Nikon N AF-S Nikkor 300mm 1: 2.8G II ED VR (IF SWM Nano Crystal Coat) review

According provided by Nikon N AF-S Nikkor 300mm 1: 2.8G II ED VR lens (IF SWM Nano Crystal Coat) many thanks the store ProFotoSalewhere you can find many new and used lenses for different systems, including similar Nikon lenses.

Nikon N AF-S Nikkor 300mm 1: 2.8G II ED VR (IF SWM Nano Crystal Coat)

Nikon N AF-S Nikkor 300mm 1: 2.8G II ED VR (IF SWM Nano Crystal Coat)

Navigation:

  1. In short
  2. History
  3. Main Specifications
  4. Assembly
  5. Enlightenment Nano Crystal Coat
  6. Stabilizer
  7. Focusing
  8. Switch 'A / M - M / A - M'
  9. Memory Recall, Memory Set, AF-L, AF-ON, Temple Buttons, Sound Control Button
  10. Diaphragm
  11. Image quality
  12. Sample photos from different cameras
  13. My experience
  14. Lens prices
  15. Results
  16. User Comments
  17. Add your review or question on the lens

In this review, the lens Nikon N AF-S Nikkor 300mm 1: 2.8G II ED VR (IF SWM Nano Crystal Coat) I will call it in abbreviated form - Nikon 300 / 2.8G II.

Nikon 300 / 2.8G II does not fit in my light cube for shooting its appearance, because I took its appearance from the site bhphotovideo.com... You can see how a particular specimen that I visited on a review looks like. here (profotosale.com.ua), here (club-foto.ru), here (facebook.com), here (instagram.com) or here (vk.com).

Nikon N AF-S Nikkor 300mm 1: 2.8G II ED VR (IF SWM Nano Crystal Coat)

Nikon N AF-S Nikkor 300mm 1: 2.8G II ED VR (IF SWM Nano Crystal Coat)

In short

Nikon 300 / 2.8G II is a high-quality fast telephoto lens with a focal length of 300 mm. As of the end of 2021, Nikon has no more worthy new 300 / 2.8-class similar alternatives.

All in all, this is a great solution for the professional line. Nikon 300 / 2.8G II is fast, accurate, heavy, long and beautiful.

The 300mm focal length is the focal length transition from telephoto to super telephoto. Due to its maximum aperture of f / 2.8, this lens can be easily paired with teleconverters.

The Nikon 300 / 2.8G II is amazing. This is exactly the class of optics to which you always want to return. The lens has some drawbacks, but they are of little importance.

Nikon N AF-S Nikkor 300mm 1: 2.8G II ED VR (IF SWM Nano Crystal Coat)

Nikon N AF-S Nikkor 300mm 1: 2.8G II ED VR (IF SWM Nano Crystal Coat)

History

Nikon has been producing manual lenses of the 300 / 2.8 class since 1972. 1986 saw the introduction of the first autofocus solution.

The Nikon Nikkor 300 / 2.8 autofocus lens lineup includes the following models:

  1. Nikon AF Nikkor 300mm 1: 2.8 ED, November 1986Scheme 8/6
  2. Nikon AF Nikkor 300mm 1: 2.8 ED, November 1988Scheme 8/6
  3. Nikon AF-I Nikkor 300mm 1: 2.8D ED, September 1992Scheme 11/9
  4. Nikon AF-S Nikkor 300mm 1: 2.8D ED, July 1996, scheme 11/8, black / white
  5. Nikon AF-S Nikkor 300mm 1: 2.8D II ED, February 2001, scheme 11/8, black / white
  6. Nikon AF-S Nikkor 300mm 1: 2.8G ED VR, September 2004Scheme 11/8
  7. Nikon AF-S Nikkor 300mm 1: 2.8G II ED VR N, December 2009Scheme 11/8

It is also worth noting the new Nikon N AF-S Nikkor 120-300mm 1: 2.8E FL ED SR VRreleased in January 2020.

From 1986 to 2009, lenses of the Nikon 300 / 2.8 class were renewed on average once every 1 years. But after 4, there was no update. Most likely in the future we will see a version of Nikon Nikkor 2009 / 300 already for a mirrorless mount. Nikon Z.

