Nikon's New 300mm f/4 Looks Impressive

Rob Bye

Senior Member
Nikon-AF-S-NIKKOR-300mm-f4E-PF-ED-VR-lens-550x304.jpg



From Nikon Rumors comes news of Nikon's newest 300mm f/4 lens:


Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 300mm f/4E PF ED VR lens ($1,999.95)


  • A fixed focal length telephoto lens with a focal length of 300mm and a maximum aperture of f/4 compatible with Nikon FX-format digital SLR cameras
  • The first NIKKOR lens for which a PF (Phase Fresnel) lens element has been adopted, making it the world's lightest lens of its type
  • Equipped with a SPORT VR mode for effective photography of athletes and other subjects that are moving rapidly and unpredictably in addition to a vibration reduction (VR; camera shake compensation equivalent to a 4.5-stop increase in shutter speed) function
  • Adoption of a PF (Phase Fresnel) lens element, an ED lens element, and Nano Crystal Coat for superior optical performance with which chromatic aberration and ghost are suppressed
  • Capable of expression of the beautiful blur characteristics possible only with a maximum aperture of f/4
  • Equipped with an electro-magnetic aperture mechanism that enables stable auto-exposure with high-speed continuous shooting
  • Adoption of Nikon's exclusive and highly durable fluorine coat, which effectively repels water and oils, and makes cleaning the lens easier even when it does get dirty, on the surface of the front lens element
  • Among 300mm fixed focal length (prime) AF lenses compatible with 35mm "full-size" format cameras available as of January 6, 2015. Statement based on Nikon research.
  • Measured in accordance with CIPA standards in NORMAL mode using an FX-format digital SLR camera.
  • PF (Phase Fresnel) lens elements:
The PF (Phase Fresnel) lens, developed by Nikon, effectively compensates chromatic aberration utilizing the photo diffraction phenomenon. It provides superior chromatic aberration compensation performance when combined with a normal glass lens. Compared to many general camera lenses that employ an optical system using the photorefractive phenomenon, a remarkably compact and lightweight body can be attained with less number of lens elements.


Read more on NikonRumors.com: Nikon Rumors
 
Last edited:

Rob Bye

Senior Member
The new lens apparently doesn't come with a tripod collar. The same one that fits the 70-200 f/4 can be purchased separately for about $200.


266058.jpg
 

J-see

Senior Member
If its this one but better made its a struggle to see $200 value

nikon 70-200 f4 tripod collar | eBay


Don't they realize anyone can make and sell those parts cheaper than they'll do? If you need to sell the tripod collars at 200$ to make profit, it is time to reconsider what you're doing as a company.

Often I get the impression that whomever makes the decisions at Nikon used to sell canned fruit to supermarkets. Quit trying to save pennies on everything that only makes you look pathetic.

$1999.95?

That's a supermarket practice. Do they really think the 5 cent less is, subconsciously, going make any difference to us buying it or not? Make decent stuff and provide a decent warranty and you can also ask a decent price.
 

Rob Bye

Senior Member
Wonder if they will continue the older model as cheaper alternative

The used market will take care of that!


Nikon-AF-S-Nikkor-300mm-f4D-IF-ED-Lens.jpg


Today, the older version 300 f/4 looks quite a bit older. I had one, and I know it's a fine lens, but it certainly wasn't a looker.
 

Rob Bye

Senior Member
I often used a monopod with my old 300/4. This new one is so small and light, I probably would just hand hold it.

I'm looking at Sigma's 120-300/2.8 as my next lens purchase. If I'd have to spend $2,200 for this, I'd consider spending double for the extra stop and the zoom range.YMMV.
 

skene

Senior Member
well... image via matt granger's twitter...

Instagram

Similar sizing to Nikon 24-70... probably no collar needed unless you are doing something on tripod, and even then....
 

hrstrat57

Senior Member
Just showed up in my inbox.....

ANNOUNCING THE AF-S DX NIKKOR
55-200mm f/4.5-5.6G ED VR II
ANNOUNCING THE
AF-S NIKKOR 300mm f/4E PF ED VR
VsmD9Agj-Ig31iZlhhyuIkGw7fV0Mjmkg6ATpzSJxxwuXszE7vZw6F4IVQIaUI8g-LUzPCqDSXt-8K9sOkJ7zP1iGn4jikoXrnHFtnnVnYLkPx12_JkVTSMXYOD__yg9=s0-d-e1-ft
VsmD9Agj-Ig31iZlhhyuIkGw7fV0Mjmkg6ATpzSJxxwuXszE7vZw6F4IVQIaUI8g-LUzPCqDSXt-8K9sOkJ7zP1iGn4jikoXrnHFtnnVnYLkPx12_JkVTSMXYOD__yg9=s0-d-e1-ft
A classic, versatile telephoto zoom lens made more portable with a unique retracting design for superb compactness and light weight. With Vibration Reduction (VR) technology to keep your photos sharp and your videos steady, there is no excuse not to take it on any outing.

$349.95**

PREORDER NOW
Harness the power of the world's lightest*** full-frame 300mm AF lens. A specially designed Phase Fresnel (PF) lens element enables a remarkably shorter, lighter design and offers new levels of sharpness and clarity. With Vibration Reduction (VR), the AF-S NIKKOR 300mm f/4E PF ED VR can change the way fashion, portrait, nature and sports professionals work.

$1,799.95**

PREORDER NOW
VsmD9Agj-Ig31iZlhhyuIkGw7fV0Mjmkg6ATpzSJxxwuXszE7vZw6F4IVQIaUI8g-LUzPCqDSXt-8K9sOkJ7zP1iGn4jikoXrnHFtnnVnYLkPx12_JkVTSMXYOD__yg9=s0-d-e1-ft
 
Last edited:

hrstrat57

Senior Member
I often used a monopod with my old 300/4. This new one is so small and light, I probably would just hand hold it.

I'm looking at Sigma's 120-300/2.8 as my next lens purchase. If I'd have to spend $2,200 for this, I'd consider spending double for the extra stop and the zoom range.YMMV.

Dunno Rob tho this is way out of my budget the temptation to have a yard sale to bump funds in order to buy is high here.....this lens looks just fantastic. OP and all please continue to bump this thread with any reviews/field tests.....and please let us all know here when any of you hands over the cash for one of these beauties.

Still leaning towards the current model at a budget price with a 1.4 TC as well but there are things about the current lens I don't like primarily size and the open back end.....
 

Whiskeyman

Senior Member
The used market will take care of that!


View attachment 132388


Today, the older version 300 f/4 looks quite a bit older. I had one, and I know it's a fine lens, but it certainly wasn't a looker.

The Nikkor 300 f2.8 isn't a looker, either. Instead, it's more of an anchor. But if it's tuned in on a good camera, it produces wonderful images. It does, however make an impression with its size, and garnishes a lot of comments.

My impression is that this lens will do the same, image wise, and for those who can live with an f4 lens, great. However, start shooting in lower light and and maybe even add a teleconverter (most likely the TC-1.4 xxx) and its speed catches up with it fairly quickly. You can dial your ISO up, but there is just no substitute for lens speed when you really need it.

Hopefully, this lens will help drop the prices of the old ones so that some who earlier couldn't afford one will be able to do so, while making those who get this one very happy as well.

WM
 
Top