Nikon 300mm 2.8 VR II review, maybe the best budget SUPER TELEPHOTO for WILDLIFE PHOTOGRAPHY 2020!
ฝัง
- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 23 พ.ค. 2020
- Hey Guys, today I'm back with what is a well overdue review of the Nikon 300mm 2.8 VR II!
I've had this lens for 8 years now, a true faithful friend.
The lens has been with me all over the place as a pro wildlife photographer, helping me make thousands of images I love, and deliver professional assignments and jobs.
Investing in a supertele a a huge step in your wildlife photography journey and for myself the 300 2.8 was always the lens for me. The fast aperture, incredible AF speed and combination of flexibility with teleconverters plus a compact form factor for travelling ticked all my boxes, and today I thought I'd share some thoughts and images.
With the price now often below £2500 and even as low as £1800 the 300mm 2.8 VR I and VR II offer an incredible option for the budget conscious wildlife photographer. Far surpassing the consumer zoom options that can retail for not much less, the 300mm 2.8 is a class apart in terms of the professional quality, performance and optics.
If you are looking at getting one, often in the UK Wex have some great second hand deals, offering a 12 month warrantee on purchases and great service. I use and work with Wex ( I give regular lectures and workshops for them) so know they are a great company and team.
If you do buy it helps me out with a small cut whilst ensuring you'll get a great deal and reliable product.
This ones a steal!
Nikon 300mm 2.8 VR I : tidd.ly/5b1988ac
As always guys if you have any questions be it about the 300mm 2.8 VR II or anything wildlife photography related be sure to drop it in the comments and I'll get back to you!
Thanks for watching and please do like and subscribe and share if you enjoy the content.
If you've found my video helpful and fancy dropping me a coffee or small donation to say thanks, you can do so here www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_...
Cheers Guys!
Tom
----
For more of my work be sure to check out my Instagram @TomMasonPhoto or on the web - www.tommasonphoto.com
In my bag : (UK affiliate links help me fund the channel and cost you nothing)
Lowepro Whistler 450 AW II - (travelled flawlessly on all my flights with ALL the gear below inside!)
tidd.ly/ee5e459a
Nikon Monarch HG 8x30's - Simply love these. tidd.ly/3df767bb
Nikon D850 + Grip + D5 batteries tidd.ly/5e9ce68e
Nikon D5 tidd.ly/4fb4af7b
Nikon Z6 and 24-70S - (All video for the channel now shot on this - love this little camera!) tidd.ly/18f827ed
Nikon 300mm 2.8 VR II (My all time favourite lens) tidd.ly/c3774d0f
Nikon 70-200 FL tidd.ly/50423b68
Nikon 35mm 1.4 G tidd.ly/74102f76
Nikon 20mm 1.8G tidd.ly/792d72d0
Nikon 1.4 TC tidd.ly/51bb49a8
Nikon 2.0 TC tidd.ly/6d38e4fe
Nikon SB-700 tidd.ly/40a57f1a
Spare D5 battery tidd.ly/3c45d8ba
Gitzo Mini Traveller tidd.ly/eda4b0c
Petzel Headlamp amzn.to/2LX80SW
G-tech external drives amzn.to/2Yil63y
Macbook 12" amzn.to/2ZBQ57e
Gitzo Rocket Blower (however i'd get this one) tidd.ly/8d6a3ab4
I also carry a trusty Gitzo Tripod and Monopod
Gitzo 2 series mountaineer (will do a video about this soon) tidd.ly/56738206
Gitzo monopod tidd.ly/bb4c85ec
If you have any Gear questions drop them below as well, I'm always happy to help! Or hit me up on Twitter or Instagram @TomMasonPhoto.
#wildlifephotography
Dude: you just became my all time favorite wildlife photographer, your work is astonishing. And I wish you the best with your channel. I don’t think you really know how good you are!
Another entertaining and informative video Tom, it always makes me smile with excitement when you release a new video, you never disappoint. 👍🏻
Thanks Gary, glad you like the videos, I’ll be keeping them coming!
Fantastic video Tom. I absolutely love mine, in fact your images inspired me to buy one back in 2018. It’s a brilliant all round wildlife lens and it’s always in my bag unless I need the reach of the 500mm f4 VR for a specific subject. Keep up the brilliant work with the channel and your photography.
