I've been on the lookout for a telephoto for wildlife and birding, and have the opportunity to pick up a 300 f/4 AF (screw-drive) a couple of benjamins. I expect to be using it mostly wide open by itself or on a Tamron 1.4x SP (similar to Kenko Pro 300 1.4x) mounted on the D7100. Would appreciate if anyone that has used or is using this lens on the D7100 for birding can weigh in on its performance and limitations. Thanks!
Guidance needed on 300 f4 AF (Screw drive) for birding / wildlife
- Thread starter gustafson
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I compared a preowned copy of this lens against the AF-S version just this week. The one you are asking about is insanely sharp--in fact I couldn't tell a difference between the two as far as sharpness goes. It is slower to focus than the AF-S, but for the price, it would be amazing. The one I looked at was $399 which is still cheaper than what B&H and Keh are offering.
You might want to read up on its Focus Limiter to maximize what you get out of the lens. Setting the focus limiter is supposed to help the AF speed. I didn't play around with that setting so can't be of help in how it works.
Focus Limiter on Nikkor 300mm f/4 AF ED
You might want to read up on its Focus Limiter to maximize what you get out of the lens. Setting the focus limiter is supposed to help the AF speed. I didn't play around with that setting so can't be of help in how it works.
Focus Limiter on Nikkor 300mm f/4 AF ED
Thanks for the input! Just the push I needed to pull the trigger on it, thanks! I'm getting an old beater in the low $200s. We'll see how it fares.
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That's great! There is a UV filter that gets inserted down into the barrel of the lens. If you look at photos, you should see something sticking up from the top of the lens about halfway between the front and back. That stays in there. Not sure if the lens will work without it, but if it isn't there, it would allow dust and dirt to get inside. The front filter takes 82mm. Back then they didn't make lens caps in that size so it originally came with a leatherette pouch to cover the front element. You should be able to find a generic pinch lens cap for the front at a reasonable price. I looked at photos taken with that lens...VERY impressive!
Thanks for the pointers! I ordered an 82mm filter for it. Not sure if it comes with caps, if not, good to know there are reasonably priced ones. Excited!
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