New Nikon AF-S 300 f4 PF ED VR sample photos

[Lance B]

Borrowed a friend's brand new 300mm f4E PF ED VR which he picked up yesterday here in Sydney, possibly one of the first to be sold to the buying public anywhere in the world. It's still early days but I am very, very impressed with it, not yet prepared to say categorically whether it is as good or better than my 300 f2.8 VRII, but so far it seems to be at least as good, but more testing needs to be undertaken. Unfortunately we were at a park where most of the birds were far off so, I mainly used the 1.4x TCIII and a few with the 1.7x TCII, and they performed brilliantly, both in AF speed and accuracy but also giving very sharp results. Most of the shots with the TC's below are wide open!!

Unfortunately, as it isn't my lens, I only had about 1 hour to put it through it's paces as my friend needed to go to a another engagement and I had to (reluctantly) give the lens back. However, we are hoping to go to the zoo on Monday together to try it out mostly without the TC's to see how it performs naked as we can get closer to the birds and animals there. This should really show off how sharp the bare lens is and we can see how good the bokeh and other attributes are and how it stacks up against one of Nikon's best, the 300 f2.8 VRII.

The lens is so small and light weight, especially compared to my 300 f2.8 VRII which positively dwarfs it, but even compared to the old 300 f4 and even compared to the 24-70 f2.8!! In fact, it's almost too small and light, if that's possible, as it is lighter than the camera itself (D810) and it just doesn't seem right that a 300mm lens should be lighter than the camera, especially a lens with such great IQ (so far).

Haven't really tested VR as it was nice and bright today. Hopefully at the zoo we will see how good the VR is.

Here are some tantilisers, some with the lens bare and some with TC's. As I say, they look very very promising!

D810 + 300 f4 VR f5.6
#1
http://www.pbase.com/lance_b/image/158841940/original.jpg

crop of above photo
#2
http://www.pbase.com/lance_b/image/158841941/original.jpg

D810 + 300 f4 VR, f5.6
#3
http://www.pbase.com/lance_b/image/158841942/original.jpg

Crop of above photo
#4
http://www.pbase.com/lance_b/image/158841943/original.jpg

D810 + 300 f4 VR f5.6
#5
http://www.pbase.com/lance_b/image/158841946/original.jpg

Crop of above photo
#6
http://www.pbase.com/lance_b/image/158841947/original.jpg

D810 + 300 f4 VR + 1.4x TCIII, f5.6 wide open!
#7
http://www.pbase.com/lance_b/image/158841950/original.jpg

Crop of above photo
#8
http://www.pbase.com/lance_b/image/158841951/original.jpg

D810 + 300 f4 VR + 1.4x TCIII f5.6 wide open
#9
http://www.pbase.com/lance_b/image/158841954/original.jpg

Crop of above photo
#10
http://www.pbase.com/lance_b/image/158841955/original.jpg

D810 + 300 f4 VR + 1.4x TCIII f5.6 wide open!
#11
http://www.pbase.com/lance_b/image/158841956/original.jpg

Crop of above photo
#12
http://www.pbase.com/lance_b/image/158841957/original.jpg

D810 + 300 f4 VR + 1.4 TCIII f5.6 wide open
#13
http://www.pbase.com/lance_b/image/158841981/original.jpg

Crop of above photo
#14
http://www.pbase.com/lance_b/image/158841982/original.jpg

D810 + 300 f3 VR + 1.7x TCII f9
#15
http://www.pbase.com/lance_b/image/158841984/original.jpg

Crop of above photo
#16
http://www.pbase.com/lance_b/image/158841985/original.jpg

D810 + 300 f4 VR + 1.4x TCIII f7.1
#17
http://www.pbase.com/lance_b/image/158841988/original.jpg

Crop of above photo
#18
http://www.pbase.com/lance_b/image/158841989/original.jpg

D810 + 300 f4 VR + 1.4x TCIII f7.1
#19
http://www.pbase.com/lance_b/image/158841990/original.jpg

Crop of above photo
#20
http://www.pbase.com/lance_b/image/158841991/original.jpg

[feathers]

They look pretty good with a TC attached. Looking forward to seeing the tests with out the TC. Thanks for sharing.

