Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 300mm f/4E PF ED VR Lens

The Nikon AF-S Nikkor 300mm f/4E PF ED VR is a light and compact telephoto prime lens, but you pay a premium for its size.

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  Lightweight design. Sharp from edge to edge. Optically stabilized. 1:4 magnification.

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  Pricey. Not compatible with some older cameras.

In the field, I found the weight of the lens was just right to carry around on photo treks; the focus ring falls right in place with my left hand, as does the control buttons on the left side.

This telephoto lens sports a reasonably fast maximum aperture of f/4 and all the usual features you might expect on a top of the range Nikon telephoto lens, such as Vibration Reduction, fast, silent focusing with full time manual override and Nikon’s Nano Crystal optical coatings to suppress...

The Nikon 300mm f/4 is an impressive lens that breaks the mould of prime telephoto lenses. The main let down is the lack of full weather-sealing. However, image quality is very good, but what really makes it so special is the incredible reduction in size and weight.

If you compare the lists of pros and cons you can answer a question concerning the advantages of using new technologies without hesitation. A classic lens – made of ordinary elements – perhaps would have higher resolution results and would fare against bright light better but it would also be...

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  excellent image quality in the frame centre,, good resolution on the edge of the frame no matter what sensor you use,, proper correction of longitudinal and lateral chromatic aberration,, lack of problems with spherical aberration,, moderate distortion,, negligible coma,, low astigmatism,, bokeh...

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  average performance against bright light,, price.

With this lens, Nikon have created a compact, portable lens, that is a decent upgrade over its predecessor. Sharpness is excellent across the frame from maximum aperture, the Vibration reduction system is effective, focusing is fast and the lens is small and light enough to carry around all day.

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  Excellent sharpness, Fast focusing, Low CA, Excellent build quality, Virtually no distortion, Light weight, Effective VR system, Weather sealing, Fluorine coating on lens to repel dirt and moisture, Compact size due to use of a Phase-Fresnel optical element

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  No tripod collar included

I had the old Nikon 300mm f/4 lens which was excellent, but a bit large and heavy.This lens is a dream come true for me. Small, light weight, extremely sharp even wide open and has outstanding performance with all the Nikon tele extenders.

The new Nikkor 300mm f/4 lens, with its fresnel glass element, is like no other telephoto lens. Not only is this lens extremely sharp, its reduced size and weight allow for much greater mobility and conservation of energy.

I am using the lens primarily for bird photography. It's small size and weight make it an ideal lens to carry around. Also has very fast focus.

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  Light weight

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  Price

Sweet lens!,I purchased the 300mm f4 to pair with my D500. I have a TC 17E II that joins them from time to time. It's a great light weight combo that's a pleasure to use. Whether it be backyard birds (some humming) and flowers, grand kids belly boarding at Cape Cod's outer beaches or grand kids...

I love this lens, the 300mm is really great for many uses. Used it for a shot of the Eclipse Totality and captured a wonderful shot. The size and weight is amazing, about the same size as my 24-70 and actually weighs less. Works very well with my 2X tele-converter too.

Great lens, used for wildlife and sports. Tack sharp.

Fantastic lens and very versatile. Have used the lens for wildlife, airshows, portraits, and even macro. A true walk-around 300 mm. I feel comfortable carrying this lens all day, and its size does not bring as much attention as a larger lens would.

After a long time with Olympus, my birding companions convinced me to try Nikon and the 300mm PF ED VR Lens. I previously used an Olympus OM-D E-M1 MkII and a 300mm f/4 Pro lens. My birding companions were taking the same photos I was and the clarity of their images was superior to mine.

I wanted a lighter, faster and higher quality lens than the Nikkor 80-400 "D" (old model) I had used since 2004. My primary use for this lens is hiking in jungles and wanted reduced weight and improved optics.