Nikon 300mm: Recently sent my 300mm non VR in they don’t have parts also checked with three repair shops none of them carry the motor or electronics. Trying to decide what direction to...

farwest Loc: Utah

Recently sent my 300mm non VR in they don’t have parts also checked with three repair shops none of them carry the motor or electronics. Trying to decide what direction to go next. Really want a 2.8 for night football. Looking for any suggestions

I posted this first in sports but no responses. Hoping for some thoughts if I should buy a Nikon 300 2.8 VR ll or wait and see if Nikon will update that lens with a new model for the mirrorless bodies. Nikon only supports repairs on the 300mm VRll version

photoman43

I own and use the Nikon 300mm f2.8 VR II. It is fantastic lens, but it is big and heavy and I use it with a monopod or a tripod, and not hand held. A far more versatile Nikon 300mm is the Nikon 300mm f4 pf lens. It is small, light weight and its image quality is excellent. Both accept tcs and work well with them.

I would check to see if Nikon has any 300mm prime lens on its Z mount lens map.

Only you can decide if you need the extra stop of a f2.8 over the f4.

farwest Loc: Utah

Yes I know it is heavy as I had the non VR model. My luck would be to buy another lens VRll model and Nikon would come out with a Z model of the lens. Yes I need the 2.8 as football at night is a challenge. Thanks for your input.

Nicholas J DeSciose

Nikon 300 mm PF F4 this is so amazing you will not need a 2.8 have the size and half the weight

cjc2 Loc: Hellertown PA

As a sports shooter I can say that a F2.8 lens is a godsend for night time football under the lights. I have and use the F4 PF version, which I also like, but not for night football. I have been thinking about getting another 300/2.8, but I won't unless/until they make one in a Z mount. I'm lucky that I also have a 400/2.8 TC (Z mount). I have not heard about any new 300/2.8, but Nikon is known for surprises. Tough, but personal, decision. Best of luck.

ricardo00

My guess is that if they bring out a new 300mm f/2.8, it will be either a zoom (like the 120-300mm) and/or have a built in TC (like the 400mm). And very expensive! So you are probably better off just buying one that is already available.

cjc2 Loc: Hellertown PA

ricardo00 wrote:

My guess is that if they bring out a new 300mm f/2.8, it will be either a zoom (like the 120-300mm) and/or have a built in TC (like the 400mm). And very expensive! So you are probably better off just buying one that is already available.

I wouldn't mind a 120-300 F2.8 in a Z mount either. Best of luck.

billnikon Loc: Pennsylvania/Ohio/Florida/Maui/Oregon/Vermont

farwest wrote:

Recently sent my 300mm non VR in they don’t have p... (show quote)

midwestcamerarepair.com

DaveyDitzer Loc: Western PA

Nicholas J DeSciose wrote:

Nikon 300 mm PF F4 this is so amazing you will not need a 2.8 have the size and half the weight

I use a Nikon 300mm f4 for all daytime light conditions for soccer and captured excellent images - handheld for sideline mobility.

agillot

Usually the auto focus dies on modern lens , but you can still manual focus .

cascom Loc: Redmond

I have a 300mm 2.8 vr but have found that the 70-200 with a 1.7 extender servers better. I shoot in raw and ON1 allows me to to reduce the noise and crop. This is great for sports where the distance to the subject is always changing.

1/800 F6.3 11400 (high school ball field lights)

farwest Loc: Utah

agillot wrote:

Usually the auto focus dies on modern lens , but you can still manual focus .

Wouldn't want to try that for night football. Yes it will still work for stationary subjects.

GLSmith Loc: Tampa, Fl

As far as finding places capable of repairing lenses, I have used on rare occasion Southern Photo Repair in Miami Beach, Fl (Not employed or sponsored by them). They do work on all makes model Nikon lenses & do repairs for API, UPI, Pricing is moderate & they can typically give you a "ball park" figure on the phone. Their ability to get Nikon parts is documented, orders can & have gone straight to Japan.

Turn around is based on if they have part in stock or need to order....,Since 1997, I've had to use them 3 times 2 times for a lens & once for a body (being clumsy)

37 NE 167 Street
N Miami Beach, Fl 33162
305.653.7355

farwest Loc: Utah

Thanks for the info. Crazy thing is I talked to Midwest Photo Repair and told them what was wrong they said send it in then I called them and they said they have no parts to fix it. So there's 100 plus dollars lost in shipping. Why they didn't say that don't have parts to fix a 300mm 2.8 I don't know.

ricardo00

farwest wrote:

Thanks for the info. Crazy thing is I talked to Midwest Photo Repair and told them what was wrong they said send it in then I called them and they said they have no parts to fix it. So there's 100 plus dollars lost in shipping. Why they didn't say that don't have parts to fix a 300mm 2.8 I don't know.

My experience with Midwest Photo Repair was horrible and would not recommend them or send them anything again.