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Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 300mm f/4 E PF ED VR Autofocus Lens, Black {77}
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$1,107.00
Nikon's 300mm f/4 PF: full-frame reach at half the weight
The Phase Fresnel element is the story here. Nikon's PF optical design lets this 300mm prime come in at just 755g and 147.5mm long, over 30% shorter and roughly 1.5 lb lighter than its predecessor, making it the kind of telephoto you'll actually carry all day. The 16-element, 10-group design pairs that PF element with one ED glass element, Nano Crystal Coat, and Super Integrated Coating to keep chromatic aberration and flare in check, even at f/4 wide open.
The 4.5-stop Vibration Reduction system runs in distinct modes tuned for sports and tripod use, which matters when you're handholding at 300mm in low light or tracking erratic movement. Silent Wave Motor autofocus is quiet and responsive, with a nine-blade diaphragm rounded for smooth background separation. The electromagnetic diaphragm mechanism keeps exposures consistent at high burst rates, and teleconverter compatibility extends your reach further when conditions demand it. A fluorine coating on the front element sheds moisture and grease without fuss.
At this focal length and weight, the value case is straightforward: you get a full-frame 300mm prime with serious optical corrections and proven real-world handling that other lenses at this reach simply don't match for portability.
Who It's For
Wildlife and nature photographers who hike to their subjects will appreciate putting a true 300mm f/4 in a pack without the weight penalty of a traditional telephoto. Bird photographers get the 8°10' FX angle of view plus VR sport mode for unpredictable flight patterns. On DX bodies, the 5°20' crop angle effectively extends reach, making it a strong choice for birders and safari shooters working with Nikon APS-C bodies. Portrait and event photographers who need working distance but shoot light-kit style benefit from the nine-blade diaphragm and f/4 aperture at a manageable 77mm filter size.
Key Features
- Phase Fresnel element reduces weight and size 30% versus predecessor
- 300mm f/4 prime at just 755g and 147.5mm long
- 16-element, 10-group optical design with 1 ED glass element
- 4.5-stop Vibration Reduction with Sports, Action, and Tripod modes
- Silent Wave Motor autofocus with manual focus override
- Nine-blade rounded diaphragm for smooth bokeh and electromagnetic diaphragm mechanism
- Nano Crystal and Super Integrated Coatings plus fluorine front element coating
- 77mm filter size, Nikon F mount, full-frame format
FAQ
- What makes the Phase Fresnel element worth the premium?
- The PF element lets Nikon compress the optical formula down to 147.5mm and 755g while maintaining sharpness and keeping chromatic aberration minimal. You're carrying a 300mm prime that doesn't feel like one.
- How does the 4.5-stop VR perform at 300mm handheld?
- VR handles low-light handheld shooting and tracking erratic movement effectively. It has distinct modes - Normal mode covers general handheld work, while Sports & Action and Tripod modes optimize for those specific scenarios.
- Is autofocus quiet enough for video or wildlife work?
- Silent Wave Motor AF is genuinely quiet and responsive with full manual focus override. It won't spook wildlife or disrupt audio recording the way older AF systems do.
- Can I use teleconverters with this lens?
- Yes, it's compatible with Nikon teleconverters to extend reach further. The electromagnetic diaphragm keeps exposures consistent when stacking converters and shooting at high frame rates.
- How does f/4 bokeh look at 300mm?
- The nine-blade rounded diaphragm produces smooth background separation typical of fast telephotos. Aperture shaping is clean without obvious polygonal artifacts.
- What's the fluorine coating actually do?
- It repels water, dust, and grease from the front element so they don't stick and degrade image quality. Cleaning is faster and less aggressive on the glass.
- How close can you focus?
- Minimum focus distance is 4.6 feet (1.40m), which is typical for this focal length and gives you reasonable working distance even in tight spaces.
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Focal Length | 300mm |
| Max Aperture | f/4 |
| Min Aperture | f/32 |
| Mount | Nikon F |
| Filter Size | 77mm |
| Lens Format | Full Frame |
| Minimum Focusing Distance | 4.6 ft (1.40 m) |
| Optical Groups | 10 |
| Optical Elements | 16 |
| Angle Of View | 8° 10' (FX) / 5° 20' (DX) |
| Length | 5.81 in (147.5 mm) |
| Maximum Diameter | 3.50 in (89 mm) |
| Package Weight | 2.85 lb |
| Box Dimensions | 10.1 x 5.8 x 5.8 in |
| Weight | 26.63 oz (755 g) |
This description was generated using AI based on KEH's internal product standards, product expertise, and knowing what customers care about most. While we strive for accuracy, details may vary by individual item.
| Brand Name | Nikon |
|---|---|
| Filter Size | 77mm |
| Focus Type | Autofocus (lens motor) |
| Lens Mount | Nikon F Mount E Type |
| Lens Type | Telephoto / Long |
| Max Focal Length | 300mm |
| Min Focal Length | 300mm |