Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 300mm f/4 D ED Autofocus IF Lens {77}

The 300mm f/4 D IF AF-S is a professional fixed focal length telephoto lens for Nikon Cameras. Lots of telephoto lenses cover the focal 300mm focal length, far fewer 300mm lenses do so as sharply or brightly. It's popular choice great for sports, action & nature photography but it's also a dynamite outdoor portrait lens.

Optical construction is professional grade. Two ED (Extra Low Dispersion) elements round out the uncompromising optical design of 10 elements in 6 groups deliver excellent sharpness, contrast and color. The f/4 maximum aperture allows for faster shutter speeds and more background blur than zoom lenses which are usually at f/5.6 by the time they reach the 300mm focal length. Rounded aperture blades make for smooth out of focus highlights.

The mechanicals are equally professional grade, solid, mostly metal and well thought out. The built in lens hood is convenient, saves space, and effective. A removable rotating tripod mount is a standard accessory.

The inclusion of an AF-S Silent Wave Motor (SWM) with full time manual focus override (M/A) makes for ultra fast focus speeds, significantly faster than the previous model. Older film cameras (prior to the N90) will not autofocus with the lens but manual focus is smooth and useable.

A mechanical auto aperture interface with the camera and aperture control ring ensure a degree of compatibility with nearly all Nikon F mount cameras not just the latest equipment. Electronic mount contacts convey lens information including 'D' distance & defocus information to compatible cameras for the most accurate ambient & flash metering.

It's a brighter and higher quality option than a 70-300mm zoom while not nearly as heavy or cumbersome as a 300mm f/2.8.

Other standard accessories include caps and a CL-M2 Case. Other popular accessories include tripods and monopods for maximum stability, the Nikon TC-14E family of teleconverters for additional magnification, and 77mm UV and Polarizing filters.