Thomas902 Loc: Washington DC

In the Box:
AF 300mm f/4 IF ED Nikkor with built in Tripod Collar (SN: 230XXX)
Drop-in L37C UV Haze Filter (Size: 39mm) (part of the optical formula)
Nikon F-Mount Rear Cap LF-1 (made in Japan)
Pro-Master 82mm Snap-on Front Lens Cap
Nikon Leather Boot Protector for front of lens

Specs:
AF 300mm f/4 IF ED Nikkor (1987-2000) Nikon Lens Number: 1946NAS

All Metal build
82mm front filter thread 82mm
Built in retractable Metal Hood
Weight: 1,330g
Minimum Focus: 8' (2.5m)
Optics: 8 elements 6 groups 2 ED, IF
Number of aperture blades: 9
Drop-in L37C UV Haze Filter (Size: 39mm) (part of the optical formula)
Made in Japan
Serial number: 230XXX (This lens)
Purchased From: B&H (Condition 9)

How good are this lens' optics?
Please review the image of an Eastern White Pine (Pinus strobus) by my studio.
Taken with a Nikon D810 using a Kenko 1.4 Teleplus PRO 300 DGX Teleconverter (420mm focal length)

This lens was initially acquired for commercial league soccer work. Also for creative location fashion editorials. However recent health issues have eliminated location assignments for me thus selling my long glass... One lens at a time.

Note: This professional caliber AF 300mm f/4 prime may benefit from AF fine tune if you wish to shoot wide open at f/4. Though stopping down to f/5.6 and that issue typically goes away.

I've AF fine tuned my Nikon bodies on this lens and the AF fine tune off-sets have generally ranged between -1 to -4 (at portrait distance). However over 25 feet little if any adjustments are needed.

Please realize this AF 300mm is best at distance a.k.a. outdoor sports (Soccer, baseball football etc) and possibly wildlife though it's not as fast focusing as the newer AF-S f/4D version however it's complex focus limiter does help here (believe it's the only Nikkor that allows Focus Limiter values for both minimum and infinity to be set dependently for various shooting scenario).

Any question please PM me or post your query in this thread so others may benefit also.

White Pine Taken with the AF 300mm f/4 IF ED on a Nikon D810 @ 1/2 sec; f/11; ISO:80; using a Kenko 1.4 Teleplus PRO 300 DGX Teleconverter (420mm focal length) Please Download and check acuity

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AF 300mm f/4 IF ED on a Nikon D3x (taken with Nikon D810 @ 1/200 sec; f/8; ISO:120; FL=200) Illumination BD strobe combined wth SB700's in Remote SU-4 Mode plus Strip Box Kickers L/R Behind either side

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AF 300mm f/4 IF ED on a Nikon D3x (taken with Nikon D700 @ 1/250 sec; F/14; ISO: 100 FL=150) Illumination twin shoot through white parabolics @ 30 degrees off centerline either side

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AF 300mm f/4 IF ED Lens Mount showing minimum wear a.k.a. "lightly used" and snaps on tight on all my Pro bodies

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Nikon Leather Boot Protector for front of lens in good condition considering it's likely 3 decades old (This Boot was included in the box for all new AF 300mm f/4 IF ED Lenses)

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AF 300mm f4 IF ED prime Nikkor (eBay Ratings & Reviews)

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Manikin headshot with Nikon D3x (at 12 feet) 1/200; f/11; ISO: 200 Illumination: BD 24 inches in front & 24 inches above; Kickers Strip Softboxes w/ Grids Left/Right 45 degrees & behind

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flip1948 Loc: Hamden, CT

In-body focus motor required?

Thomas902 Loc: Washington DC

"...In-body focus motor required?" Yes, it's a screwdriver lens and it's AF speed can be influenced by the robustness of the camera body... It zips quickly on my Nikon D3x and D3... also the D810 does well with it...

That said it's manual focus only on Z-Bodies...
It that scenario you may want to consider the AF-S 300mm f/4D variant...

However keep in mind that the AF-S f/4D variant is infamous for failing AF motors (same issue that plagued the AF-S 80-200mm f/2.8D IF ED) Nikon doesn't work on or provide parts for either pf these models, so once that AF motor goes the lens becomes MF only

Great question flip thank for asking... likely saves others the time/effort to determine this.
Cheers! Thomas

TerryVS

I think this is the most honest and forthcoming for sale listing I've ever seen!