In parallel with the line of lenses of the 300 / 2.8 class, the line of lenses of the 300/4 class was developed. There are 3 autofocus versions of 300/4 class lenses for SLR cameras in total:

  1. Nikon AF Nikkor 300mm 1: 4 EDsince June 1987
  2. Nikon AF-S Nikkor 300mm 1: 4D ED IF Silent Wave Motor, from August 2000, black / silver
  3. Nikon AF-S Nikkor 300mm 1: 4IN PF ED VR SWM IF Nano Crystal Coatsince January 2015

Compared to 300 / 2.8 class lenses, the 300/4 lens line is more 'simple', however, all 300/4 versions are Nikon Nikkor professional lenses and are included in the Nikon Professional Service list.

Nikon N AF-S Nikkor 300mm 1: 2.8G II ED VR (IF SWM Nano Crystal Coat)

Nikon N AF-S Nikkor 300mm 1: 2.8G II ED VR (IF SWM Nano Crystal Coat)

Main technical characteristics of Nikon N AF-S Nikkor 300mm 1: 2.8G II ED VR (IF SWM Nano Crystal Coat):

Review Instance Name Gold letters: Nikon N AF-S Nikkor 300mm 1: 2.8G II ED VR Made in Japan

on the body with white letters Nikon SWM VR ED IF Ø52 Nano Crystal Coat

Basic properties
  • FX (for Nikon FX) - Lens designed for full frame Nikon FX cameras
  • AF S (built in Auto Focus motor) - built-in focusing motor
  • G (Gelded) - no aperture control ring, focus distance transmission to the camera
  • II - second version of the lens
  • ED (Extra low dispersion) - the use of special low-dispersion elements in the optical scheme
  • SWM (Silent wave motor) - silent wave (ultrasonic) focusing motor
  • IF (Internal focusing) - internal focusing
  • A / M - M / A - M, advanced switch of focus modes (details in the review below)
  • N (Nano crystal coat) - nanocrystalline optical antireflection
  • DIH (Nikon Super Integrated Coating) - special integrated enlightenment of optics
  • RD (Rounded Diaphragm) - rounded petals aperture
  • Golden ring - gold ring near the front lens
  • VR (Vibration reduction) - built-in image stabilizer with two modes of operation.
  • Normal / Active - switch of the stabilizer operation mode for its effective use
  • Rubber basket (Rubber lens mount seal) - dustproof and waterproof mount seal
  • Limiter focusing distance (Full ∞-6m)
  • Listed professional equipment Nikon NPS
  • Tripod foot (partially removable)
  • Ability to use a large number of TC-E teleconverters
  • 4 temple buttons (there is a choice of their functions: AF-L, Memory Recall, AF-ON)
  • Sound confirmation switch Memory Recall triggers
  • Carabiners for a belt
  • Light filter system drop-in-filter
  • Extra rubber ring for a comfortable grip
  • Rubber bumper near the front lens
  • Dust-proof coating near the rear lens and also on the inside of the hood
  • Protective front glass
Front Filter Diameter not used

Used drop-in filters from the bayonet side with a diameter of 52 mm

Focal length 300 mm, EGF for Nikon DX cameras is 450 mm, EGF for Nikon CX cameras is 810 mm
Zoom ratio 1 X (this is a fixed lens, without the ability to change the focal length)
Designed by primarily for Nikon FX digital full-frame cameras
Number of aperture blades 9 rounded petals
Tags
  • window with focusing distance in meters and feet
  • depth of field scale for f / 22
  • turn and foot marks
Diaphragm from f / 2.8 to f / 22.

The lens does not have an aperture ring (G - lens type)

MDF (minimum focusing distance)
  • 2.3 meters auto focus
  • 2.2 meters in manual focus mode

Maximum magnification ratio 1: 6.25

The weight
  • 2900 grams
  • 2890 grams (measured)
Optical design 11 elements in 8 groups, 3 elements are low dispersion (ED elements on the optical diagram are shown in yellow).

Optical design Nikon N AF-S Nikkor 300mm 1: 2.8G II ED VR (IF SWM Nano Crystal Coat)Clickable Image

Lens hood Included with HK-30
Transportation With the Nikon CL-L1 Carrying Case
Period from December 2009, in 2020 supplemented by a model Nikon N AF-S Nikkor 120-300mm 1: 2.8E FL ED SR VR
Manufacturer country Made in Japan
Instructions See
Price See

All 300 / 2.8 VR versions are Nikon Nikkor professional lenses and are listed under the Nikon Professional Service.