Cheers Matt, glad you're liking the 300mm 2.8, the 500 /600 are tempting for me sometimes however now I think the 120-300 might be next... Ill keep the videos coming!
Really love the whole video and how you shot it too! Also, the images
I've just told my wife that you said I need to get one of these. I don't think she likes you now! 🤣. Good video 🙂
Haha, well ill take the hate if it means you get the lens ;)
@@TomMasonPhoto Same here :D
Mine told me "No way dude", but I have known her for 28 years. She'll get soft.... :-) `soon...
Great video and images, Tom. Thanks for telling us about a lens that TH-camrs don't talk about much. Budget is certainly relative, but the used prices on these are more realistic than ever, and there are few lenses this good at that price range.
Excellent video. I couldn't agree more with how you put everything. Bravo.
Hi Tom, thank you for your video. I am looking into wildlife lenses and kept falling for the big berthas (as I feel it is what is most seen on social media). But your review of the 300mm f2.8 made it clear that there is more to wildlife photography than just capturing an animal as close as possible from as far as possible.
Thanks again and have a good one !
The 300mm is an amazing lens for the environmental shots on a fx body. I believe the VR version at 2k $ paired with a dx body is a very interesting option for the enthousiasts. The reach is sufficient for latger mamals and with a TC14 you can even do some proper bird photography. The size and weight also allows some flexibility compared to a 500mm f4, which is less important for pros as they can sit behind a tripod for hours.
Great video. You are so right about everyone having that close up tight shot. They are great in some instances but the landscape shots with the subject being small in the 1/3 is in my opinion the nicest and classic shot for fine art. Good for you for not following the pack! Don’t shoot the norm and everything else will fall in place.
Less is more!
Great channel Tom. Just got my hands on a used 300 2.8 VR II (and a couple TCs), can't wait to try it out and keep improving. The switch from a Tamron 150-600 G2 will be both challenging and interesting !
Best Nature photo video I've watched. I've just picked up a Sigma 300mm f2.8 for £550, so hoping to achieve something similar to your Awesome work.
thank you for helping me decide on my super telephoto lens. This review, the sample images and the reasons that you talked about resonated with me. So I decided to buy a 300mm F2.8 ai lens to use on my Olympus OMD EM1 mk2 and WOW. thank you again love this setup it really adds some pop to my wildlife photography. Cheers Graham Kilpatrick
Now the 300mm ai IS a budget telephoto...my idea of a budget lens anyway.
Great advice Tom! I’m hoping to go for the Canon version when I can justify it, that 300mm focal length seems to be my favourite go-to as well and I’d definitely prefer the mobility of that over a larger lens. We’ve been happy with the 100-400, but I hired a sigma 150-600 when we were photographing mountain hares in February and hated it! I ended up switching back to our old 300mm and was so much happier! Hope you’re keeping well at the moment, Sam.
Hey Sam, for sure the 300mm 2.8 is in a different realm to the more prosumer lenses the 2.8 aperture and optics make it a dream and you’ll be stoked with it! I’m ok in the current situation just keeping busy and getting the jobs done!
What was wrong with the Sigma? Not sharp enough? I used to have the 150-500, which was passable but not nearly as good as the Nikon 200-500.
Thanks for another great video Tom. Totally agree with your review. I bought a 300 f2.8 second hand a couple of years ago and it has produced many of my very best images. I now have a 500 f4 too but when 300 is long enough it is still my goto lens and I know it will deliver superb results every time.
Great to hear Paul, the 300mm 2.8 is a wonderful lens and paired with a 500mm you have a dream team!
It's very funny that I'm not professional nor using Nikon but still love watching your video! Great work!!! Really enjoyed it!
Thank you!
Great Video Tom, I am just starting out and have a D500 with the 200-500mm. With practice, hoping to one day get a few decent shots of birds and Wildlife. Cheers Ian
Awesome video, Tom! Thanks for giving us something to watch during the quarantine times! I recently found a 300 2.8 AFS I for $1600 and I’m really happy with the value/ quality for the condition it’s in. New favorite lens for sure!
All the AFS versions of the lens are great, top class optics and speed! Glad you’re happy wit yours!
