Nikon 300mm f2.8 G ED VR II AF-S Nikkor Lens

Comments about Nikon 300mm f2.8 G ED VR II AF-S Nikkor Lens:

I bought this lens recently after a great deal of soul searching given the price, as at the end of the day I am only a hobbyist wildlife photographer. I have tried and tested many compromises prior to owning this lens from both Sigma, Tamron and indeed Nikon and have to say that none of them come even close in terms of speed of focus, sharpness and consistency of output, as such I can't recommend it any higher than that. Matched with my D700 and a TC1.7 converter you don't need anything else in your bag for wildlife photography.
The lens is very heavy and you may have to invest in a larger more robust tripod bracket from kirk as this makes it a lot easier to carry in the field.
Overall a fantastic lens if you can justify the cost, if not the f4 nikon 300mm with a tele-convertor is the next best thing if used with a monopod as this lens doesn't have Vr.

Comments about Nikon 300mm f2.8 G ED VR II AF-S Nikkor Lens:

Expensive, but no 3rd party lens will come close on performance or build quality. Can be used handheld but i would recommend a sturdy monopod for sports/action. Supplied with a monster of a lens hood and the supplied CLL1 case is strong and large enough to accomodate the lens when attached to my D700.

Comments about Nikon 300mm f2.8 G ED VR II AF-S Nikkor Lens:

If you are a Nikon user and need the very best medium-to-long telephoto lens, look no further. I used to own a Sigma 300mm f2.8, which was a brilliant lens and lasted me many years. However, having been able to upgrade to this one, the step up in every way is huge (as is the lens, which may be a downside for some!).
This lens is fast, razor sharp, robust, easy to use and comes with a brilliantly effective VR system. It's no wonder the lens has won awards for best professional lens. I do a lot of wildlife and bird photography and have used this lens with both DX and FX frame bodies - it has never missed a beat.
As a hobbyist, I consider myself very lucky to own a lens of this quality and it will undoubtedly be a joy to use for many years to come. You cannot escape the price - it's very expensive and many will not want to justify such a cost - but for those who can, I believe it is superb value.
I have recently used the lens with both the TC20E III and the TC17E teleconverters. In both cases, the stops in light notwithstanding, I have seen virtually no drop in quality at all at up to A3 size.
This lens, with the 2 teleconverters and 2 bodies, is the centre of my perfect nature and wildlife (but could be sport) universe.

Comments about Nikon 300mm f2.8 G ED VR II AF-S Nikkor Lens:

I thought long and hard about buying this lens - it cost a fortune and I thought it might be too heavy for me (was currently using a 300mm f4 Nikkor lens for photographing wildlife and hawks in flight).

OK, it's heavy (I'm a wimpy woman) but I've got used to it and seem to be coping OK. The lens itself is stunning - it focuses instantly with a quality and sharpness I haven't had on any other lens when shooting birds of prey. At large apertures the bokeh is creamy and lovely, complementing perfectly the pin-sharp subject. I thought for so long about forking out the money - wish I'd bitten the bullet and bought it sooner.

If you can afford it, don't hesitate - you won't regret it!

Comments about Nikon 300mm f2.8 G ED VR II AF-S Nikkor Lens:

I use as my standard lens for Wildlife photography, It works well with a 1.4x coverter.

Comments about Nikon 300mm f2.8 G ED VR II AF-S Nikkor Lens:

This lens is solid and means business. It is tack sharp and has fast autofocus once you get used to the camera and lens settings for the intended use. It is heavy but I use it on a monopod. It comes with a strap with which to carry it due to its weight, which could damage the camera mount if carried or picked up carelessly. It has a thumping great lens hood which increases the length but shades and protects the massive piece of glass well.
Once I can get my sweaty mitts on the TC20EIII it will be even better.