Nikon N AF-S Nikkor 300mm 1: 2.8G II ED VR (IF SWM Nano Crystal Coat)

Nikon N AF-S Nikkor 300mm 1: 2.8G II ED VR (IF SWM Nano Crystal Coat)

Assembly

Nikon 300 / 2.8G II is very well built. The build quality is fully consistent with the professional focus of the lens.

Nikon 300 / 2.8G II 'is equipped with a' special function - golden ring near the front lens, which means it can be attributed to the professional lenses of the NIKON NIKKOR line. Previously, this ring was placed only on TOP lenses with ED glasses, but over time the situation has changed.

The lens is large and heavy. Most of the weight comes from the front of the lens (heavy front lens group). The front of the lens has additional non-removable protective glasswhich is not a lens from the optical circuit. The lens weighs approximately 2900 grams (including the tripod foot). It is worth noting that this is not the heaviest Nikon Nikkor 300 / 2.8 lens. The 300 Nikon AF-S 2.8 / 1996D version weighed 200 grams more and was not equipped with an image stabilizer.

The Nikon 300 / 2.8G II has a fixed metal tripod foot. The position of the presser foot is fixed with a special clamping fixed screw. The foot rotates freely 360 degrees around the lens axis. There are 2 marks on the foot for quick installation of the lens and camera in a horizontal or vertical position, on the lens itself there are 3 points for aligning with the marks on the foot. During the rotation of the clamp, there are no characteristic clicks indicating the correct orientation. The foot can be removed, but this requires a special tool (curly screwdriver).

On the side of the rear lens there is dust-absorbing fabric cover... There is also a rubber seal for the lens mount.

In the front of the lens there is a rubberized decorative very wide ringfor which it is convenient to hold the lens.

The front of the lens has a large protective rubber bumper... For transportation, the lens barrel has two massive ears under the belt (under the carabiners).

The front of the lens is recess / groove for hood installation... The hood is not bayonet type, but is installed in a similar way. There is a special clip on the hood with which it is fixed. The hood can be installed in the opposite direction. In this position, access to the focusing ring is partially lost. The hood has a small rubber bumper... The inside of the hood is covered with dust cloth.

Nikon 300 / 2.8G II uses internal filters (Drop-In-filters)... The diameter of such a filter is 52 mm (standard for such lenses). There is a special groove in the lens housing, into which the filter holder is inserted. To remove the holder, you need to press the locking button down and turn it counterclockwise. It is always recommended to use an internal filter as the optical design was originally designed for its permanent presence. Even if a filter is not needed, a ND filter should be left. I used a lens with a Nikon NC 52mm MADE IN JAPAN internal filter.

It's important: The lens has no thread for the front filters. The use of classical light filters, which are attached from the side of the front lens, is difficult. Although, for example, some other professional lenses such as Nikon ED NIKKOR 500mm 1: 4 P have such an opportunity, however, there the diameter of the front light filter is simply huge.

The Nikon 300 / 2.8G II does not come with a classic front protective cover, and therefore you have to use a fabric one 'hood'on puffs, which is not always convenient. This is the case with most of these 'large' lenses.

Nikon N AF-S Nikkor 300mm 1: 2.8G II ED VR (IF SWM Nano Crystal Coat)

Nikon N AF-S Nikkor 300mm 1: 2.8G II ED VR (IF SWM Nano Crystal Coat)

Enlightenment 'N' (Nano Crystal Coat)

The Nikon 300 / 2.8G II boasts the letter 'N' on its body. 'N' stands for 'Nano Crystal Coat' - optics nanocrystalline coating. Such enlightenment allows you to cope well with glare and flare, and also creates excellent color reproduction. Most likely, only a few of the lenses of this lens have 'N' -coating. The rest of the lenses have a classic SIC enlightenment (Nikon Super Iintegrated Coating - special super integral enlightenment).

It is a pity that Nikon does not indicate the number of lenses in the optical scheme, which have 'N'-coating.

The letter 'N' and the small text 'Nano Crystal Coat' are printed on special platewhich is screwed to the lens barrel with two screws. It looks quite stylish. But golden inscriptions can fade over time and even completely disappear.