[Glenda]

Looks impressive.

[CarlR]

impressive IQ, I'm sure aided by your solid technique. I'm intrigued by your comments about the size and weight.

[salnel]

This looks pretty good!! although I love my 300 f4, I am so interested in this lens both for the VR as I do a lot of shooting in low light but also for the lightness!! I will look forward to the next test run!! By the way, terrific shots too:D

[Lance B]

They look pretty good with a TC attached. Looking forward to seeing the tests with out the TC. Thanks for sharing.

Thank you very much for your nice comments, feathers. :)

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Looks impressive.

Thank you very much, Lplates. :)

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impressive IQ, I'm sure aided by your solid technique. I'm intrigued by your comments about the size and weight.

Thank you very much for your wonderful comments and kind words, Carl. :)

The lens is relatively tiny in comparison to not only my 300 f2.8 VRII, but also in comparison to the old 300 f4 and it is smaller and lighter than the Nikon 24-70 f2.8!! :eek:

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This looks pretty good!! although I love my 300 f4, I am so interested in this lens both for the VR as I do a lot of shooting in low light but also for the lightness!! I will look forward to the next test run!! By the way, terrific shots too:D

Thank you ever so much for your lovely comments and thoughts, Sally. :)

As I have said, it is so tiny and I'm sure you'd love it. :)

[I @ M]

Looks impressive Lance, thanks for the real world samples. :th3:

[Lance B]

Looks impressive Lance, thanks for the real world samples. :th3:

Thank you for your kind comments, Andrew. :)

[Nick Cliff]

Absolutely remarkable lens in the right hands, great photos, regards Nick.

[Lance B]

Absolutely remarkable lens in the right hands, great photos, regards Nick.

Thank you very much for your kind comments, Nick. :)

[Norman]

Looks great Lance

Were they handheld images or did you use a tripod etc ?

[Lance B]

Looks great Lance

Were they handheld images or did you use a tripod etc ?

Thank you very much, Norman. :)

All handheld.

[cupic]

Looks like my 1.4 X TCII isnt going to cut it with this lens.Do you have a chance next time in using or you havent got it anymore Lance
Great set for only 1hr worth

cheers

[Lance B]

Looks like my 1.4 X TCII isnt going to cut it with this lens.Do you have a chance next time in using or you havent got it anymore Lance

I am sure the 1.4x TCII will work perfectly with the 300 f4 VR. Why do you think it wouldn't? On my 300 f2.8 VRII, the difference between the 1.4x TCII and the 1.4x TCII is basically imperceptible. I am sure the same would go for the 300 f4 VR.


Great set for only 1hr worth

cheers

Thank you, cupic. It was probably a little more than an hour, but not as much as I'd liked.

[cupic]

Going by the Nikon Site My Nikon Life
Notes on use with a teleconverter
The following teleconverters are compatible with this lens:
AF-S Teleconverters TC-14E III/TC-17E II*/TC-20E III*

* Autofocus is available only with single-servo AF (AF-S) and then only when the lens is mounted on a camera that supports f/8.

This I think is mainly for older bodies such as D300s D700 that I still have .With newer bodies the 1.4x TC11 would be functional


cheers

[Lance B]

Nikon has often made mistakes with their site with regards to compatibility, especially TC's. However, if I get the chance to test the 1.4x TCII on this lens, I shall do so. If the 1.7x TCII operates this lens, then it stands to reason that the 1.4x TCII also will operate with this lens as they are the same family of TC and have the same functions.

[jjnic]

Very nice. I have this lens on my 'i want' list ☺

[Lance B]

Very nice. I have this lens on my 'i want' list ☺

Thank you very much, jjnic. :)

[Belly]

Lance, these are wonderful real world samples and a true testament to your ability. Thankyou for your exhibition as I hadn't seen any real world images from someone I rate that would sum up my "I hope this will be a stellar lens" thoughts.

I liked everything about this lens when I saw the spec, especially the weight and the length. Those two factors alone will allow me to pack it in my Think Tank back country style along side my other NIKKORS (14-24, 24-70, 70-200) it isn't much bigger than the 24-70! Put a 1.4x on it and you have a pretty useful focal range.

