Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 300mm f/2.8 G II ED VR Autofocus IF Lens, Black {52 Drop-in/Filter}

The AF-S Nikkor 300mm f/2.8G ED VR II is a high-end telephoto autofocus lens for both Nikon digital SLR (DSLR) and late model film Nikon SLR cameras.  It's a professional grade lens where no efforts were spared in the optical and mechanical design and construction. This is a high performance lens in every conceivable sense that can deliver astonishingly sharp vivid images even when conditions get demanding.

Nikon's engineers have used an 11 element 8 group optical formulation which includes 3 ED (Extra Low Dispersion) elements and a combination of N (Nano Crystal Coat) and SIC (Super Integrated Coating) multi-layer anti-reflective coatings.  The resulting high resolution, high contrast images really stand out and get noticed.

To prevent loss of it's amazing sharpness to shake induced blur, the Nikon 300mm f/2.8 VR II has Nikon's improved 2nd generation VRII (Vibration Reduction) optical image stabilization technology.  Sensors built into the lens detect lens shake during exposures and trigger actuators that move special lens elements in real time to counteract blur that that the movement would otherwise cause.  In use the new VRII system is super responsive; it allows shooting the set shutter speed while enjoying stability comparable to a shutter speed up to 4 stops faster.

The Nikkor 300mm f/2.8 G ED IF AF-S VR II (Nikon USA part # 2186) was released in 2009 as the replacement for the Nikkor 300mm f/2.8 G ED IF AF-S VR (Nikon USA part # 2154) which uses Nikon's 1st generation VR technology.  The benefits of the updated VRII model will be most noticeable when shooting handheld, shooting with a monopod, shooting with a tripod that is not locked down, or shooting from a moving platform such as a boat.

Because the image quality is so good this is a lens that owners use anytime they can. With it's capable combination of high magnification reach, focusing speed, light gathering, and beautifully blurred backgrounds it's really the only the lens for many jobs. With the fast f/2.8 aperture it's possible to use faster shutter speeds or easier to use tele-converters.  The lens uses an IF (Internal Focus) arrangement powered by a strong AF-S SWM (Silent Wave Motor) that moves ultra-fast and provides full time manual focus override via the M/A focus mode.  A focus preset switch , a focus range limit switch, and Focus Operation buttons allow the shooter additional focus customization options. Many lenses shoot at 300mm but the amount of background obliteration one gets when shooting 300mm f/2.8 is on a completely different level.  The Nikkor 300mm f/2.8 G ED IF AF-S VR II produces this extreme background seperation while producing beautiful background blur.

The Nikkor 300mm f/2.8 G ED IF AF-S VR II is one of the very best lenses around for shooting sports, portraits, landscapes, as well as any other situation calling for extremely high quality or a telephoto lens.

Key Features

• Super Fast Telephoto AF-S Lens with improved Vibration Reduction and Nano-Crystal AR coat
• Exceptionally high optical performance
• Three ED glass elements effectively compensates for magnification and virtually eliminate chromatic aberration Meniscus protective glass element to overcome internal reflections from digital imaging sensor
• Internal Focusing (IF) design
• Powerful AF-S SWM (Silent Wave Motor) provides ultra-high speed autofocus with exceptional accuracy and while being super-quiet
• Focus Mode switch enables quick response to changing situations with quick-switching between M/A (Manual-Priority Autofocus) and M (Manual Focus) modes. AF operation switch enables easy selection of settings
• Focus Preset function instantly recalls a preset focal point
• Barrel mounted AF Operation buttons
• Focus Limiter switch limits AF-servo movement to a selected shooting distance range
• VRII (Vibration Reduction) system with automatic detection of panning and active vibration mode for use in active situations such as a moving boat, car or plane
• VR On/Off switch
• Compatible with both 35mm and digital SLR models
• Rotating Tripod Mount with strap attachment points

Available accessories include the carbon fiber HK-30 hood, CL-L1 semi-soft case, LN-1 strap, and Nikon TC-14E II, TC-17E II, TC-20E II, TC-20E III, and TC-14E III Teleconverters.