Interestingly: previous version of the lens Nikon AF-S Nikkor 300mm 1: 2.8G ED VR (red letters VR) 2004 does not have the prefix 'N' in its name ( link), while its optics also use Nano Crystal Coat coating. Apparently, then Nikon had not yet thought of putting 'N' in the names of their lenses. It is officially believed that the 'N' prefix appeared in lens names since 2006.

Nikon N AF-S Nikkor 300mm 1: 2.8G II ED VR (IF SWM Nano Crystal Coat)

Nikon N AF-S Nikkor 300mm 1: 2.8G II ED VR (IF SWM Nano Crystal Coat) on Nikon D40

Stabilizer

The Nikon 300 / 2.8G II has the Nikon VR Image Stabilizer ('Vvibration Reduction '- Vibration Suppression), which by instructions can compensate 3 steps by shutter speed... In numerical terms, this means that you can shoot at shutter speeds 8 times slower than required by a lens without a stabilizer. The lens uses a second generation IS, which is why this lens is often mistakenly referred to as 'VR II' rather than 'G II'. In some sources there is information that the stabilizer compensates four or more steps (apparently depends on the measurement technique). In any case, the stabilizer on the Nikon 300 / 2.8G II does its job very well.

To enable / disable the stabilizer on the lens there 'VR ON / OFF' switch... The switch is designed as control rings... To move / rotate the stabilizer on / off ring, press the special lock button. A similar implementation of such a switch, most likely, migrated to the Nikon 300 / 2.8G II from the previous version.

There is a 'Normal / Active' switch to select the mode. The gimbal can operate in two modes: 'Normal' and 'Active'.

  • 'Normal' mode designed for most scenes and avoids movement when camera shake. Theoretically, the 'Normal' mode can still track the movement of the camera to create panoramas.
  • Active Mode most suitable for shooting when the camera can not only shake, but also move in different directions. Most often, it is advised to use this mode when shooting in motion.

I was able to take pictures of stationary objects without blur and strong efforts for 1/30 of a second (examples are in the gallery). And if you try hard, you can get a sharp frame even at shutter speed 1/15 second. In actual shooting conditions, the gimbal feels very good.

It is recommended to turn off the stabilizer when shooting with a tripod at slow shutter speeds.

Nikon N AF-S Nikkor 300mm 1: 2.8G II ED VR (IF SWM Nano Crystal Coat)

Nikon N AF-S Nikkor 300mm 1: 2.8G II ED VR (IF SWM Nano Crystal Coat)

Focusing

Nikon 300 / 2.8G II focuses thanks to 'SWM'-motor (Silent Wbird Motor - quiet wave motor) and refers to the lens'AF S'type (with built-in motor focusing), and therefore it will automatically focus almost on any Nikon digital SLR camera... Used by large ring focusing motor.

The minimum focusing distance depends on the focus mode:

  • in manual focus mode, the MDF is 2.2 meters, and the maximum magnification ratio is 1: 6.25, which is a very good indicator
  • in automatic focusing mode MDF is 2.3 meters

Nikon 300 / 2.8G II has a window with distance scale in meters and feet. There are no marks for working in the infrared spectrum, but there is a depth of field scale, but only for the F / 22 value.

The Nikon 300 / 2.8G II has an optional 'Full ∞-6m' switch that acts as a focusing distance limiter. The ∞ sign means infinity.

  • In the 'Full' position, automatic focusing is available over the entire range of distances - from ∞ to MDF
  • In the '∞-6m' position, auto focus is available in the range from 6 meters to ∞.

Note that during manual focus, the limiter does not work.

The focusing ring is very wide and comfortable, rotates 225 degrees (5/8 of a full turn). When the extreme positions are reached, the focusing ring does not rest on, but continues to slide, without affecting the focusing. During autofocus, the focus ring does not rotate and can be used to support the lens.

Auto Focus Speed ​​- high, almost lightning fast, refocusing on nearby objects occurs almost instantly. This causes the lens to create a distinctly audible hum during autofocus. When changing AF direction quickly and frequently (when the lens 'jerks') there is a slight rattling noise from stopping and starting the motor.

Very important: Focusing speed is highly dependent on the lighting and the complexity of the scene being shot. In low light, the focusing speed with some cameras can be slow, and the travel time of the lenses from MDF to infinity and back is quite long.

