I've traded in my 500mm f/4 for the f/5.6 pf because of the weight, but if I expect to be close enough with my 300mm f2.8 for my wildlife shots, I will take it anytime, no matter the weight. The clarity, crispness and rendition is second to none. Great shots & thanks for the video!
@@seancameronphotographic3740 yes - no regrets - all joy - like you said. I started with spiderwebs at dawn - gorgeous iridescence (on my Instagram, yenra)
Nice video, first canine sports photographer I've seen. Have you tried this lens on any mirrorless bodies? As Nikon do not seem to have any plans to create a Z mount version, I'm thinking this would be my telephoto for my marine work.
💖 I understand EXACTLY what you are talking about with your 300!! I have an OLD, - OLD - 300 F2.8 before VR that is the sharpest lens I have ever owned. I would use that over the 500F4 all day long. What is did not have in focal length, it more than made up for in sharpness even when cropping all the way in. Even though I am transitioning to Canon, that is a lens that will go with me to the end.... and my old D800. In the off chance that Nikon puts out a respectable crop sensor (at least 30 megapixles), I will buy that and use this as an adapted lens. At F4 where it is sharpest, it is simply amazing. It is advertising
It's great when you have an old reliable isn't it. Using mine really is like wearing a pair of comfy slippers, even before I look through the viewfinder I know what I'm going to get, and the bokeh at f2.8 is just dreamy. Far softer than my 85mm f1.4.
When I shot Pentax I picked up the 300mm f/4 and it was really good. Switching to Nikon, I eventually got the 200-500mm /5.6 beast. Great results, too dang heavy! Picked up the 70-300mm variable f/5.6-6.3 when the new version came out a couple years back and that has been a real work horse for me. Much lighter, 90% of the time I have plenty of light for it and the image quality is great. For portraits I have the Sigma 105mm ART lens. Big and chunky, the results are just to die for. That lens hood ad idea is brilliant!
I have the non vr version afs version that’s slightly heavier myself. occasionally I do wish for the vr like my 200-500 but for the most bits, I could do without. thankfully! love the video and I hope the lens is fine after the tip over
Thank you so much Nicolas, yes it survived its tumble. I rarely use VR on any of my lenses mainly to preserve battery life but also because it's unnecessary for high shutter speeds. So you're not missing anything mate
Well, if I was using the 200mm for the deer headshots I’d definitely be too close 😂 but seriously, it’s not as much difference as people think however, any little extra reach is always useful. Though I’d prefer 400mm or 500mm to be honest.
I have this Lens and Agree 100% with you. It's heave BUT...In my opinion THE BEST 300mm Nikon f/2.8 period! Ta shot with a D4.D-500 0r a D-850 And prepare yourself to drop your jaws to the ground in amazement when reviewing the results! Like you I'LL NEVER SELL IT! I have the Nikon Z6 Mark2 on order and can't wait to try it on that camera!
Another lens is the sigma 120-300 2.8. I was umming and erring on an af-s nikon 300 2.8 when one popped up for decent money, bearing in mind they're ~£2500 new. Crossing fingers but I think should be a decent option, even if it does weigh 3kg! 👍
I agree with you on the 300 f2.8 VR. Unfortunately I’ve had bad experiences. First one I got (previously owned) was faulty. No autofocus. I got a second and it was instantly evident that the focus speed, tracking and optical quality were fantastic. Using it on a D850 with a high MP sensor means it can reach further because you can crop and retain quality and when used with a 1.4x teleconverter there is minimal loss of focus performance/quality so you’ve got a 420mm f4 equivalent and that too is cropable. Unfortunately after a few months the VR failed and according to all my efforts is not repairable. I suppose this is the problem with old, used lenses. It’s very disappointing because it was still expensive used and has a reputation of being one of the best made lenses ever for build quality and reliability. Yet I’ve had two and both failed. I have continued to use it without the VR which works because the f2.8 is fo fast, although stabilisation would be nice, particularly with a 1.4x TC on. I am now considering mirrorless and I’m really struggling for which way to go. I could get a Z7ii. Would the 300mm work as well (focus acquisition and tracking) thru the FTZ adapter though? I don’t know. Would the IBIS make up for the loss of my lens VR? I don’t know. Should I look at Canon R5 or Sony A7rii/Iv? It’s a minefield. I think the Sonys are good but unsure about the lenses. Making the wrong decision could be very costly. I don’t have much experience with high quality fast primes but even with the broken VR..yes..the Nikon 300mm f2.8 VR is a great lens and I don’t regret buying it.
