Hey Trench it was more like 2 hours. I've used the old one enough to know which lens is sharper. Secondly I wasn't posting a review simply stating my experience with the lens however short you might think it should be. Finally I wasn't looking for my opinion to weigh heavily.
bkushner wrote:
I had this lens for a day. Hated it. Couldn't touch my 300 F/4D lens especially with Tele's. It was not sharp at all with a 1.7 and semi sharp with the 1.4. I've been using the older 300 and 1.7 on my D4S for a long time and it's razor sharp. Tried VR once and noticed the image jumping in the eyepiece too much..Usually don't use VR. I'll take the slightly heavier and much cheaper older version.
We all won't have the same experience with a new lens for one reason or another. For me I think it's a tad sharper and faster focusing than my old 300 f/4. Add in the size and weight difference and I really think Nikon has a gem on their hands.
VinnieJ wrote:
We all won't have the same experience with a new lens for one reason or another. For me I think it's a tad sharper and faster focusing than my old 300 f/4. Add in the size and weight difference and I really think Nikon has a gem on their hands.
I agree..For me and my photography it wasn't better. I wouldn't discourage anyone from trying this lens..
I expect to receive mine by Tuesday. If it's "just as sharp" and, generally "just as good" as my old 300 f/4, that's all I want. The weight and size differential speaks volumes as far as I am concerned...it will be my birding lens (with and without the three TCs) when I go light and sans tripod. The old 300 f/4 stays tripod mounted, and the 80-400 (which I've never really liked) goes.
bkushner wrote:
Hey Trench it was more like 2 hours. I've used the old one enough to know which lens is sharper. Secondly I wasn't posting a review simply stating my experience with the lens however short you might think it should be. Finally I wasn't looking for my opinion to weigh heavily.
I wouldn't worry about it. Input whether positive or negative is appreciated so thanks for chiming in
Has anyone who is experiencing the potential VR issue tried shooting on a tripod with VR off yet? If the problem is still present then shutter impact would likely be the culprit. With that said I have no idea why this wouldn't affect everyone using the lens if that was the case.
My 300mm PF is arriving tomorrow. I am excited and hope I will receive a perfect unit. I have own the previous two generations of the 300 f/4 and loved them both. This new one is a bit of a reach as price is concerned but the size/weight saving and especially VR are too enticing to ignore.
Well it's disappointing to read about these VR issues but as SCST48 seems to conclude (thanks for the reports SCST), it could just be a bad batch for the German guys. It seems no-one else is seeing these issues right ?
I'm trying to restructure my birding set-up and move from a D800E + 300/2.8VRII + TC14EIII and TC20EIII to a D810 + 500/4 VR and 300/4 VR plus TCs. The later for vacations with the wife when I want a lighter birding setup (I ditched the 80-400/4 as I just didn't like it for birding) as well as portraiture (the DoF @ say 8m is slightly less than a 135mm @ f2 and 4m or just very slightly more than an 85mm @ f1.4 and 2m, so great for the bokeh).
I've been impressed with the work I've seen so far in this thread (but would like to see more head / head & shoulder shots) !
gpelpel wrote:
micloi, these are impressive!
It would be nice to specify the details of each shot; body, tc, vr on or off, handheld or tripod, speed, iso.
Thanks
Hi,
Thank you.
All handheld.
Exif is intact so it is easy to see all related info
I have both. They are both very sharp but the new one works better with the 2x and has less chromatic aberration. VR helps in low light. Both are great lenses