I have a vr1 version too. But i found that picture taken in f2.8 is not as sharp as f4. I saw some people online said that is normal, but some others review article say this lens is tack sharp throughout every aperture. Im really confusing now, how about your copy?
@@zunngo2652 Your lens should be sharp or very sharp actually, wide open at f/2.8! You may want to check for a dirty drop in filter or possibly haze, fungus or something like that. Only other possibly is you got a bad copy which is extremely unlikely so it could be something like damage or a separated lens element or grouping. Take out the 52mm drop-in filter and ensure it’s clean, while doing that check the rear most element is in place. It should not rotate or move. Use a new micro-fiber cloth or new q-tip to press slightly against the most rear element to insure its in place solidly and does not move or rotate. If your lens is clean and clear, it should be very sharp wide open. So I’m guessing it’s a dirty drop-in filter or dirty back element. Either of which can negatively effect image quality. Some dust or dirt on the front element will have zero impact on IQ, but those rear elements are a completely different story. They will absolutely effect image quality if they are dirty or damaged. You can replace the 52mm Nikon NC filter that’s in the rear drop-in filter holder. They are about $35 new online, and you can replace them. As long as you can get the original filter off. Sometimes they get stuck on and are very difficult to remove. In that case you’d need to buy a whole new drop-in unit and filter. These can be found usually on eBay. Good luck! I’ve had the AF-S/AF-S II, VR and now have the VRII and all have been very sharp wide open at f/2.8! But they do get sharper at f/4, but not by much, so it’s unusual yours is not very sharp at f/2.8! You should have it looked at if you can’t figure this out in your own.
Great stuff brilliant shots Tom thanks 👍
Glad you enjoyed it
You are my favorite youtube channel now ❤
Mind blowing lens.. loved watching video.. wish i could buy one for myself.
Hi Tom, I bought mine this weekend after watching this video. I've had a quick play with it so far and been blown away by it. I'll be using it at RIAT this year so can't wait to see what it can do with fighter jets, whilst stuck on my D810.
Excellent video Tom - Canon man myself!
Nice review Tom! I was really tempted to pick up the 300/2.8 when I switched from one of the 150-600 zooms, but I was concerned to find myself using a converter all the time for smaller subjects. So I finally got the 500/4 VR and I‘m super happy with it, apart from the weight 😀
For sure it’s all about how we use tree kit and for you the 500mm sounds perfect! I love getting close and using the lens in low light situations for the 2.8’works for me! Happy shooting!
Great video as usual Tom! Decided to go for the VR I version a couple of months back much thanks to you and your work, and I could not bee happier with the decision! At the moment I am using it with my D500, and I am planning on buying a second body, the D3s, and I am certain it will work great on that body as well. Keep up the the good work!
Thanks Jonas, glad you are enjoying the lens and finding it to be great on the D500, the D3s or maybe even a used D4 would be a great partner!
@@TomMasonPhoto that would be the better option for sure, but the D3s is a lot cheaper, at least here in Norway:)
Great overview video and great lens :) I got mine just over a year ago now and have had no regrets at all - at he time I honestly thought I’d end up selling it in favour of a 500 PF, but it’s just too useful and awesome!!
Yes the 300mm is just amazing, the 500 PF is nice and I’ll review it later this year but for me for the price the 300 is the winner. The AF speed, performance and aperture just make it a stand out winner for me!
Stunning images, I love the Elephants, Amazing. My favourite animal and would love to shoot some images in the wild.
Thank you, the Elephants were a true highlight of my time in Africa last year and the 300mm did a cracking job!
Great video Tom, thank you 🙏
Thanks Garry!
Brilliant video as usual
Thank you!
Brilliant review mate. I love my 300mm f2.8.
Cheers Craig, its a cracking lens for sure!
Thanks for a good review on the lens as am looking getting into wild life photography
Glad it was helpful!
Nice overview of the lens. 300mm f2.8 are top tier gear. Great separation and pop for the subject.
Totally agree! The 300mm 2.8 is an awesome lens, bloody love mine!
@Tom, I finally found here in South Korea a perfect 300mm f2.8 VR II at 2000 GBP like new. What a masterpiece. The AF its a laser ... I will leave my 200-500 on the z6 for videos and keep this baby on my D850 for stills. Thanks for your contents , always the best around !!