I never doubted Nikon's ability to dish up another piece of engineering brilliance and you have confirmed that for me:th3:

cheers
Belly:)

PS; it will be on board with me later this year in Alaska:)

[Lance B]

Lance, these are wonderful real world samples and a true testament to your ability. Thankyou for your exhibition as I hadn't seen any real world images from someone I rate that would sum up my "I hope this will be a stellar lens" thoughts.

I liked everything about this lens when I saw the spec, especially the weight and the length. Those two factors alone will allow me to pack it in my Think Tank back country style along side my other NIKKORS (14-24, 24-70, 70-200) it isn't much bigger than the 24-70! Put a 1.4x on it and you have a pretty useful focal range.

I never doubted Nikon's ability to dish up another piece of engineering brilliance and you have confirmed that for me:th3:

cheers
Belly:)

PS; it will be on board with me later this year in Alaska:)

Thank you very much for your lovely comments and thoughts, Belly.

I think you'll love this lens, it's sharp, great to use, small and light! Good shooting. :)

[cupic]

Rang the retailer and was given the story supply demand delay
Your friend Lance must have pre ordered it before it was announced
As in the states it not being shipped to Normal customer till the 5 Feb
Mine is still #2 on the list so Im pissed that the wait will be longer :(
Grin and bear ..........
Still I have your examples to look forward to

Any more example ?
As for the TC problem the Version II of the 1.4 won't be a problem on your D800/E/810
But on older D700 etc it can be
You thoughts Lance

cheers

[Lance B]

Rang the retailer and was given the story supply demand delay
Your friend Lance must have pre ordered it before it was announced
As in the states it not being shipped to Normal customer till the 5 Feb
Mine is still #2 on the list so Im pissed that the wait will be longer :(
Grin and bear ..........
Still I have your examples to look forward to

Any more example ?
As for the TC problem the Version II of the 1.4 won't be a problem on your D800/E/810
But on older D700 etc it can be
You thoughts Lance

cheers

I actually don't know how my friend obtained it so early, but I think he just rang Nikon on Broadway by chance and they had a few in stock. There were still a few for sale a few weeks ago, as I understand it, but they were sold not long after my postings. :D

I have a few more samples but a had few minor AF issues or VR issues but I am not sure what the poblem was, which could be due to user error. Still trying to get to the bottom of it, but as it isn't my lens I am limited to getting my hands on it to find out what the issue was. Sar also trialled that very same lens from the same person and he also had a few issues, but this was due to the VR and I have a sneaky suspicion mine was as well. All I know is, I won't be selling my 300 f2.8 VRII to get one of these. However, this is not to say the lens isn't good, on the contrary, it's a superb lens capable of superb results.

A couple more test shots.

D810 + 300 f4 PF VR, f5.6, 1/625sec, ISO2263. The highish ISO would have taken the edge of sharpnesss here, but still an excellent result.

http://www.pbase.com/lance_b/image/158880372/original.jpg

Crop

http://www.pbase.com/lance_b/image/158880373/original.jpg

With the 2x TCIII. The AF is only useable on the centre AF point, the outer points it really struggles even in this good light

D810 + 300 f4 PF VR + 2x TCIII, f8 (wide open!), 1/1250sec, ISO635. Bloody sharp for wide open with a 2x TCIII. However, this is at close range and the 300 f2.8 VRII + 2x TCIII would do a similar job at close range.

http://www.pbase.com/lance_b/image/158983163/original.jpg

crop

http://www.pbase.com/lance_b/image/158983164/original.jpg

Another with the 2x TCIII but stopped down to f9.

http://www.pbase.com/lance_b/image/158983167/original.jpg

Crop

http://www.pbase.com/lance_b/image/158983168/original.jpg

[mikew09]

Great series, some fantastic shots - looks like the lens is a cracka and you have already found the sweet spot ;-)

[MattNQ]

That lens does look good Lance. Thanks for sharing.
(But I suspect you could take superb shots with a homemade lens made of a pringles can anyway :lol:)

Did you notice any unexpected issues with flare with this lens?

