Pixtus - Photography Forum, Photographers, Photo Tips

Shadow · 11:07 PM

AF-S NIKKOR 300mm f/4D IF-ED

When posting photos, please give any and all information in regards to the photo that you can. This extra information will give more information about how the photo was taken and with what camera body.

Example:

Canon 20d : @16mm : 1/200th : f3.5 : 1600 ISO : AV Mode : -1/3 Exp Comp

Thanks

Shadow added 4 Minutes and 28 Seconds later...Double Post Merged Below

I use this lens all the time, often with the TC-14E converter, which makes it a 420mm F5.6 combo. I use the TC-20E for moon shots with this lens too.

http://www.nikonusa.com/Find-Your-Nikon/Product/Camera-Lenses/1909/AF-S-NIKKOR-300mm-f%252F4D-IF-ED.html

Jaycee · 05-14-2009, 10:02 PM

Wow -- these are excellent! I really want that lens. Unfortunately Nikon has raised the price and it's almost 2K now. Do you usually use a tripod?

Shadow · 05-15-2009, 11:48 PM

These days, I shoot with a CF monopod quite frequently. This helps to lower my ISO's. I have often shot it hand held, though. If you're lucky, you can find a mint used one for a good price, like I did. Still can't believe that I got it for $750! I did have to drive to the Hill Country to pick it up, though. I have a bag full of glass, but it is my favorite. IQ beats my 70-200VR, which is superb too. :)

Jaycee · 05-16-2009, 04:20 PM

You were SO lucky to get a bargain like that. I checked out your flickr birds and they're all great! I misspoke above, it's "only" about 1400 right now at B&H and Adorama, and out of stock both places, at least with US warranty. And the 70-200 VR is 1900, or was the other day. I would like a bargain on that one, too. Checking craigslist and the buy/sell forum here every day!

Shadow · 10:52 PM

Thanks, they don't come up for sale used too often. If you buy one, you'll keep it unless you get an F2.8 or similar. Fred Miranda is another place to look for them. unfortunately, there are tons of Nikon lenses out of stock almost everywhere. Nikon recently said that they reduced production drastically, anticipating a world wide depression. As it turns out, lens sales are up this year and inventories are nonexistent. So,prices are creeping up everyday, even though nothing is in stock. eBay supplies are pathetic too. I hate to pay more than full list price for gear. If you look, you should eventually find this lens for @ $1000. For birding, this is a better choice than the 70-200VR, which is a superb lens as well for other uses.

Jaycee · 05-20-2009, 09:57 PM

I recently got the TC14EE so really want this lens to use with it. I'm pretty frustrated with the Nikon lens situation at the moment!

corralup · 05-20-2009, 10:06 PM

Nice examples here and I second that response. I love my 70-200mm 2.8 but the next lens will be the 300mm.

Shadow · 05-31-2009, 10:54 PM

Janis (Jaycee) got hers today! Woot! :) What a nice piece of engineering this lens is. :)

Jaycee · 05-31-2009, 11:25 PM

Yes, I got it and I love it! Thanks to Bruce for tipping me off about the listing in craigslist and also inspiring me with his photos to get this lens. It is much sharper than my 70-300 and much easier to handle than I thought it would be. So far I've been using it on a Manfrotto monopod and getting good results. The TC14EE works great -- still very sharp. Thanks, Bruce.

Shadow · 06-04-2009, 12:15 AM

The weight is almost exactly the same as the 70-200VR, so you can work without a pod pretty well as needed. Glad it worked out, let's see the shots! :)

Jaycee · **some 300mm f/4 shots -** 06-07-2009, 11:50 PM

FWIW, I made a little gallery of recent shots with this lens here:
http://janisherdphoto.com/p228083516
I have tons more to go through -- this great lens gives me lots of keepers! With the exception of the heron and duck, these were all shot around our place or looking down on our neighbor's ranch.

Shadow · 06-08-2009, 11:23 PM

Wow, Janis! Looks terrific. The bokeh of the cat shot is very nice. You're very lucky to have such great shooting topics right at home. :)

corralup · 06-09-2009, 10:02 AM

When will this lens be back in regular stock at B & H I wonder? I'm saving a little each week to get this lens. I can't wait!

Shadow · 06-09-2009, 10:58 AM

I've found two of these on Craigslist recently. One I directed Janis to, and the other I matched with a Flickr friend. This is highly unusual to find so frequently in Texas. :) Happy shooting!

Jaycee · 03:24 PM

Thanks, Bruce! I always spend way too much time on backgrounds in PS, and this lens helps that problem a lot with the nice bokeh when wide open or close to it.

Jaycee added 5 Minutes and 41 Seconds later...Double Post Merged Below

By the way, Bruce, today I got the 486RC2 ballhead you recommended and think it's going to be very helpful. I have an Arca Swiss but wanted something more lightweight for the monopod. I may end up selling the Arca, which I seldom use.

Jaycee added 9 Minutes and 40 Seconds later...Double Post Merged Below

I've noticed that on the D300 the 300mm is a little loose on the camera when it's mounted by itself, and the 1.4 TC is really quite loose with any lens. Is this normal? It certainly seems to defeat the purpose of trying to get stabilized with monopods or tripods. I steady it by pressing down on the right side of the camera with my hand -- which is convenient since it's there to press the shutter anyway -- but this kind of bugs me.