Thanks a lot for clear comments
Amen! Thanks for telling it like it is. It´s just so true about the investment. I, like so many other people, have used all of the cosumer lenses and have tried to make do with them. But, hey, the just don´t cut it, on many levels! I´ve just concluded that a 300mm f2,8 + convertors would be my ideal wildlife lens. I´m glad you love it so much and I´ll get it as soon as finances allow :)
Such a great review! Jsut snagged a VR mark i for 1600$! with a two year warranty! Long time fan of the channel, cheers Avery
6:45 I like the boheh and the context that this focal length is giving your pictures. There's scenery and subject separation as well. Or maybec it's just excellent photography.
Came here today from your video on RED35's channel of the 42.5mm and 45mm f/1.2s. Subbed.
I kind of wonder why there isn't a fast lens for MFT at 150 to 200mm to be the equivalent of this focal length on full frame.
Thank you for this and all your videos. I always learn something new. FYI: The sound on your videos is painfully low. I get blasted by sound if I don't remember to turn my PC volume down after viewing your videos.
Great Lens ❤
Great video!🙏🏻 Enjoyed it☺️🙌
Thank you!
Thanks for the heads up. I was planning to buy the Nikon 300 F4 PF but now the 300mm 2.8 VR seems a better option. The 300mm 2.8's bokeh reminds me of my all time favourite lenses like the 105mm 1.4 and the 58mm1.4. Once bitten, there is simply no turning back to settle for less.
Yes, once you have experience off the best glass it is hard to settle for less, the 300 2.8 is certainly like that, the image quality is just gorgeous and you never want to be on a shoot without it!
Great video Tom, as usual. Although this one looks especially lush and green in the spring light :-) So, a very convincing argument for 300mm f2.8... here's the question I am wresting with at the moment: Should I opt for a 300mm f.2.8 & a 2xTC or a 500 or 600mm f4 . I know the reach will be slightly better on the 500/600 but, given that 300f2.8 x 2TC is more or less the same thing as 500f4 - is the 300mm + TC in fact a more flexible solution? Your thoughts and input welcome.
Presently shooting with a Nikon 200-500 5.6 and love it, but this will be my next lens. Really enjoyed the video!
Thanks Jeff, glad you enjoyed it!
Great video, loved seeing the images you were able to get with the lens! I really enjoy the style of your images. I recently picked up the af-s 300mm f/4 based largely on advice from a different one of your videos and I am absolutely loving it. To anyone watching this who doesn't quite need the professional level so can't justify this investment, you should watch Tom's other videos on the f/4 version of this lens and consider it as a similar but more wallet friendly alternative. I think a lot of the points in this video still hold true for that one.
Hey Matt, for sure the 300mm F4 AFS is a stunning lens, portable and light, the performance and sharpness is fantastic, the look isn't quite the 2.8's performance but for £500 you can't go wrong! Glad you're joying the lens! Cheers, Tom
My 300 f4D is sharper at the same apertures vs. my 2.8. Its light so im keeping bpth
Beautiful images. Very good video. Subscribed.
Beautiful images!!
Thank you
Great video Tom and I very much agree. Canon shooter here but same story, I have settled on 300mm f/2.8 L IS version 1 that I picked up mint, used. It's been a workhorse. These lenses are built to last; like family heirlooms. Your comments about adding context to images with the 300mm (or extended with TCs) is really important. Recently read an interview with David Yarrow in Outdoor Photographer where he notes that he has longer lenses in the kit, but rarely goes beyond 300mm because it is much hard to "tell a story". Also the benefit for travel is notable. Appreciate this perspective. Lots of photographers out there with "lens envy" for the 500 and 600s, but folks should look real closely at the 300, see the flexibility with a 2.8 aperture, its capability with teleconverters and the ability to hand hold and put in your time getting close to the subject! I'm hoping Canon releases the mark III...just so prices can come down on mark II! Cheers.
No worries Roger, for sure the 300mm I just find to be an all round brilliant lens. The idea for me is of course to tell stories with wildlife images and sometimes being too close just doesn't produce the results I want. The new 120-300 has certainly seen a price drop for the Nikon 300mm 2.8 used market however that lens is on my list to try and out and test. the practicality of a 70-200 and 300mm 2.8 mixed together in a single lens with even better optics really appeals to me, for travelling with less gear but also having great flexibility in a single camera lens combo! However we will see if the price is justified!