[Lance B]

That lens does look good Lance. Thanks for sharing.
(But I suspect you could take superb shots with a homemade lens made of a pringles can anyway :lol:)

Did you notice any unexpected issues with flare with this lens?

Thank you very much for your kind comments, Matt!

I have not noticed any issues regarding flare from either directly looking into backlit or sidelit scenes. Neither has the owner of the lens.

[MattNQ]

Thank you very much for your kind comments, Matt!

I have not noticed any issues regarding flare from either directly looking into backlit or sidelit scenes. Neither has the owner of the lens.
Thanks Lance. [emoji1]

[Stoodoo]

Very sharp images. Id like to try one of these lenses out for size, be quite compact (compared to my sigma 120-300 sport).

[cupic]

Picked up today my copy of this lens from DCW in Sydney
So now will attempt to show this lens off with a few examples
Looking to find some time soon
Electronic diaphragm looks to be fast for a few indoor rubbish shots but .....
cheers

[cupic]

A few examples from today of the newest 300mm VR
Cropped from Originals
Not in the league of Lance perhaps too much coffee on my part :0

115123115124115125115126

[Lance B]

Congrats on the new lens! I hope to see more of your results, so far they are looking great!

[mongo]

Mongo had missed seeing this post altogether. Glad Lance posted these and his comments. Like Lance, Mongo only had a short play with this lens. It is impressive in the results, its weight and size but the price is still a little bit up there (appox $2,500) ; especially compared to the 300mm AFS lens which is excellent and can be purchased second hand for about $800

[ASD14]

hi guys, spoke to a couple places last week about the 300 PF VR and it seems they are sitting around the $2800 mark, is this correct or can I source it for a better price elsewhere?

thanks.

[cupic]

DCW try them

[Lance B]

hi guys, spoke to a couple places last week about the 300 PF VR and it seems they are sitting around the $2800 mark, is this correct or can I source it for a better price elsewhere?

thanks.

$2590 at Nikon on Broadway in Sydney, cash price or non credit card purchase.

$2445 at DCW.

[ASD14]

Great, thanks guys :)

How do you think this new lens would stack up against the Nikon 80-400g ed vr ?? I know they are different (prime vs zoom) but in image quality? speed? etc... because they are only a couple $$ difference and the 80-400 would be much more versatile one would think (apart from the weight).. I would use it mainly for when I go hiking and photograph deer. (a lot of low light situations).


Cheers.

[flyreels]

Great real world testing and the IQ is amazing
Thanks for sharing :th3:

[cupic]

Check out Lance's thread on the 80-400 ..... Master at work

cheers

[Lance B]

Great, thanks guys :)

How do you think this new lens would stack up against the Nikon 80-400g ed vr ?? I know they are different (prime vs zoom) but in image quality? speed? etc... because they are only a couple $$ difference and the 80-400 would be much more versatile one would think (apart from the weight).. I would use it mainly for when I go hiking and photograph deer. (a lot of low light situations).


Cheers.

A tough question, versatility of the zoom as opposed to the slight advantage of IQ of the 300 f4 PF. If I didn't already own the 300 f2.8 VRII but still have my 70-200 f2.8 VRII, I would probably go the 300 f4 PF over the 80-400 as I would have the range covered. If I didn't own the 70-200 f2.8, then that would be a much more difficult question to answer. There is no doubt that the 300 bare can give some superb IQ and if you would like to have that available to you, then go the 300. However, if you really need to be able to shoot at 80-299mm, then I would suggest the 80-400. Those deer can be large and if you are close, you may need to be shooting at under 300.

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Check out Lance's thread on the 80-400 ..... Master at work

cheers

You are too kind, cupic!

[cupic]

Too KIND you work speaks in volume....... you sir are toooooooooooooooo modest :wd:

cheers

[richardb]

Good glass. Obviously as a Nikkor should be always.
Wonder if Nikon engineers designed it using the raytracing with the ZEMAX tool, or just the empiricism of a lens polisher.
:th3::th3::th3:

[glennb]

Think this lens is now on my wish list, thanx for the images!