The Nikon AF-S 300mm f/2.8G ED VR II Lens delivers superior professional performance with speed and incredibly sharp images which photographers have come to expect from Nikon. This fast lens is perfect for sports photojournalism, wild life photography and a wide range of subjects that require super telephoto focal lengths. Nikon's VR II (Vibration Reduction) image stabilization allows handheld shooting at up to 4 shutter speeds slower than would otherwise be possible, and Nikon's Silent Wave Motor (SWM) provides users with fast and quiet autofocusing.
| Performance | |
|---|---|
| Focal Length | 300 mm |
| Aperture |
Maximum: f/2.8 Minimum: f/22 |
| Camera Mount Type | Nikon F |
| Format Compatibility |
Nikon FX/35mm Film Nikon DX |
| Angle of View |
8° DX Picture Angle: 5° |
| Minimum Focus Distance | 7.55' (2.3 m) |
| Magnification | 0.16x |
| Maximum Reproduction Ratio | 1:6.25 |
| Groups/Elements | 8/11 |
| Diaphragm Blades | 9 |
| Features | |
|---|---|
| Image Stabilization | Yes |
| Autofocus | Yes |
| Tripod Collar | Yes |
| Physical | |
|---|---|
| Filter Thread | 52 mm |
| Dimensions (DxL) | Approx. 4.9 x 10.5" (12.45 x 26.67 cm) |
| Weight | 6.39 lb (2.90 kg) |
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Reviewed by 34 customers
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Comments about Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 300mm f/2.8G ED VR II Lens:
Basic and primary nature photography goto lens. Very sharp and now quiet and offers 4 extra stops with the VII function.
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Comments about Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 300mm f/2.8G ED VR II Lens:
I shoot for several publications and on one occasion had several of my shots get accepted to be published in National Geographic--until they wanted to make them a full page---the resolution was not high enough--so they passed! I now have this lens---NO Problem on resolution anymore!!!! This thing is unreal!!!! Just wish I would have had it on my past assignment!!!!!!! It really is all about the lens quality!!! You will definitely need a tripod or monopod. Definitely highly recommend!!! B&H is great to deal with!!
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Comments about Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 300mm f/2.8G ED VR II Lens:
I shoot a lot of sporting events in poor lighting conditions and this lens has solved many problems for me. Extremely happy with the sharpness of the resulting images, the bokeh at wide apertures is outstanding, and the autofocus works very well.This lens was an upgrade from a prior Nikon 300 f/2.8 manual focus lens, and I am happy I made the switch. For me the ideal setup with this lens is achieved by replacing the stock lens foot with one from [@] and using it with their pro monopod. Obviously this is a large heavy lens, but the combination setup I am using works quite well.
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Comments about Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 300mm f/2.8G ED VR II Lens:
I have built up my equipment over the past 5 years with D3/D3 X and a selection of top end Nikon fast lenses. The 300mm F2.8 VRii was the final piece of the jigsaw and it was worth the wait. fast, accurate, sharp and outstanding build quality. I have shot sport, wildlife and portraiture with it and it as excelled all round. I have used it with the Nikon 2.0 III teleconverter with no noticeable loss of sharpness and only minimal oss of speed.
The only negative I have is the weight but regardless I wouldn't leave home without it.
Nikon should consider putting a front element protection in place (similar to the 200 -400 ) other than that i dont believe this lens can be beaten.
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Comments about Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 300mm f/2.8G ED VR II Lens:
As a professional specializing in sporting dog and watefowl photography the 300 is my go to lens for over half of what I shoot. This lens is incredibly sharp, focuses extremely fast, tracks well and has amazing bokeh. The VR II system is a definite improvement over the original. I can consistently get tack sharp images at 1/50 second shutter speed- handheld. Some say its heavy, but it balances very well on a D3/D3s body. Using the 1.4, 1.7,and 2X TCs affords virtually no loss of sharpness although focus aquisition is noticeably reduced with the 1.7 and 2X. If you love sharp, buy this lens.
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Comments about Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 300mm f/2.8G ED VR II Lens:
Bought this lens mainly for sports, but also plan on getting into wildlife as well. Shot a baseball game this last weekend and the pictures are sharp and with great color. Focus is very fast and accurate. Used the Nikon 1.7 tele and found the pictures just as sharp. Before buying this lens, I'd been using the 70-200, sometimes with the 1.7 tele, which is a great combo. I will continue to use this set-up when conditions warrant (distance). I use both the Nikon D300 and D700 cameras. Both work great, with the D300 adding more reach, and the D700 for more useable ISO in lower light. This 300mm lens is a great tool to have no matter what kind of shooting you do. Highly recommended.
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Comments about Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 300mm f/2.8G ED VR II Lens:
Awesome lens. Used it in Alaska over 3 weeks. Heavy to carry around and use it hand held, but very sharp, fast and clear. I also used it TC2 III, and that gave me 600mm at pretty good speed. Used that to shoot whales, dall sheep, etc. Really good lens. I only wish I could figure out how to carry it in my backpack.
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Comments about Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 300mm f/2.8G ED VR II Lens:
After struggling to get good zoo photos with the Nikon 300mm f/4 and the Canon 400mm f/5.6L, I finally caved and bought this lens. The quality of both the output and the construction are astonishing. My sample is as sharp wide open as my f/4 was stopped all the way down to f/9, and produces first-rate results from f/2.8 all the way to f/9. Now instead of getting recognizable backgrounds I'm seeing bokeh that can only be described as dream-like; with subjects appearing to float on air against a back-drop of swirling color. The focusing speed is so fast that it is easy to keep to the lowest ISO settings in all but dim light. And the soft-sided carrying case enables transport with a camera attached. What a relief! I would give this lens ten stars if I could.