Good vid! I have had my Nikon 300mm f/2.8 VII for a couple of years now, and I agree with you 100%. I wish that I had it when I went to Botswana. I mostly use mine paired with my D850 for sports photography (I am a freelance photographer for the local newspaper), and have gotten some unbelievable shots. One thing I do is program the fn1 button to be able to switch back and forth from full frame to crop. That way I am basically getting a 450mm f/2.8 shot at around 20 megapixels. I have pictures of goalkeepers diving for the ball from the other end of the soccer field, and the shot is tack sharp. Hand held is a little tougher, but I got some great shots at an air show. Thank you for the review...you don’t see a lot of them for this lens.
What is the difference in that and cropping full frame in post?
@@morgenholzthank you for replying to my comment! It is pretty much the same, but shooting in crop mode helps me frame my shots better, so it is one less thing to worry about in post. I can see my crop as I am shooting my subject that is 100 yards away. When I am going through hundreds of sports shots, it is easier for me to see the cropped version quickly, and moving on to the next one, rather than have to take the time to try to remember which part of the picture I was supposed to be paying attention to, or enlarging the shot. I only do this when the subject(s) is pretty far away. If all of the area around your subject is just clutter, why take a picture of it if you don’t have to? LOL 😂 Good question though... I hope that I answered it okay for you. Try it out some time, and see what you think.
Since the time that I responded to your video, I have used my 300mm to do some landscape shots and portrait shots....truly an amazing lens with amazing results.
Dean
I got super lucky where I managed to buy a broken 300mm VR1 and fix it for a total of £1300!! Love the lens, it is amazing how much better the images are with the separation of subject and background that comes from the Bokeh.
That sounds an awesome deal and for sure the images are a class apart with the separation and clean gorgeous Bokeh!
Alright alright, you talked me into it. I subscribed.
Excellent Video, Tom... I have the 300/2.8 and can say it is amazing, with or without the TC. It is my go to lens for butterfly photography because of the closer focusing distance, especially with a TC 1.4 or 1.7. I also have the 500/4, and can say it is a bit heavier and more difficult to travel with than the 300/2.8.
Thanks Donald, yes I find the 300 fantastic for travelling with and am so glad I went for it over the 500 or 400. I’m hoping the 120/300 will be even more of a top performer for my kit in the future but we shall see! The 300 is certainly a great setup when combined with TCs for a variety of subjects!
Hi Tom, thanks for another great insightful video. I have a question. I own both a Nikon D500 and a D850 and I usually pair either with a Nikon 200-500mm lens for birding. While that lens is more than a bang for the buck, as you'd know, it suffers in low light and hunts for focus even in reasonable lighting conditions at times, which has made me think of upgrading my lens. And a 500mm f4 or a 600mm f4 are out of my budget. I have been seriously thinking of the Nikon 300mm f2.8. Do you think if I'd be able to shoot birds (even small) both stationary and in action by pairing the 300mm lens with the D500 which makes it an effective 450mm lens at f2.8 and if can add a TC 1.4 to that combo getting an effective focal length of 630mm at f4? Would there be any degradation of image quality, performance in low light and auto focus speeds? Also, how will it be to use the 300mm lens on the d850 in the dx crop mode and using the TC 1.4. Which of these two combos would be better? I know it's a lengthy question but would appreciate your answer. Thanks much. Can't wait for your next video already 😃.
Hi Tom, great video. You've certaily given me some food for thought. I'm currently looking on the secondhand market for a telephoto prime and have been considering the nikon 500mm F4G ED VR, however, now you've brought this lens to my attention I may need to reconsider. A used 300 2.8 plus a TC would still come in lower than the 500mm. I did read/hear that the 300 2.8 is the lens nikon had in mind when they developed the TC's so I'd guess/hope that image quality would still be high when using one. Stay safe and keep up the good work, cheers Ian
Hey Ian, when the TC is attached you can't even tell with the 1.4. Really on the D850 to notice any difference you have to be looking 4:1 in the corner to see anything at all and real word A@ prints it looks the same. The 500mm is a great lens as well if you want and like the extra reach, but depending on the camera you have the 300mm + 1.4TC and say a D850 is highly flexible, especially if you like shooting lower light subjects say badgers and foxes where you'll want all the light you can get! Cheers, Tom
@@TomMasonPhoto Hi Tom, thanks for the reply, much appreciated. I now have lots to think about! feels like the 300mm may be a more flexible option when you consider the use of TC's. take care. Ian
Great video,
How do you find the results when used with the 1.4/2.0 converters, does image quality significantly suffer much at 5.6 with the 2.0?
