Nikon 300mm f/4 PF VR problem?

hark

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While watching a Steve Perry video on the Nikon 300mm f/4 PF, he mentioned there was a service advisory issued for the early copies of the lens. Supposedly when mounted on the D8xx bodies, there is a problem when the VR is engaged at slower shutter speeds causing the images to be a little blurry. I wondered if anyone has encountered the problem. Nikon offered a firmware update, but Steve wasn't sure that would take care of the problem. His comment comes in around 6:30 in the video.

Nikon 300mm f4 PF firmware update.jpg


 

RocketCowboy

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My lens has a more recent serial number past when Nikon applied the firmware to new builds so that part is done. I haven't noticed any issues, but also don't tend to run the shutter speed down that low hand holding anyway, so VR hasn't come into play. I'm curious to give it a test though.
 

hark

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It will be interesting to hear if you run into any issues, Charlie. Thanks for offering to look into it.

I love my 300mm f/4 AF-S, but its weight coupled with the fact that it lacks VR sometimes is a struggle for me. I have trigger finger (middle finger) and trigger thumb both on my right hand. It's a form of tendonitis. That plus having chronic tennis elbow in my right arm, which is also tendonitis, make it difficult to use the lens at times. Sure I can take a monopod/tripod everywhere, but I don't always want to do that.

My 300mm might be my sharpest lens. It's insanely sharp so I hope the newer version is equally as sharp. Am looking into a pre-owned copy. I don't have a D8xx but still want to know about any issues. When I bought this current 300mm AF-S, I didn't expect to be so hooked on using it!
 
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