After almost 2 years I'm still very happy with mine.
From the rainforest/jungle of Sumatra (Indonesia).
Just some q&d PP on my laptop while I'm still there.
Have to admit what I'd really like is for Nikon to release a 400PF, but for now the 300PF+TC14EIII does a pretty good job. Put it this way, I tried both the 200-500VR and 300PF, and kept the PF. Of course the real charm of the 300PF is its compactness and light weight, which makes it a desirable long-lens notwithstanding that, for the price, the AF should have been snappier and the VR a little more effective IMO. I mostly rely on my 600mm, but when I don't feel up to carrying the beast around all day it's nice to be able to reach for the 300PF, TC14EII & D500, a very capable combo if you're not too far away from your subjects.
Here's a few samples taken this year with the 300PF+TC14EIII+D500, downsized to 2048 pix...(full rez versions downloadable from my flickr site).
I finally touched this lens at the local camera store today. Wow! Seriously thinking about selling my 300/2.8VR to get this lens. Couldn't believe how small and weight. Pretty AF on the D500.
birdied wrote:
Haven't posted to the thread in some time. However, this lens hardly ever leaves my camera (D810) . The 1.4III TC states attached 95% of the time. I really do love this lens.
I am thinking of getting the 300f4 pf for use with my d500 and d7200 in combination with a tc14eii converter and I would like to know if newer versions of this lens are still giving VR issues?
Are the previously reported VR issues confined to the d810/d4 bodies only or are any d500 and d7200 users also reporting VR issues?
evan47 wrote:
I am thinking of getting the 300f4 pf for use with my d500 and d7200 in combination with a tc14eii converter and I would like to know if newer versions of this lens are still giving VR issues?
Are the previously reported VR issues confined to the d810/d4 bodies only or are any d500 and d7200 users also reporting VR issues?
I don't have "VR issues" - that is, I don't have problems with the VR. On a D7000, D7100, D7200 and D300.
I do find, in a completely subjective way, that this lens seems to have slightly less effective VR than my 80-400G does. I don't have data to back that up, just a lot of time shooting with both lenses. It just "feels" less effective.
binary visions wrote:
I don't have "VR issues" - that is, I don't have problems with the VR. On a D7000, D7100, D7200 and D300.
I do find, in a completely subjective way, that this lens seems to have slightly less effective VR than my 80-400G does. I don't have data to back that up, just a lot of time shooting with both lenses. It just "feels" less effective.
I agree with the VR feeling less effective on this lens.
Some things which I consider to be extremely important when using this lens with a Converter:
Use it on a modern camera body which can Auto Focus at f/8;
VR in the Sports mode works well and the steadier image in the VF makes focussing easier;
Use double the shutter speed than you would normally do;
Do NOT under-expose: Nikons are notorious for that (and you can safely increase the meter settings by a half stop when shooting RAW) and just let the ISO rip as needed because Noise will be less apparent with more exposure despite the higher ISO;
Do not try to remove Luminance Noise because doing so will turn your images to mush.
Before you scream "Heresy!" just doing those things because you might like the results.
Has anyone purchased a collar for their lens that they are satisfied with? I've read a few Kirk reviews and their model doesn't balance well while mounted on a tripod (it's also pretty pricey.)
Erockduh wrote:
Has anyone purchased a collar for their lens that they are satisfied with? I've read a few Kirk reviews and their model doesn't balance well while mounted on a tripod (it's also pretty pricey.)
I have the RRS collar. It can be used on the 70-200/4.0G as well.
It doesn't balance well either on the 300PF, a little better on the 70-200.
The 300PF is too light (never thought I would say that ) or better; the camera's are too heavy.