Hi Tom. Great video as always. What tripod do you use please?
Great vídeo Tom. How does the autofocus preform on the Nikon z6? I have a z6 and I was wondering if it works well.
Was spending a lifetime trying to chose between a secondhand 300f2.8 and 200-400 f4 and this clinched the decision in favour of the prime. Even though I intend to chop and change between TCs a fair bit, having the potential to shoot at 2.8 was too hard to resist, especially after getting a sample of your results. Can I ask about your tripod setup? Is that a gimbal head you've got? What would you recommend that is solid enough to support the lens on a D500 whilst not adding an insane amount of weight? Luke
Your photos are beautiful! I actually had to go look you up after watching this. Peae
Hey Tom, great video on it!
What's your thought for it in terms of using it with 1.4 and 2.0x TCs? I've heard the 2.0x seriously degrades the AF, to the point it ends up slower than the 200-500?
Whoa Tom! I've been watching and enjoying for a long time, and notice a SIGNIFICANT change in your video "look" with this installment! Incredibly cinematic! Different cam? Lens? Editing treatment? Do tell! Love it!
Hey Chris, this video was a new combination in regards to filming that I've been testing out and hope to use a lot more in the coming year! (Really glad you noticed and it was worth the effort!)
The whole video was shot in ProResRaw 4K using the Nikon Z6 with the Ninja V - a big step up in my video investment and I'm really happy with the "Look" especially filming with my Nikon 35mm 1.4 prime as most of this was made with.
The rig is great in terms of quality and the workflows quite nice, even with the HUGE file sizes of the RAW video! For future videos I'll try and work in this way as often as I can but for some videos the smaller Z50 will be what I'll use, especially for the more "vlog" style content, where setting up the cinema rig isn't really viable!
Glad you like the new look and I'm hoping to keep refining and developing my video shooting as time goes on!
@@TomMasonPhoto yes - totally worth it. Gorgeous, lush, rich. I look forward to more eye candy along with your great content. 😄
Hi Tom, Great Video, thanks!
I see also a new bag ... is that the smaller or the bigger one of the Adventury.
Best, Mike
Hey Mike, it is a new (ish) bag and it's the smaller one. I've been trying it out as my short/day bag for the last 6 months or so. Works well when I dont need everything in the bag and just have a camera + spare and lots of personal kit / flask etc. There has been loads of interest in the bag so I'll do a review!
Tom Mason Hi Tom, thx a lot! Waiting for the review! Best, Mike
Hi Tom , am a new subscriber . Really enjoying your videos . Will the combination of this lens 7 1.4 TC work with the Z series well/fast enough ?
Great video, I'm very interested in this lens. What camera and especially lens are you using to film the video? Its a super lovely look and combination!
Great video, I have the 200-500mm but would love to go to a more 'professional' lens but I went to the dark side (mirrorless) and are really hoping that nikon starts producing z-mount version.
I'm very much looking forward to some new longer Z mount glass for my Z6 however right now the FTZ is working really well with my 300mm 2.8 VR II
Thank you very much for your videos and your sharing of experiences. I will be upgrading to the Nikon Z8 soon. What do you think of this camera with an Af-S 300mm f/2.8? Would a Z 180-600 be more qualitative?
Thanks for another great video Tom. There’s something special about this lens - it has a personality! More so I think than some of the longer focal lengths. One question: I have a 1.4 converter that works fine with it. Is the 2.0 tele really worth it? I’m considering it because I do like photographing small birds some of the time. I have both D500 and d850...
Hey Paul, having used the 2.0 TC I find the sharpness drops a little especially on the never higher Mp cameras. Largely the 1.4 and cropping gets better results and in most cases the f4 aperture is my preference for the better low light and faster AF performance.
