AF-S 300 f/4 mount play?

[TimmyTheTag]

I just received my AF-S 300 f/4 yesterday that I bought used. I have not had a chance to do anything but mount it to my D300 so far. I can't wait to get out with it this weekend.

I have a question though since this is my first heavy and long lens, let alone a prime. There is some play went mounted to my D300. More twisting play and very little side to side. Is this normal? I see no brassing on the lens at all, in fact the entire lens is practically brand new. Should I be concerned or or at ease knowing I got a steal of a deal.

Thanks,
Dave

TimmyTheTag added 399 Minutes and 21 Seconds later...Double Post Merged Below

Nevermind!

[labmansid]

It's been a while since I have used mine, but as I recall there is some play in this lens when mounted on my D200. Mine was bought used as well, but it does take some great pictures. :) You will enjoy it.

[TimmyTheTag]

Sid, since I posted this I talked to someone with a Nikon 200-400 and there have play also. I then check with a smaller zoom lens I have and same thing, just not as bad. I just never payed attention, but with more mass of the 300mm it caught my attention. The guy with the 200-400 said he's noticed this as well, that the bigger the lens the more play. He's always wanted to ask the Nikon Rep why there is so much play and yet they harp about perfect mounting support!

[lhdvies]

Hey David I just read this thread so I got my 300 afs & mounted it on the
d300, there is a little circular play, but not much. That is not uncommon on all my long canon stuff & it does not affect the operation at all. My suggestion is go shoot it and enjoy it. It's a great lens and if the shots are sharp, don't sweat it. I use mine with the 1.7tc quite a bit and it works fine even with the very small play.

[maskale]

I have a 200-400 and there is some play. Once when I had a TC1.4 attached there was a lot of play, I knew something was not right, it ended up being the little screws on the mount were lose on the TC. So you may be fine but it is something to keep a tabs on, check those little screws on all your lens if you find more then normal play.

[DougC]

dave,

This is a great lens with a crappy mount. Both Kirk and RRS make replacement collars for it. I strongly advise you to get one when finances allow.

[TimmyTheTag]

Doug,
The Kirk seems alot nicer, but I'm tapped out right now. Once I get my lens plate (Wimberley P-10) in I think I can make a block that attaches where a flash bracket would go and comes back over the stock foot and supports then supports the lens barrel. Once I get it I will work on it, it won't cost much to make since I have a machine shop at my disposal and others I buy from that love stuff like this.

[krviera]

Dave,

I agree with Doug, the collar is horrible.

I love my lens, but do plan on replacing the collar once I change ball heads to Arca-Swiss compatible system.

It becomes a pain to rotate the lens and it only gets worst as time passes.

Enjoy the lens, it takes great sharp pictures. I use mine with the TC14EII and it doesn't leave my camera.