Nikon 300 f4

[Merv]

Started to post this and it disappeared so here we go again. Thinking of the 300 f4 for planes, cars and all things moving. For use on D600 or D4. How will it do with 1.4TC or even the 2TC III? Any comments on this lens appreciated.
Merv:smile:

 

[Bart]

Welcome to the forum, Merv.
You might want to check out this thread about the 300mm f/4 AF-S.

 

[Merv]

Thanks Bart for the welcome. Will look up your link
merv:smile:

 

[James24]

Merv, if you want to use Nikon teleconverters make sure you go for the AF-S version of the 300/4 and not the older AF version which doesn't work with them.

The D4 and D800 will autofocus with the TC-20E III coupled with the AF-S 300/4 (an f8 combination). I'm not sure if the D600 will; probably not as most lower spec Nikons require f5.6 or greater to autofocus properly.

 

[Pete]

Merv,
The 300 F4 is awesome for airshows and auto races. I often use mine with the TC-14E and the quality is superb. I have not used the TC-20E.
Pete

 

[Pa]

I think you'll find when you read the link that the consensus is that the 300/4 AFS plays well with a 1.4 TC, but not so well with 1.7 or 2.0. I use a Kenko 1.4 TC with mine and I'm very pleased with the results.

 

[crash141]

Isn't there supposed to be a new version of the 300/4 coming out soon?

 

[Merv]

Might still be waiting this time next year for a new version! You know what Nikon are like!
The reason I ask about the 2TC III is that I already own one and it is brilliant with no image degradation. I used it at the 2012 Cotswold airshow with the 300/2.8 which I owned at the time and the results were superb. Stupidly traded it in against the 200-400 which I still have but it is a monster swinging it about above your head. Great lens though but here I am again hankering after a 300 prime. Deja vu!
:smile:

 

[Allan]

Matt, there is, but it will be more expensive than this excellent lens.

I used the 14 with excellent results when I had mine but did not like the 20 on it. Focusing on D800 and D300s were not nearly as responsive - maybe the D4 would make a difference but I don't know.

 

[fidget]

The old 300mm f4 pre AFS works well with the Kenko 1.4x TC with judicious use of the focus limiter for airshows

 

[trenchmonkey]

Here's a handheld "airshow' shot with the 300 f4/TC-20EIII on a D700 :biggrin:
If you can shoot, it works quite well in a pinch...but the 1.7's my fave.

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[Harry Lavo]

However......

Merv, if you want to use Nikon teleconverters make sure you go for the AF-S version of the 300/4 and not the older AF version which doesn't work with them.

The older 300mm ED-IF AF does work superbly well with the Kenko Pro 300 teleconverters.

 

[Merv]

Well guys have ordered the 300 f4 and the 1.4TC. Was offered a mint 2nd hand one today £930 by a leading dealer . New £1029. Crazy
Thanks for advice
:smile:

 

[jcsimard]

Here's a handheld "airshow' shot with the 300 f4/TC-20EIII on a D700 :biggrin:
If you can shoot, it works quite well in a pinch...but the 1.7's my fave.

http://i244.photobucket.com/albums/gg31/rvrsbnd/D7H_9389_zps8c4b7881.jpg

Will, you should change your handle to Paganini... you're a virtuoso with that 300mm... amongst others.

 

[jcsimard]

Well guys have ordered the 300 f4 and the 1.4TC. Was offered a mint 2nd hand one today £930 by a leading dealer . New £1029. Crazy
Thanks for advice
:smile:

So did you buy used one or new?

 

[Merv]

Bought new. £1029 new and second hand prices £850-930 - far too high. For a difference of £100 would rather have the peace of mind with a new one
:smile:

 

[hillrg]

The reason I ask about the 2TC III is that I already own one and it is brilliant with no image degradation.

Seriously?

 

[jcsimard]

Bought new. £1029 new and second hand prices £850-930 - far too high. For a difference of £100 would rather have the peace of mind with a new one
:smile:

Good move... peace of mind and warranty! Enjoy, and post you pictures.

 

[trenchmonkey]

Will, you should change your handle to Paganini... you're a virtuoso with that 300mm... amongst others.

Thanks, JC...I get lots of 'practice' with it :biggrin:

D800 w/TC-14E II handheld...monster crop SOOC

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