Tom Mason thanks Tom - I think I will stick to 1.4 in that case! One day will get a 500 f4 lens too.
Just watched your video and loved you video and your comments. I have to agree with everything you said as I've had one for 3-4 years but it's sitting on a shelf, not being used! 🙈
Aww that’s such a shame for such a wonderful lens! Go get it off the shelf!!
I do love mine, even though I also use a bot load of other glass when I come back to the 300mm it’s just so special in my mind. Wouldn’t ever give it up!
Hey Tom, are you also going to test out the new nikon d780?
Really nice vid. I do say it everytime but keep up producing so incredibly vids
Thanks man, I’ll do my best to keep them coming!
Hi Tom
Agree great lens. I have the VR not VRii. Do you ever use the lens with TC's.? I find using mine with a D500 naked or with the TC 1.4iii produce better results then a FX body with the Tc1.7ii or 2.0iii.
Hi Tom I have just purchased one second hand and it’s awesome. Only one thing I find the focusing is I little louder than my other more up to date lenses . Should you say this sounds normal?
What tripod and head are you using? This has been the best post I've seen about any 300mm f 2.8 in ages. Brilliant photos as well.
I love mine. I bought it in 2013 specifically for a trip to northern finland where we used it to take photos of wolverines. The results were amazing. I would never sell it. However at times I find it too heavy and I use the 300mm f/4 PF or the 500mm f/5.6.
Tho both of these can not really compete result wise, they save me from a broken back when hiking ;-)
Good review - I do second your findings.
Northern Finland is where I should be right now! Back up with the bears and Wolverines, I had some great success last year. The 300 is just so good for low light situations with mammals. The 500 PF I'll be testing soon but I doubt I could ever replace my 300 2.8... well maybe the new 120-300 2.8... we shall see!
hi! im considering buying this lens for my Z9, have you compared it to the 70-200 Z or the 100-400mm Z? i just wanna know about sharpness, how do they compare and if this still sill be hold well with the new lens being so sharp, thanks a lot
Hi Tom
How it works with the z6ii and the 1.4 Converter or 2.0 and adapter ?
Cheers from switzerland
The 300 is good for the big stuff ‘ but it’s a little short on the small stuff’ get a bit messy when u have to start using converters
Hi Tom, would you in 2022 still prefer a Nikkor 300mm 2.8 VR II (secondhand, mint) for about USD 2700 over a new Nikkor 300mm f4 PF? Thanks so much for your helpful insights!
Hi Tom! Just now 3rd of August 2020 I came across your review on the 300mm VR2 Nikon and Just sibscribed to your Chanel. I also have this lens and what a lens it is. The only Nikon cameras I have is the D4 and D500 both bought brand new.Amazingly my D4 has close to 20 thousand photos only so it should last a life time...My question is about teleconverter...I bought the Nikon 2x teleconverter and wondering If I'd be much better off in quality IfI were To by the 1.7 or 1.4? Thanks mate. From Australia
will this work on mirror less like z6 z7
Hi Tom, very good work an beautifuel images. Thanks! How often do you use this lens hand held (in %)? Thank you for an answer and greetings from Switzerland. Romano
I probably work handheld 70% of the time, the flexibility and portability is key for me.
I love the videos you produce and this one is no exception. I own the 300 F 2.8 without the VR. Is there a big différence in AF speed and image quality? I might want to upgrade to get the most out of my D850!
I should receive mine without vr soon. From what I've gathered both the AF-S vr verisons and non vr AF-S share the same optics (11 optics in 8 groups), but the vr models have sometype of nano crystal coating, which apparently helps with sharpness in some conditions and ghosting, apart from that they are similar. Can't wait to test mine.
Very nice video, i have to say. Thank you so mich Tom. Has Anyone Experience with the old, non VR 300mm 2.8 (Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 300mm 2.8 D ED). As i'm mostly shooting from a tripod i dont really mind no VR and the weight, but i cant find anything about this lenses sharpness compared to the newer versions aswell as the tc compatibilty.
Interesting you say you reckon it's the best budget wildlife lens.