It is a minefield isn't it? I'm sorry that you've had such a difficult time with both lenses, though I have to admit that I rarely use VR as I'm usually using quite high shutter speeds. I don't normally say this, but if you want I'll add an additional test using the Z6ii with my 300mm at the end of my upcoming tracking test. Though I can't guarantee when it'll be out.
@@seancameronphotographic3740 I think if I was going to go Nikon mirrorless it would be the Z7ii. However I’d expect the Z6ii to behave pretty well identically in terms of focus speed/tracking using an FTZ and testing the IBIS with the lens VR off. Would welcome any views or comparisons. Having read quite a bit about the various mirrorless cameras and particularly the Z6ii and Z7ii I think it might be swings and roundabouts. If I were doing landscapes then I’d have switched already but I think the D850 still holds some benefits for wildlife.
I use the Nikon Z 70-200 f2.8 S plus 1.4 S Teleconvertor on the Z7 for better IQ ..I have had all the Nikon 300 f2.8s since the MF back in the 1980's and this combo is by far the best F4 included at 280mm
I've traded in my 500mm f/4 for the f/5.6 pf because of the weight, but if I expect to be close enough with my 300mm f2.8 for my wildlife shots, I will take it anytime, no matter the weight. The clarity, crispness and rendition is second to none.
Great shots & thanks for the video!
The 300mm is impressive isn't it
Mine arrived today; super happy to watch your video about it!
Thank you, I bet you're enjoying it
@@seancameronphotographic3740 yes - no regrets - all joy - like you said. I started with spiderwebs at dawn - gorgeous iridescence (on my Instagram, yenra)
Thanks again and another brilliant video. Best of luck from Ireland
Thank you so much
looks like a stunning lens, thanks for a great review
Thank you Obed, it is.
I added the Wimberly Tripod attachment plate to the handle adding 5 inches of area to grip and for tripod
Very nice straight forward presentation. I have wanted one for such a long time .... now I'm inching very close to getting one. Best Regards
Go for it my friend. It's my favourite ever Nikon lens. So versatile.
Nice video, first canine sports photographer I've seen. Have you tried this lens on any mirrorless bodies? As Nikon do not seem to have any plans to create a Z mount version, I'm thinking this would be my telephoto for my marine work.
💖 I understand EXACTLY what you are talking about with your 300!! I have an OLD, - OLD - 300 F2.8 before VR that is the sharpest lens I have ever owned. I would use that over the 500F4 all day long. What is did not have in focal length, it more than made up for in sharpness even when cropping all the way in. Even though I am transitioning to Canon, that is a lens that will go with me to the end.... and my old D800. In the off chance that Nikon puts out a respectable crop sensor (at least 30 megapixles), I will buy that and use this as an adapted lens. At F4 where it is sharpest, it is simply amazing. It is advertising
It's great when you have an old reliable isn't it. Using mine really is like wearing a pair of comfy slippers, even before I look through the viewfinder I know what I'm going to get, and the bokeh at f2.8 is just dreamy. Far softer than my 85mm f1.4.
@@seancameronphotographic3740 A lens with magic that just keeps going. 💖
Great videos Sean.. Keep them comming
Thank you so much Richie, very kind
All the 300mm f2.8 nikkors are fantastic. An I love mine.
More recently being lazy i've been taking out a 300mm f4 version instead...
Nothing wrong with the f4, I just need the low light help with the f2.8
When I shot Pentax I picked up the 300mm f/4 and it was really good. Switching to Nikon, I eventually got the 200-500mm /5.6 beast. Great results, too dang heavy! Picked up the 70-300mm variable f/5.6-6.3 when the new version came out a couple years back and that has been a real work horse for me. Much lighter, 90% of the time I have plenty of light for it and the image quality is great. For portraits I have the Sigma 105mm ART lens. Big and chunky, the results are just to die for.
That lens hood ad idea is brilliant!
The 70-300mm is a great lens, I had one myself. For low light work I need the f2.8 of the 300mm but obviously it’s not as versatile.
Do you think that the 300mm at f4 is better than the 300mm PF ? The weight of PF is only 700gr....
I have the non vr version afs version that’s slightly heavier myself. occasionally I do wish for the vr like my 200-500 but for the most bits, I could do without. thankfully!
love the video and I hope the lens is fine after the tip over
Thank you so much Nicolas, yes it survived its tumble. I rarely use VR on any of my lenses mainly to preserve battery life but also because it's unnecessary for high shutter speeds. So you're not missing anything mate
Some absolutely cracking pictures in there, Sean. How much difference do you find it makes to jump from 200mm to 300mm for the wildlife shots?