Celtis87

Bought this lens from another UHHer. It’s solid as a tank and I love it!

Thomas902 Loc: Washington DC

Thank you so much for your very kind and thoughtful words Terry, they are truly appreciated...
Since this vintage Nikkor isn't well know and frequently listed on this forum I felt it incumbent to provide a thorough inventory & listing of it's merits and liabilities lest it be passed by without given the recognition it warrants and actually deserves.

I only discovered it after being alerted to it's outstanding optical performance by another colleague. And it's all and more that I could have expected for a decades old lens. There certainly are compelling reasons Nikon kept this in its inventory as it's top pro 300mm f/4 prime for over a dozen years.

Again many thanks Terry, all the best on your photographic journey.

Thomas902 Loc: Washington DC

Thank you greatly for your support of this epic optic Celtis... We both are on the same page on it's amazing merits and build quality. Until you've actually shot with this lens you simply don't realize what it brings to the image equation. Given the respect and care it deserves it will continue to produce outstanding images for the foreseeable future.

I view it as a timeless work of mechanical "Art" and the complex design of it's focus limiter is a unique standout among other Nikkors. So glad you to found a wonderful copy of this lens and cherish what it is capable of. All the best on your photographic journey Celtis.

johnlutz Loc: florida

"I've AF fine-tuned my Nikon bodies on this lens and the AF fine tune off-sets have generally ranged". We have spoken before. I have a d750 and a d850. Do you suggest I fine-tune my 5 lenses for each camera?
My primary focus is 24 hours of Rolex and HSR 24 hours. I have a 200-500 4.5,24/120 1.4,50-200.
Thank you for any help.

Thomas902 Loc: Washington DC

John I assume you are referring to Historic Sportscar Racing? a.k.a. HSR?
And 24 Hours of Daytona sports car endurance race held annually at Daytona? i.e. the "Rolex"

Sadly I don't shoot with either the D750 (advanced enthusiast) Nikon body or their Flagship DSLR the D850.
So I can't really be authoritative with support for either.

However I do have the AF-S 200-500mm f/5.6E ED VR and out of the box it was pretty much spot on for AF accuracy (at least for my copy, yours may be different).

Something to keep in mind is the farther away from the focal plane the less influence minor off-set errors have on the capture. I'm certain you've had experience on F-Stoppers where numerous post address zone of critical focus in relationship to DOF... at distance it becomes only theoretical since it would be seriously difficult to measure.

That said, Nikon recommends doing AF fine tune at the distance you normally shoot at.
For an endurance sports car race I doubt if you would be allowed very close to the track (at least in my humble estimation). However if you actually are a credentialed event photographer you might be allowed near the "Pits" where all the maintenance action occurs. Albeit I'm thinking if you are asking this question you not quite at that level yet

Bottom Line? If your images look good, relax and enjoy... No worries k?

However if you are shooting with the vintage AF 300mm f/4 IF ED then yes I'd follow Ronnie Reagan's advice.
where he chose the Russian proverb "Doveryai, no proveryai" which literally means that a responsible person always verifies everything before committing himself to a common business with anyone, even if that anyone is totally trustworthy.

I indeed agree with this Russian proverb... Thus I test my glass before using it on a paid assignment.

Hope this helps John... and thanks for asking
All the best on your photographic journey

flip1948 Loc: Hamden, CT

Normally you are very thorough in your for sale descriptions, but knowing this lens needed a camera with an AF motor I was surprised you didn't mention that fact...thus my question.

Didn't want anybody to be surprised and disappointed.

Aldla Loc: Central NJ

Thomas mentioned it in his early description

nervous2 Loc: Provo, Utah

Typical of Thomas. I have been privileged to buy from him before and my experience has been outstanding. I would never hesitate to buy from Thomas.

Thomas902 Loc: Washington DC

This "classic" Nikkor is still available...
Priced reduced for Cyber Week $299.95 Includes Shipping.

Any questions please PM me or Post in this thread so other UHH members can benefit from your query.
Wishing all a Wonderful Holiday Season with Family and Friends.
Cheers! Thomas