I have never had the money to purchase a 300mm f2.8 so when I purchased a D500 recently I was blown away with the iso capabilities the camera offered. So I started doing some research on line about my options and this lens just caught my eye for its specs but more importantly the price point.

This is a great prime telephoto lens for those who can't afford the Nikon f2.8 300mm that costs more than four times as much. At f4 this one is only one stop slower but doesn't have VR (vibration reduction). That's why I gave it 4 stars (would have been 4.5 but that wasn't a choice).

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  Easily Interchangeable, Strong Construction, Fast / accurate auto-focus, Nice Bokeh, Durable, Consistent Output, Rugged

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  A bit heavy but not bad

Every time I shoot, my paycheck depends on the quality of my images. (I shoot for some very picky editors.) All of the sample shots below were shot handheld using the 300-f4 IF ED, TC-14 extender, with aperture virtually wide open for minimum depth of field.

I've had this lens for six years. I use it for high school football and some wildlife shooting. In terms of sharp images and quick focusing, it consistently beats my Nikon 70-200 f2.8 VR. I shoot digital, so this lens is the equivalent of a 450mm lens; so I have limited opportunities to use it.

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  Very sharp images

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  None

I am happy with the image quality. Sharp. The lens is larger and heavier than the new version. But I am able to hand hold the lens. Disappointed that it did not work with the 1.4 teleconverter on D850 camera.

Primarily purchased as a ‘with minimum compromise’ telephoto lens for wildlife photography, after years of being ultimately disappointed by the performance of 70-300 f.4-5.6-type lenses when compared to my prime wide-angle and medium-range telephoto lenses.

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  Pretty much everything, see above

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  Pretty much nothing, see above

I've taken some stunning photos of birds with this lens. It would be great if the lens had a larger aperture, but then the price would shoot up. Make sure you have a good, solid tripod.

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  Easily Interchangeable, Rugged, Sharp Focus, Strong Construction

I like the Lens and has sharp images but my lens hood need new rubber cascade and Nikon repair center asking $180.00 to replace it, only for the rubber not new hood. This is Nikon problem for this lens and they should taker of it for free, rubber costs less then $1.00 and the rest is labor.

This is an awesome lens and, in my opinion, a great choice for wildlife photography on foot and from a kayak. I picked mine up used. It's quite an easy lens to carry around for hiking etc.

it's sharp but a bit slow. I like it regardless.