Well, if I was using the 200mm for the deer headshots I’d definitely be too close 😂 but seriously, it’s not as much difference as people think however, any little extra reach is always useful. Though I’d prefer 400mm or 500mm to be honest.
I have this Lens and Agree 100% with you. It's heave BUT...In my opinion THE BEST 300mm Nikon f/2.8 period! Ta shot with a D4.D-500 0r a D-850 And prepare yourself to drop your jaws to the ground in amazement when reviewing the results! Like you I'LL NEVER SELL IT! I have the Nikon Z6 Mark2 on order and can't wait to try it on that camera!
It's a stunning lens whatever Nikon camera it goes on
Its a beautiful lens . I own one and use it on my D5 and z6ii. Took it to the Masai Mara in 2019 and got some wonderful shots.
Wow, what an amazing experience Hussein. The combination of those cameras and that lens is a great choice indeed.
Is the AF-D 300mm older version lens as sharp ?
Another lens is the sigma 120-300 2.8. I was umming and erring on an af-s nikon 300 2.8 when one popped up for decent money, bearing in mind they're ~£2500 new. Crossing fingers but I think should be a decent option, even if it does weigh 3kg! 👍
have you used it with teleconverters? If so how did it hold up with image quality and focus speed? Thanks for the video
No I haven't, but I will and let you know
I agree with you on the 300 f2.8 VR. Unfortunately I’ve had bad experiences. First one I got (previously owned) was faulty. No autofocus. I got a second and it was instantly evident that the focus speed, tracking and optical quality were fantastic. Using it on a D850 with a high MP sensor means it can reach further because you can crop and retain quality and when used with a 1.4x teleconverter there is minimal loss of focus performance/quality so you’ve got a 420mm f4 equivalent and that too is cropable.
Unfortunately after a few months the VR failed and according to all my efforts is not repairable. I suppose this is the problem with old, used lenses. It’s very disappointing because it was still expensive used and has a reputation of being one of the best made lenses ever for build quality and reliability. Yet I’ve had two and both failed. I have continued to use it without the VR which works because the f2.8 is fo fast, although stabilisation would be nice, particularly with a 1.4x TC on.
I am now considering mirrorless and I’m really struggling for which way to go. I could get a Z7ii. Would the 300mm work as well (focus acquisition and tracking) thru the FTZ adapter though? I don’t know. Would the IBIS make up for the loss of my lens VR? I don’t know. Should I look at Canon R5 or Sony A7rii/Iv? It’s a minefield. I think the Sonys are good but unsure about the lenses. Making the wrong decision could be very costly. I don’t have much experience with high quality fast primes but even with the broken VR..yes..the Nikon 300mm f2.8 VR is a great lens and I don’t regret buying it.
It is a minefield isn't it? I'm sorry that you've had such a difficult time with both lenses, though I have to admit that I rarely use VR as I'm usually using quite high shutter speeds. I don't normally say this, but if you want I'll add an additional test using the Z6ii with my 300mm at the end of my upcoming tracking test. Though I can't guarantee when it'll be out.
@@seancameronphotographic3740 I think if I was going to go Nikon mirrorless it would be the Z7ii. However I’d expect the Z6ii to behave pretty well identically in terms of focus speed/tracking using an FTZ and testing the IBIS with the lens VR off. Would welcome any views or comparisons. Having read quite a bit about the various mirrorless cameras and particularly the Z6ii and Z7ii I think it might be swings and roundabouts. If I were doing landscapes then I’d have switched already but I think the D850 still holds some benefits for wildlife.
I use the Nikon Z 70-200 f2.8 S plus 1.4 S Teleconvertor on the Z7 for better IQ ..I have had all the Nikon 300 f2.8s since the MF back in the 1980's and this combo is by far the best F4 included at 280mm
I’ve used that combination too, it works very well.
I think this is my next lens. Looking for better IQ and AF than my 200-500!
It's definitely my favourite lens and the one I compare all others to
@@seancameronphotographic3740 good news, got the 300 2.8. What a beast!
Did you get it and if so is the iq better then the 200-500?
@@henrykeepin3124 yes, it's not even in the same league.
$5,000 pounds!! Holy crickets. I bought a 300 2.8 afs II for $800 usd. Same optical design and less weight. I can hand hold no problem.
I could model for you to get some examples
You’re featured in the next one buddy