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Nikkor 300mm f/2.8
Jul 6, 2021 10:10:40   #
A. T.
 
I just received my Nikkor 300mm 2.8 and this thing is a beast. I put it on my D4s and took a few test shoots in very low light and the photos were unbelievable. I'm not a "professional photographer" so to speak in that I don't rely on photography for my source of income; however, I enjoy photography and I like the results of pro lenses and this lens is a must have for those who want a fast prime.

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Jul 6, 2021 10:15:41   #
Orphoto Loc: Oregon
 
All recent generations of this lens are rewardingly crisp. It takes the 1.4 & 1.7 well. For a change of pace try closeups with one of the longer extension tubes!

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Jul 6, 2021 10:24:49   #
Quixdraw Loc: x
 
A. T. wrote:
I just received my Nikkor 300mm 2.8 and this thing is a beast. I put it on my D4s and took a few test shoots in very low light and the photos were unbelievable. I'm not a "professional photographer" so to speak in that I don't rely on photography for my source of income; however, I enjoy photography and I like the results of pro lenses and this lens is a must have for those who want a fast prime.


Is this the one that retails for (edit) $5,499? S/B Wonderful!

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Jul 6, 2021 10:42:32   #
imagemeister Loc: mid east Florida
 
A. T. wrote:
I just received my Nikkor 300mm 2.8 and this thing is a beast. I put it on my D4s and took a few test shoots in very low light and the photos were unbelievable. I'm not a "professional photographer" so to speak in that I don't rely on photography for my source of income; however, I enjoy photography and I like the results of pro lenses and this lens is a must have for those who want a fast prime.


All camera manufacturers have made the 300 2.8 their flagship model and their tele-extenders are optimized for this lens. Do no be afraid of using a 2X with this lens unless fastest AF is an absolute must.
Weight is an issue. For mobility I mostly use a "bodypod" - https://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-384073-1.html . When on a tripod I use a video fluid tilt head. I also use a stabilizer bracket with this lens - https://www.ebay.com/itm/273755611186?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&_trksid=p2060353.m1438.l9372

No, I have not used the Nikon version of this lens but I have used the Canon, Tokina and Tamron versions.
.

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Jul 6, 2021 12:57:19   #
A. T.
 
quixdraw wrote:
Is this the one that retails for (edit) $5,499? S/B Wonderful!


Yes but I purchased one at KEH in excellent condition with caps, carbon fiber hood and original case for $2900.00.

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Jul 6, 2021 13:10:06   #
photoman43
 
Excellent advice about using it with an extension tube. I love using it but it is heavy and Use it with a tripod.

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Jul 7, 2021 08:21:00   #
geneg12 Loc: Virginia
 
I use the Nikon 300 f4 and love it, lighter than my 24-70mm and same size. I do use the 1.4 tele with good success. I looked at the 300 f2.8 several years ago and bought the 200-400 f4 instead.

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Jul 7, 2021 12:10:39   #
photoman43
 
When you start using the lens, try setting the aperture to wide open, f2.8, and focus on subjects close to its minimum focus distance of about 7.2 ft. Then focus of subjects a little farther away. Continue to experiment with different apertures, focus distances and background distances from the subject. Then compare the resulting background appearances. I just love the lens bokeh or lens bouquet produced by this lens especially at f2.8.

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Jul 7, 2021 13:07:26   #
Alphabravo2020
 
The 300mm f2.8 is a legendary lens and is on my list for this year or next.

I'd even be happy with one of the older AIS models since there are fewer elements, but the VR and AF features are also good.

I'm hoping the DSLR lenses will come down in price this year if Nikon doesn't announce a DSLR successor to the D850.

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Jul 7, 2021 13:23:46   #
Brucej67 Loc: Cary, NC
 
Sold the Nikon 300mm f2.8 (to heavy for me at 76 YO) and purchased the Nikon 300mm f4 PF.

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Jul 7, 2021 16:06:59   #
cjc2 Loc: Hellertown PA
 
Brucej67 wrote:
Sold the Nikon 300mm f2.8 (to heavy for me at 76 YO) and purchased the Nikon 300mm f4 PF.


When I purchased the 300/4 PF, I also sold my 300/2.8. I continued to be very happy with both choices. Best of luck.

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Jul 16, 2021 19:24:40   #
Chicago312 Loc: Western suburb, Chicago
 
Excellent lens. Fast and accurate even in low light situations. Works well with 1.4x and 2x TC. I also use a video fluid head (Manfrotto) instead of a gimbal head when using a tripod.

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Jul 16, 2021 19:32:58   #
imagemeister Loc: mid east Florida
 
imagemeister wrote:
All camera manufacturers have made the 300 2.8 their flagship model and their tele-extenders are optimized for this lens. Do no be afraid of using a 2X with this lens unless fastest AF is an absolute must.
Weight is an issue. For mobility I mostly use a "bodypod" - https://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-384073-1.html . When on a tripod I use a video fluid tilt head. I also use a stabilizer bracket with this lens - https://www.ebay.com/itm/273755611186?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&_trksid=p2060353.m1438.l9372

No, I have not used the Nikon version of this lens but I have used the Canon, Tokina and Tamron versions.
.
All camera manufacturers have made the 300 2.8 the... (show quote)


Today's better sensors/software allowing higher ISO's have made this lens less relevant .....

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