element is not that difficult and putting it back in does not require calibration.  I still have a feeling that the fungus might be on the lens' surface.  I might just examine it with a loupe or a microscope when I am bothered.

[Frank Fremerey]

The local service centre promised a detailed report, I got nothing.  Removing the front element is not that difficult and putting it back in does not require calibration.  I still have a feeling that the fungus might be on the lens' surface.  I might just examine it with a loupe or a microscope when I am bothered.

Good luck with the procedure ... the first incarnation of my Ai-S 1.4/35mm Nikkor had fungus in the glued together double element that moves while focusssing in the back while the rest stands still iirc ... I used it till the fog showed in the picture, then sold it for parts. The replacement element would have been like double my purchase price. So I eagerly follow your experience with the dangerous light source and its effect ....