DavidPine Loc: Fredericksburg, TX

Tigger1 Loc: Surrey, BC Canada

As has been previously stated, no need to apologize and speaking for myself only, I am not offended. You raised a question looking for advice. Some of the blame falls on me as I took the initial description of your lens that you posted as closely resembling the 2003 released model of the 70-300 which did not include VR (red, gold or otherwise). As for the "soft focus" issue you mentioned in your original post, this is a fairly common issue with consumer quality zoom lenses when pushed to their maximum zoom length. I experience the same issue with my copy of the 70-300mm f4.5-5.6 IF ED VR (red) lens at 250 to 300mm. New the lens costs approximately $500.00 so it cannot be compared to a Nikon 200-400mm f4 lens at US$6,996.95! Still, most people using this lens on a crop sensor camera would agree that in the 70-250mm range in fair to good light the lens performs well and represents good value for money.

Regardless, I understand you have resolved the issue for yourself so now it is a moot point. Do not feel abused or put upon, enjoy your hobby, keep taking photos that please you as that is what matters. Hopefully you will continue to visit this site and continue to participate in any and all discussions.

Best regards,

Garth

Tigger1 Loc: Surrey, BC Canada

Hi Wayne, great shot! Handheld I assume? Think that proves the 70-300 AF-S f4.5-5.6 VR (red) lens can get the job done! I love my 200-500 f5.6 but because of arthritis use the lens on a gimble head mounted tripod. I'm looking at the Nikon 300mm f4.0 E PF ED VR for that 300mm reach handheld, but having a difficult time justifying the cost which here in Canada with the taxes included is almost $3,000.00!

Regards,

Garth

Tigger1 Loc: Surrey, BC Canada

Unfortunately I have to agree with you, Been looking at the Nikon 300mm f4 E PF ED VR lens but at $3,000.00 taxes included here in Canada, cannot justify the cost as I already own the 200-500 f5.6.
Garth

Rich1939 Loc: Pike County Penna.

Isn't the AF-P version primarily designed for use on DX cameras while the others are FX?

Tigger1 Loc: Surrey, BC Canada

That is my understanding Rich, and the AF-P lens are not compatible with all the Nikon bodies either. Some bodies apparently can be upgraded with a firmware update however.
Garth

SquareRoot Loc: southeast Missouri

Thanks, Garth! Yes, handheld. Tripods, monopods, and continuous release take the fun out of it for me. Bought my used 70-200 VRII f/2.8 on eBay for less than $1000. But I'm 77yrs old with leukemia which zaps my energy; toting the 70-200 for a 3hr. night game thoroughly wears me out! Life is good, and I enjoy UHH!

Tigger1 Loc: Surrey, BC Canada

Hang in there Wayne! I turn 76 later this month and have four leaking heart valves, so I totally understand your comment about lack of energy! A six mile walk is about all I can accomplish in 2.5 to 3 hours and I am shot for the rest of the day!

Keep soldiering on!

Regards,

Garth

Acountry330 Loc: Dothan,Ala USA

Your lens will do a very good job for you. It is not a low light lens unless a tripod is used. Their are better lenses out there but they will cost you. You seem a little troubled with your purchase, so return it and get something more expensive. You will find out there is good and bad things about every lens. I do own one and it will do an adequate job. Happy shooting.

Bobspez Loc: Southern NJ, USA

Now that you no longer have it I have the lens and prefer my Nikkor 55-300 AFS VR which is a lighter lens, and which gives me as good or better results. (I know some disagree and some agree with this comparison).

SquareRoot Loc: southeast Missouri

WOW, Garth!
SIX MILES!
The thought exhausts me! Believe I'll take a nap, ha!
Perhaps you have scenery to inspire you.

kb6kgx Loc: Simi Valley, CA

I would have to agree. As long as the lighting is good, it’s a fantastic lens and will do just fine most of the time. However, on our recent Alaska trip, the lighting was less than optimal meaning slower shutter speeds or upping the ISO, neither of which I wanted to do.

Tigger1 Loc: Surrey, BC Canada

Hi Wayne;

All part of my cardiac maintenance program. Doctors do not want to operate on the heart for fear of causing my aortic aneurysm to burst. My father had the identical problem and did not survive his cardiac operation.
Live in a typical suburban neighbourhood, but just seven miles from a 1000 acre natural park with all manner of wildlife and crushed all weather trails leading throughout the park. Each trail is signposted with how long the trail is and the difficulty level for those that have health or mobility concerns. this makes it easy for me to keep tabs on my maintenance program. Great place to enjoy the quiet, the wildlife, the plant life and nature at peace and all of it is just 10 minutes from where I live by car.

SquareRoot Loc: southeast Missouri

Sounds idea, Garth. Do you carry a camera?
I am also on cardiac maintenance. I have 4 coronary stents implanted.
I am 10 minutes away from a hospital rehab facility, which I try to
visit twice a week. Stationary bike, 'arm bike,' treadmill, stepper,
and 10lb. barbells. The room does have windows; but, alas, the scene
never changes, ha! To keep from falling asleep I do Sudoku & Numbrix puzzles, ha!

Tigger1 Loc: Surrey, BC Canada

Hi Wayne, yes occassionally I do carry my Olympus OM-D EM10 Mk11 as it is small and light weight. But, the problem is that carrying a camera breakes the walking momentum and I do try as best I can to maintain a steady pace and length of stride in order to keep my heart rate at a constant 100 beats per minute. So you can see that stopping to take pictures even if nothing more than casual snapshots versus carefully composed photographs, definitely interferes with that regimen. I do have a bird/squirrel feeder setup just outside my office window. I am trying to design/build some sort of wireless camera trigger system that would allow me pre-focus on the feeder and when a bird or squirrel comes into focus I can trip the shutter while working out in my office on the rowing machine. Man do I hate that machine, it is really boring rowing for 30-40 minutes when the weather is too terrible to go walking.

Garth