I have a Nikkor 300mm F4.5 ed-if AIS lens that I purchased in 1985. Since I bought my Nikon D800 camera a year ago, the camera's high resolution really shows up the flaws in this old lens. I am thinking about purchasing a Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 300mm f/4D IF-ED Lens. It has just been discontinued and replaced by the new Nikon 300mm f/4E PF ED VR lens.
Should I notice a big improvement from my old AIS lens with the recently discontinued AF-S NIKKOR 300mm f/4D IF-ED Lens?
I'm trying to figure out if spending $1369 dollars will be worth it.
Posted by Bill Stice on January 16, 2015 at 9:13 AM
Jeff, in my opinion you will see a large difference. I use the 300 F4 AFS lens for many things but it shines for doing close-up photos. It's minimum focusing distance is just over 4 feet and it is very sharp. The only caveat is that the Nikon supplied tripod support isn't very good. I replaced mine with the Kirk Enterprises replacement. I've heard the Really Right Stuff replacement is also quite good. It also performs with the TC14EII Teleconverter. I've been quite happy with it.
Posted by Luke Ormand on January 16, 2015 at 9:35 AM
Just about everyone I know with the 300mm (myself included) has the Kirk replacement which is basically a must. I use a 1.7X TC on it instead of the 1.4X
Never used the old lens - but I can guarantee you will get your money's worth from a boost in IQ (especially when using the D800)
Thank you Bill and Luke for your prompt and valuable replies. In the 30 years that I have owned my old 300mm lens I probably used a tripod four times. I got the 300mm because it was touted as the largest lens that could be hand held and have successful shots. Often when I want a new lens I do extensive research on it to find its flaws. If I find some serious flaws then I loose interest. Both of your guys gave me absolutely NO reason to reject this lens purchase. Thank you for your valuable feedback. For close-ups where preparation is not instantaneous, I use my Nikon AIS 600mm lens.
The AF-S NIKKOR 300mm f/4D IF-ED Lens is a great lens. Very sharp by itself or with the TC 14EII. I use it on the D610 and can crop to 100% and see great detail. I also use mine as a go to macro lens with and without extension tubes (the latest Kenko versions) for larger closeup subjects like butterflys and dragon flies. Be sure to do your autofocus fine tune for best results, although this lens required only small adjustments on my set up. I would have preferred that Nikon update this lens than go to a PF/DO optical design when they upgraded it.
You may also want to consider refurbished copies of this lens to save some $. Personally, I don't have a problem with the tripod collar on it, I just make sure my technique is good - but that's my own preference and it works for me.
Discussion
4 repliesShould I notice a big improvement from my old AIS lens with the recently discontinued AF-S NIKKOR 300mm f/4D IF-ED Lens?
I'm trying to figure out if spending $1369 dollars will be worth it.
Never used the old lens - but I can guarantee you will get your money's worth from a boost in IQ (especially when using the D800)
You may also want to consider refurbished copies of this lens to save some $. Personally, I don't have a problem with the tripod collar on it, I just make sure my technique is good - but that's my own preference and it works for me.