During focusing, the front and rear lenses remain stationary, as the lens uses internal focusthat is indicated on the case by the letters'IF'-'Iinternal Focus' - 'Inner Focus'.

When using auto focus through JVI lens showed excellent focusing tenacity on cameras Nikon D850 (with one of the best focus modules among all CZK Nikon, only Nikon D6) and Nikon D40 (with the most primitive focusing module by three points).

Focus Features:

  1. Important: The quality of the Nikon 300 / 2.8G II focusing in Live View mode is highly dependent on the camera used.
  2. Nikon 300 / 2.8G II has a very pronounced 'Focus Breathing' effect (changes in the angle of view during focusing). When focusing towards the MDF, the angle of view decreases significantly.
  3. Focus Shift (shift focus, change of focusing distance due to aperture) no
  4. The Nikon 300 / 2.8G II does not have a hard infinity mechanical stop that allows you to accurately and quickly focus the lens to infinity under any ambient temperature conditions. For accurate aiming at infinity, you cannot just bring the focusing ring to its extreme position.
  5. The lens transmits the distance to the subject in the camera and is D lens.
  6. Lens compatible with Nikon TC-E converters that support auto focus
  7. Well compatible with Nikon FTZ / Nikon FTZ II and Nikon FT1 Mirrorless Camera Adapters Nikon Z и Nikon 1.
Nikon N AF-S Nikkor 300mm 1: 2.8G II ED VR (IF SWM Nano Crystal Coat)

Nikon N AF-S Nikkor 300mm 1: 2.8G II ED VR (IF SWM Nano Crystal Coat)

Rare switch 'A / M - M / A - M'

The lens has a rather rare focus mode switchA / M - M / A - M'. Typically, these lenses have a more common switch.M / A - M'.

If you look, in the 'A / M' position, automatic focusing works with the constant possibility of manual adjustment / focus adjustment, but with the priority of auto focus. It means that 'A / M' mode avoids canceling the autofocus mode due to accidental rotation of the focus ring.

To cancel it during auto focus and switch to the manual focus method, you need to turn the focus ring some distance. The length of this distance is known only in practice.

'ModeM / A'disables automatic focusing immediately after the start of rotation of the focus ring, and the' A / M 'mode disables automatic focusing only after some prolonged rotation of the focus ring.

Nikon has made a distinction between 'A / M' and 'M / A'very fine. If we maximally generalize the difference between these modes, it all comes down to how sensitive the focus ring is to turn off the automatic focus and switch to manual focus mode. I advise you to leave the 'A / M' mode on and forget about this switch forever.

A focus mode switch 'A / M - M / A - M' is mainly found on Nikon's 'longest' telephoto lenses:

  1. Nikon N AF-S Nikkor 200mm 1: 2G II ED VR
  2. Nikon N AF-S Nikkor 300mm 1: 4E PF ED VR [overview]
  3. Nikon N AF-S Nikkor 300mm 1: 2.8G II ED VR [overview]
  4. Nikon N AF-S Nikkor 400mm 1: 2.8G ED VR
  5. Nikon N AF-S Nikkor 400mm 1: 2.8E ED FL VR
  6. Nikon N AF-S Nikkor 500mm 1: 4G ED VR
  7. Nikon N AF-S Nikkor 500mm 1: 4E ED FL VR
  8. Nikon N AF-S Nikkor 500mm 1: 4E ED PF VR
  9. Nikon N AF-S Nikkor 600mm 1: 4G ED VR
  10. Nikon N AF-S Nikkor 600mm 1: 4E ED FL VR
  11. Nikon N AF-S Nikkor 800mm 1: 5.6E ED FL VR
  12. Nikon N AF-S Nikkor 70-200mm 1: 2.8G II ED VR [overview]
  13. Nikon N AF-S Nikkor 70-200mm 1: 2.8E FL ED VR
  14. Nikon AF-P Nikkor 70-300mm 1:4.5-5.6E ED VR
  15. Nikon N AF-S Nikkor 80-400mm 1: 4.5-5.6G ED VR [overview]
  16. Nikon N AF-S Nikkor 120-300mm 1: 2.8E FL ED SR VR [announcement]
  17. Nikon N AF-S Nikkor 180-400mm 1: 4E FL ED VR TC 1.4
  18. Nikon N AF-S Nikkor 200-400mm 1: 4G II ED VR

You can see the various types of switches that use Nikon autofocus lenses. here. In general, Nikon likes to confuse users with various obscure autofocus modes.

