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Nikon 300mm f2.8D IF-ED AF-S II Nikkor
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Reviews
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Views
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Date of last review
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2
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10730
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Fri March 14, 2008
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Recommended By
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Average Price
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Average Rating
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100% of reviewers
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None indicated
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10.0
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Description:
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Historically the best resolving lens made by Nikon, the 300mm f2.8 has had several iterations, the most current being a VR version. This review is for the prior version, which is essentially the same lens without the VR.
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Keywords:
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Nikon Telephoto Lens 300mm f2.8 AFS
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>
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Author
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Richard_Coyle
Premium Lifetime Member
Registered: November 2001
Location: Lake County, Illinois
Posts: 548
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Review Date: Tue June 12, 2007
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Would you recommend the product? Yes |
Price you paid?: None indicated
| Rating: 10
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Pros:
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Lightning fast AF, fast aperture, excellent color rendition and contrast, superb bokeh.
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Cons:
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None
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Introduced in 2001, this lens was last produced in late 2004, and is essentially identical to the VR version with regard to lens elements/groups, minimum focus, macro ratio, rear filter diameter, barrel diameter and length, and exceptional build quality. An exception to these similarities is the VR version has been updated with two nanocrystal lens elements. Whether or not this makes a difference to the resulting image is debatable.
Both lenses share a minimum f2.8 aperture, but the AFS II retains the aperture ring on the lens, while the VR reverts to a "G" arrangement. This allows the AFS II lens to function with almost every variety of older Nikon body, while the VR version only works with the F65 and newer version bodies. From a weight perspective, the AFS II is also 300g lighter than the VR, which can be a significant difference when hand holding a 5.6lb lens for long periods of time, regardless of the benefits of VR on image quality. Needless to say, in this regard, monopod or tripod support is recommended.
As far as resolution is concerned, at 10 lines per millimeter, it is close to perfect from center to edge, with only a slightly lower starting point for 30 lines/mm at center and falling off only slightly from there. See this link for the current MTF specs on the VR version, which are very similar to the AFS II:
http://nikonimaging.com/global/produ...g_if/index.htm
From a practical perspective, this lens is the work-horse of the sports photographer, with its best performance for medium outdoor field events such as track and field, tennis, baseball, etc. But it also works well as a companion to a longer telephoto such as a 500 or 600mm lens in large field events such as football, when the action is close. And it does well in brightly lighted indoor areas, particularly large arenas such as track and field. However, as with many indoor arena events, even the f2.8 aperture is often insufficient without lighting assist.
In addition to the best resolution possible, with lightning fast AF, good low light capability, excellent color rendition and contrast, and superb bokeh, this lens produces the finest images I have obtained in many years as a sports photographer. And it also has been put to use for many other purposes, including nature, wildlife, and even portrait and wedding photography. In this latter context, it obtains results rivaling such favorites as the Nikkor 85mm f1.4 and Nikkor 28-70 f2.8 AFS lenses.
For a final note, except for relatively stationary subjects requiring slow shutter speeds, this lens should perform as well in every regard as the newer VR version. On a scale of 1-10, the 300mm f2.8D IF-ED AF-S II Nikkor clearly rates a 10!
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OldPhotos
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bartolog
Basic Member
Registered: March 2008
Posts: 1
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Review Date: Fri March 14, 2008
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Would you recommend the product? Yes |
Price you paid?: None indicated
| Rating: 10
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prime lens at it's finest a 300mm master piece.
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