Professional built quality with build-in front protection filter. Superb optics! Provides an impressively bright viewfinder image, no guesswork where the focus point is.

Color rendition is slightly on the "cold" side which causes a need for a filter set when you shoot slides. Not very well balanced, the center of gravity is quite frontward of the tripod mount.

This is an affordable dream lens! It performs as high as my expectations were when I decided to go for such a big glass. Contrast and sharpness are superior over the 4/300 AF-S and the 80-400 VR zoom under all shooting conditions. If there is anything to critisise it would be the color rendition, which is generally on the cool side and requires the use of warming filters at full daylight conditions (probably an issue only for slides). I for one use an 81A filter regularly except under very early and very late sunlight. The weight of the lens is not as much a problem for hiking than I thought. Instead, I am convinced that it helps a lot against the mirror bump of my F80. Especially in portait format this often becomes a problem with the lighter lenses (4/300 and 80-400). Certainly you should be prepared to carry and use a tripod or a monopod. Only then you will be able to make full use of its superb image rendition. The mechanical AF is surprisingly fast and accurate and I do not miss much the silent wave motor. Concerning AF speed, this lens is on par with the 4/300 AF-S, and focus hunting is rather less a problem than with any of my other AF lenses. For me it was a bargain buy and I can make three long lenses out of one by means of the Kenko Pro300 converters (1.4x and 2x). Even with the 2x converter it delivers very good quality pictures, just stop down 1 level and you are safe. Who should buy it? Everyone who wants to experience the pleasure of superior performance at a fraction of the cost of a new lens (regardless which brand) and is prepared to carry three kilograms. Now, are you surprised when I rate it 5/5?

Customer Service

No problem at all with Nikon Germany.

Similar Products Used:

Nikon 4/300 AF-S, 80-400 VR

Optically this lens is top notch! Even superior to the legendary manual focus version. So sharp in fact I do not hesitate using Kenko pro-300 1.4x and 2.0x AF teleconverters coupled to it. Also this early AF version can be had on the used market for around $2000.00 (about the same price as a brand new Sigma or Tamron but with better glass!). An excellent value compared to current 300mm F2.8 AF-S Nikkor currently selling for around $4,799.99 Drop in filters cheap! MF operation smooth and with nice "drag". AF/MF clutch ring. Built in hood and suppied extention hood virtually eliminates any risk of flare what so ever. Usually can be found with original, nice, heavy duty CT-303 trunk case.

Heavy. Able to be hand held for short times but will give you a good work out! However this is to be expected of such a lens. Also bulk may make you think twice about hiking long distances with it.

An amazing lens. Fast maximum aperture makes a dream lens for photo-journalists, sports, wildlife and fashon photographers. Great compression and isolating ability with pleasing bokeh. AF operation is fast enough for me working as a staff photographer for Motorsport. Lens is sharp as a tack even wide open. Contrast is exellent. ED glass ensures beautiful color rendition and sharpness through all apertures. Ever so slight improvement at edges from F4.0 to F11, but I'm really splitting hairs. Excellent build quality typical of Nikons' high end optics. Front UV is factory permanently mounted to prevent dust from entering lens. If scratched, Nikon will replace it for about $200.00. Of telephotos I've shot with, (primes and zooms) this is by far my all time favorite! Works great with 1.4x and 2.0x teleconverters producing a 420mm F4.0 or 600mm F5.6.

Customer Service

None needed. Thanks Nikon!

Similar Products Used:

Nikkor 300mm F4.0 EDIF-AF Nikkor 300mm EDIF-manual