On the lens that I reviewed, the focusing ring, while rotating, rubs against something inside and creates an unpleasant rough sound / hum. It was not possible to achieve the oil stroke of the focusing ring.

Nikon N AF-S Nikkor 300mm 1: 2.8G II ED VR (IF SWM Nano Crystal Coat)

Nikon N AF-S Nikkor 300mm 1: 2.8G II ED VR (IF SWM Nano Crystal Coat)

Memory Recall, Memory Set, AF-L, AF-ON, Temple Buttons, Sound Control Button

At the front of the lens, there are 4 auxiliary temporal buttons, which can take one of three functions, which is set by a special switch. The lens barrel has XNUMX-position switch 'AF-L / Memory Recall / AF-ON', which just gives assignments to the temporal buttons:

  • AF-L - locks / stops focusing. In fact, this function duplicates the function of the AF-L button, which is often found on some Nikon cameras. Why is she described, for example, here.
  • Memory Recall - function of restoring focus from memory, the principle is described below
  • AF ON - button for forced activation of automatic focus. In fact, this function duplicates the function of the AF-ON button (or any other programmed to duplicate it), which is often found on some Nikon cameras. Why is she described, for example, here.

Nikon 300 / 2.8G II has a 'Memory Recall', which can be translated as' Restore focus from memory'.

  • For the lens to 'remember' the focusing distance, it is enough to set the desired focusing distance value (manually or automatically) and press the special button 'Memory Set'(' Remember / Install '). The button is located on the side of the lens mount.
  • To 'recall' the focusing distance value, press one of the four auxiliary buttons near the front lens element.

The 'Memory Recall' function can be very useful when working with a tripod, when it is enough to precisely focus on the subject once and 'remember' the distance to it, which will allow you to instantly return to the previous subject when refocusing on other subjects. Suggest your options for using this function in the comments.

There is a lens housing switch with note icon... This is a switch for sound confirmation of the Memory Recall function. If sound is on and Memory Recall is selected, pressing the temporal button will produce a sound identical to the 'sharpening sound'.

The note icon switch works only if the switch above it is set to the Memory Recall function. Sound is emitted from the camera speaker. The sound is emitted even if the sound alerts have been disabled in the camera menu.

Nikon N AF-S Nikkor 300mm 1: 2.8G II ED VR (IF SWM Nano Crystal Coat)

Diaphragm

Diaphragm lens consists of 9 rounded petalsthat form a flat hole. Aperture closes to F / 22.

One of the implicit benefits Telephoto lenses with a maximum aperture of 1: 2.8 is the ability to easily use them with teleconverters.

When using a tele-converter with a magnification of 1.4x, the lens turns into '420 / 4', while you can automatically focus on all Nikon digital SLR cameras.

Even when using a teleconverter with a magnification of 2X, when the lens turns into '600/5.6′, It can auto focus on all Nikon DSLR cameras.

If use teleconverter 2X with Nikon 300 / 2.8G II lens on cameras Nikon D7100, D7200, D7500, D500 and additionally enable the framing mode 1.3x, you can get EGF 1170 mm (300 * 2 * 1.5 * 1.3), and the maximum opening is F / 5.6. On cameras of the series Nikon 1 paired with a 2x teleconverter you can get EGF 1620mm (300*2*2.7). But at the most EGF available on cameras Nikon D2x и D2xs, where you can enable 2x crop mode and get EGF 1800 мм (300*2*1.5*2).

Nikon N AF-S Nikkor 300mm 1: 2.8G II ED VR (IF SWM Nano Crystal Coat)

Nikon N AF-S Nikkor 300mm 1: 2.8G II ED VR (IF SWM Nano Crystal Coat)

Image quality

There are no problems with the image quality of the Nikon 300 / 2.8G II. Everything is good or excellent. The lens was introduced at a time when there were already full-frame cameras with 24 MP sensors (D3x, 2008) and cropped cameras with 12 MP sensors (D2x, 2004). The lens does not experience any particular problems with modern cameras with high pixel density sensors (like the Nikon D850).