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Comments about Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 300mm f/2.8G ED VR II Lens:
purchased sight unseen and initially taken back by size/weight having never used lens larger than 70-200 f/2.8. very sharp images, fast focus, VRII makes handhold feasible but still prefer tripod or monopod. limited use with TC 1.4, but focus and image seem very good as suggested by others.
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Comments about Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 300mm f/2.8G ED VR II Lens:
initially taken back by sheer size in comparison to 70-200VRII, but incredible sharpness, able to get handheld sharp images with VR, but most comfortable on monopod, tripod/gimbal. limited use with TC1.4 on both D700 and D300S for more reach, still with excellent images.
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Comments about Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 300mm f/2.8G ED VR II Lens:
What can I say. I have been wanting this lens for over 3 years now and finally pulled the trigger. It's by far my most expensive piece of photograhy equipment but I dont regret the purchase for a second. I cant wait to take Eagle pictures with it this winter.
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Comments about Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 300mm f/2.8G ED VR II Lens:
After unwrapping I took it to an evening Super 15 Rugby match between 2 South African teams.
Being a professional Photographer only using Canon for the past 15 years, it was a complete new experience to shoot NIKON.
I was not surprised but amazed by the focusing speed and sharpness of the lens. In low light conditions with only the available flood lights, I took brilliant action photos in combination with the D3s of this fast sport where you can't predict the next move.
I would certainly recommend it ......
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Comments about Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 300mm f/2.8G ED VR II Lens:
I have been lusting after this lens for almost 3yrs and finally pulled the trigger. It's scary to spend this much for a hobby but I dont regret it for a second. I knew it was big before I ordered it but I still was a little shocked at its size. I'm glad I ordered a Black Rapid strap to go with it. I cant wait to use it this winter when the Eagles return.
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Comments about Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 300mm f/2.8G ED VR II Lens:
I waited a long tome to be able to have one of these for my very own. Sharpest, fastest, super telephoto out there. This is my go to lens for getting the shot. Don't complain about the weight, I'm a girl and I get it done!!
Amazing Lens, Fantastic purchase!!!! Great service!!!! Thanks!!!
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Comments about Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 300mm f/2.8G ED VR II Lens:
I bought this lens for a photo shoot in a safari in Kenya and Tanzania.
Using this lens with cameras Nikon D300 and D3. The lens showed itself only with the best hand. Images were very sharp and clear. The lens barrel is very strong. There was a case that the lens is dropped from the camera. I am very scared - a new product and the camera ... But nothing happened. Continued to shoot as if nothing had happened. I'm glad that he had purchased the product. Used in conjunction with Tele 20 and 17.
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Comments about Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 300mm f/2.8G ED VR II Lens:
Very good glass (pretty close to 200mm f/4 sharpness) with decent VR for use with mono-pods (too heavy for handholding for any length of time). Smaller than my 400mm 2.8, shorter, and just as sharp.
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Comments about Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 300mm f/2.8G ED VR II Lens:
I am a bird photographer and I had a 300 mm f4 and I lost 50-60% of shots to image blur or soft focus. The VR virtually eliminates blurring and the lens is sharp even shooting at F 2.8. The only drawback is the weight, it is heavy but it can be hand held, even with a 1.4 multiplier. I'm very pleased with the results.
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Comments about Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 300mm f/2.8G ED VR II Lens:
I am not an expert in photography.
I got fascinated by the photos I saw on photography forums taken with this lens and I decided to buy it to use it with my NikonD7000.
I got it on a Monday, I opened it at night and had a look at it. Next day I was taking my first photos with it. The lens basically does the job for you when it comes to focusing. It gives you the most sharp pics. I really love it. I just got a Nikon teleconvertor III to use with it to get some more reach.
I absolutely recommend this lens to any one interested in super telephot.
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Comments about Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 300mm f/2.8G ED VR II Lens:
I bought this lens about 3 months ago. I upgraded from Nikon 300mm F4 to this. There is a large difference between the 300 F4 and the 300 F2.8. It is quick and sharp. I use it with the Nikon TC17EII. I mainly use it for mammals and birds.
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Comments about Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 300mm f/2.8G ED VR II Lens:
I use this lens to photograph baseball games and there is a reason many pro photographers use it. It's just incredibly sharp and the autofocus happens almost instantaneously. I use it with a D700 so low light capabilities are fantastic. I've tried it with the Nikon 1.4x teleconverter and the results were equally fantastic in good light conditions. However, the autofocus does slow down ever so slightly when using the teleconverter. Pair this with a good monopod and it's action photography heaven. The first time I got a good up-close look at the photos I had taken with it at a baseball game I almost fell out of my chair! I had been using the Nikon 70-200mm f/2.8 VRII before. While that lens certainly produced great results, the 300mm gets you closer to the action with even slightly better sharpness and slightly faster autofocus.The cons you all know about. It's heavy, expensive, and it requires a larger bag to carry it around. That should be no surprise though. Another con might be that it makes all your lesser lenses look inferior, haha.Bottom line if you're looking at this lens, you know why you need/want it. If you get it, you simply won't be disappointed. It really delivers.
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