Sharpness

  • in the center of the frame at F / 2.8 the lens has good / excellent resolution
  • there is a very weak drop in sharpness to the far edges of the frame (it is very, very difficult to track on real examples of photographs). We can assume that the lens has the same resolution over the entire field of the frame.
  • the stock of sharpness should be sufficient at least for teleconverters with a magnification of 1.4x
  • only on very closed apertures, detail can drop due to diffraction

Distortion

  • the lens has a low level of distortion

Vignetting

  • the overall level of vignetting is at a level typical for such lenses
  • noticeable vignetting is only observed at f / 2.8
  • vignetting almost completely disappears at F / 5.6
  • on Nikon DX cameras, the vignette is invisible even on F / 2.8
  • vignetting decreases with focus towards MDF
  • vignetting is easily fixable in the editor

Aberration

  • the level of chromatic aberrations is low, but you can still get an abundance of chromatic aberrations in complex scenes (example)
  • spherical aberration rate is low
  • the level of fringing (aberrations that color contrasting elements in the out-of-focus area) is low (but still present)

Rest

  • nice, good color rendering
  • aperture at f / 4-f / 22 is well rounded
  • in many scenes, the lens can create nice bokeh
  • weak work in the backlight, the lens can give a large amount of flare (not glare, namely whitish highlights, veil, example). In my opinion, this is the biggest drawback of the lens. The hood significantly improves side and backlight performance

There is a lens profile for the lens in popular RAW converters.

Modern Nikon cameras can recognize this lens, which automatically corrects vignetting, distortion and some chromatic aberration. Paired with enhancement algorithms Nikon 300 / 2.8G II is just wonderful. Modern digital photography is not only a lens lens and camera sensor, but also post-processing of the result obtained.

Nikon N AF-S Nikkor 300mm 1: 2.8G II ED VR (IF SWM Nano Crystal Coat)

Nikon N AF-S Nikkor 300mm 1: 2.8G II ED VR (IF SWM Nano Crystal Coat)

Sample photos of Nikon D4 (FX) and Nikon D5 (FX)

Nikon 300 / 2.8G II photography and great cameras Nikon D4, Nikon D5 shared by photographer Daniil Komov... Be sure to visit his website https://www.dkomov.ru/, there are many photographs shot on the Nikon 300 / 2.8G II (including with a teleconverter TC-14E ​​III). Also look for Daniel on social media: Facebook, Instagram, vk, youtube , flickr.

Full-size JPEG files can be downloaded all on the same Daniil Komov's personal website (look for the download button at the top right of the site).

Sample photos on Nikon D3s (FX), D3x (FX), D800 (FX), D500 (DX)

Nikon 300 / 2.8G II photography and great cameras Nikon D3s, D3x, D800, D500 shared photographer Mikhail Kalinin.

You can find more of his photos on his Instagram. https://www.instagram.com/kalinin_veps/.

Sample photos on Nikon D40 (DX), D850 (FX)

My examples on Nikon D40 (APS-C, Nikon DX, 6MP CCD). JPEG from the camera, no processing. The shooting was carried out using a light monopod, as well as hand-held. When shooting handheld after 1600 frames (about an hour and a half of shooting) I wanted only one thing - the same lens, but with much less weight.

Don't worry, I have tested this Nikon 300 / 2.8G II on Nikon D850 (digital full-frame DSLR camera with the highest pixel density of any full-frame DSLR camera from Nikon). Multiple RAW source files (14-bit, lossless compression, no fake PT control mode: +2 0 +1 0 +1 0) here.

But with the old lady Nikon D40 I find shooting much more fun and interesting. It is much easier to get a good result with the Nikon D850 than with Nikon D40 - which is the most primitive TsZK from Nikon. And this arouses sports interest.

Original JPEGs with Nikon D40 on the cloud here... Photos in small processing: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10.

Nikon N AF-S Nikkor 300mm 1: 2.8G II ED VR (IF SWM Nano Crystal Coat)

Nikon N AF-S Nikkor 300mm 1: 2.8G II ED VR (IF SWM Nano Crystal Coat)

My experience

Nikon 300 / 2.8G II is a fairy-tale lens.

You don't need to read reviews or opinions about this lens. This is exactly the lens that most photographers and hobbyists will be delighted with.

To write 10 shortcomings about the Nikon 300 / 2.8G II in the results of this review is an incredible torment. Still, there are drawbacks, but they are completely covered by the essential advantages of the lens.

Many photographers love these lenses. The 300 / 2.8 is often used for full-length portraits, sporting events, and wildlife. Usually the Nikon 300 / 2.8G II is viewed by those users who know exactly why they need a 300 / 2.8 class lens.

Nikon N AF-S Nikkor 300mm 1: 2.8G II ED VR (IF SWM Nano Crystal Coat)

Nikon N AF-S Nikkor 300mm 1: 2.8G II ED VR (IF SWM Nano Crystal Coat)

Prices

Real current lens prices can be viewed at E-Katalog on this link.

Results

Nikon 300 / 2.8G II is a high-quality professional high-aperture telephoto lens. The newest model in a line of similar Nikon Nikkor 300 / 2.8 class lenses for digital SLR cameras. Most likely it will never see an update again and will be replaced by a version for digital mirrorless cameras of the series Nikon Z... Partial replacement / addition for Nikon 300 / 2.8G II can be considered Nikon N AF-S Nikkor 120-300mm 1: 2.8E FL ED SR VRreleased in 2020.

10 main advantages:

  1. good / excellent optical performance
  2. good / excellent build quality
  3. tripod foot with two connectors, excellent hood, rubber mount seal, front “bumper”, rubberized lens support ring, 2 strap clips, drop-in-filter system
  4. possibility of using autofocus teleconverters TC-E series
  5. very fast ring focusing motor, internal focusing, excellent MDF, advanced A / MM / A focusing modes, focusing distance limiter, focusing distance window and depth of field scale
  6. very effective built-in image stabilization, 2 stabilization modes Normal / Active
  7. programmable 4 'temple' buttons
  8. Memory Recall function with separate Memory Set button, enabling and disabling audible alerts for Memory Recall
  9. nine-blade aperture, which gives smooth discs of blur on covered apertures
  10. Nano Crystal Coat coating of some lenses, three huge ED-elements in the optical scheme

10 main shortcomings:

  1. optical design has not been updated since the 300 Nikon AF-S 2.8 / 1996D
  2. the stabilizer switch is made as a separate ring with a blocking button, and not in the form of classic sliders, which is not always convenient (apparently this is a rudiment from the previous version)
  3. the tripod foot can only be partially removed and only with a tool (shaped screwdriver)
  4. the focus ring has an unpleasant hum during manual focusing
  5. tangible effect of 'Focus Breathing' (changes in viewing angle during focusing)
  6. MDF 2.2 meters only available in manual focus mode
  7. the focusing distance limiter is not adjustable (this feature is available with Nikon AF 300/4)
  8. heavy weight 2.9 kg (for example, Nikon AF-S 300 / 4E weighs almost 4 times less)
  9. high cost (for example, Sigma 120-300 / 2.8 DG OS Sport costs 1.5 times cheaper)
  10. perceptible vignetting, few chromatic aberrations (example), poor resistance to strong side light (example)

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According provided by Nikon N AF-S Nikkor 300mm 1: 2.8G II ED VR lens (IF SWM Nano Crystal Coat) many thanks the store ProFotoSalewhere you can find many new and used lenses for different systems, including similar Nikon lenses.

Material prepared Arkady Shapoval. Training/Consultations | Youtube | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Telegram

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Comments: 7, on the topic: Review of Nikon N AF-S Nikkor 300mm 1: 2.8G II ED VR (IF SWM Nano Crystal Coat)

  • molchanovyuriy

    Fantastic lens! How he draws! Thanks to Arkady for the review. All information is presented in such detail and meticulous that it is immediately noticeable how much the author liked this Nikon. There is something to lose peace and sleep from.

  • Victor

    Despite the “don't worry…” :), the lens, as you can see, shows an excellent, thoroughbred picture even from the d40.

    It's a pity that the price is not available to most of the fans, and the dimensions are clearly not for every day.

  • LoliFromFutanari

    BEAUTIFUL. An interesting lens, I would like to have one. Thanks for your review!

  • Vlad

    Yeah, pictures of birds about the level, cool!

  • Dim

    Thanks a lot for the review - an interesting lens.

  • Pawel

    Excellent glass and visibility, but ... .. I can't get enough of these bird shots. After watching, I want to put all my cameras, lenses and other photo junk in a bag, put my laptop and all the media in there, and throw it all from the balcony of the 10th floor. Because all my photos will never be compared with those presented on D3s. I'm going to self-develop ... ..

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