I actually got the 300mm f4D after you recommended it and it's been a dream on my Nikon F100, my wildlife camera of choice. The Nikon d850 is for taking videos. It's amazingly fast AF and sharp, so so sharp but not clinical sterile looking sharp like the Tamron 150-600mm zoom I have which is essential for me. It was £400 when I bought that prime.
The 300 F4 AFS is certainly my go to recommended budget telephoto for wildlife however in terms of Super telephotos the 2.8 version gives a large step up in performance, IQ and aperture but still for a decent price (when talking about super tele lenses)
The 300 F4 is a dream lens on the camera especially at the £400/500 price tag
Lots of useful info here Tom, thanks for sharing. With your 3oo f2.8 and your d850, how much cropping can you do on a well lit scene at iso 400 before image quality becomes an issue? all the best from Ireland, Carl.
Hey Carl, you can easily crop to the 1.5 DX mode and then another maybe 20% before the res drops too low and workable to ISO 1600 easy
@@TomMasonPhoto Thanks Tom.
@@TomMasonPhoto so you could say you have a 600mm f2.8 IS lens (approximately). Add some fieldcraft skills to that and nobody really needs a 600mm f4 or teleconverters for wildlife photography. (in theory) :)
Great video Tom. I've been going back and forth on the 300 2.8 with and without VR... There is quite a jump in price for the VR. Since I already have a 200-500 that could be a walk around lens I'm wondering how often the VR will be useful. I use a tripod quite a bit. Any thoughts?
To me, no VR is completely no problem since I shoot my Tammy 150 600 G1 on tripod also
This is a personal review of my 300mm f2.8vr II. This is probably one of Nikon’s best prime telephoto lenses they ever made. It is crazy sharp wide open. Everyone’s budget is relative. I got a pristine, previously used copy, for $2900 USD. Brand new, this lens is a budget buster. As a sports/wildlife camera, this lens delivers. As Tom says in this video, if your focus is small birds, you’ll need a longer lens, and that is 100% accurate. Getting back to Tom, look at the type wildlife he photographs, and his ability to get close. For example, If someone is sitting in a blind, close to small bird action, then I imagine, this lens would rock.
Alternatively, I tried the Nikon 200-500mm, on a D850, thinking I wanted to buy one. That lens has great output. It’s light. Easy to wield. I was put off by how difficult it is to rack the zoom ring with any kind of speed when shooting birds in flight. I found I was setting my focal length and zooming with my feet, trying to anticipate more and pick my shots. For small birding photography on a budget, this is the lens to get.
I have the 200mm focal length, already covered. I have a 1.7x teleconverter with makes the 300mm f2.8 a 510mm. So, 400mm is the only focal I’m missing out on.
Speaking of teleconverters. I find they slow the lens focus speed slightly, and can affect IQ when coupled with this lens.
The three bodies I use it on are the D850 and Z6, and D5300. It’s designed to excel on the Nikon F mount bodies. I use my Z6 a lot. It does a lot of things well. Hard core action of any kind isn’t one of them. The images that come off this lens when paired with my Z6 are fantastic. However, my Z6 misses focus a lot during fast action. For example, I used it and the 300 f2.8 during bald eagle migration this year, and in many situations, the camera couldn’t track a diving eagle for example.
The “fast’’ aperture attributes of this lens do come into their own when lighting is less than ideal. Each person needs to decide if that’s worth paying a little extra?
This lens has helped me win a couple local photography awards. It’s not wildlife, but I just finished lugging it around Circuit of the Americas for MotoGP, and I’m super pleased with the results it gave me paired with a D850.
If you’re a photographer that shoots more than just “wildlife” or small birds, I think you’ll love this lens because it excels as a sports lens, not just shooting lions, tigers, and bears. Though, that is fun too.
What don’t I like about it? It is heavy. It is fatiguing to use. I operate it in conjunction with a monopod. It is expensive. It’s not a 400mm f2.8.
I’m dying to see how it runs on a Z9. If Nikon can get their mirrorless autofocus tracking on par with their competitors, this lens will continue to be relevant when it comes to producing spectacular images.
Please review Nikon P1000 125 X optical zoom
would you rather go to a 2nd hand 300 prima than a 200-500, for deer and red deer pictures and filming? thanks
I have the 200-500 mm. Wondering if I should change it for the 300mm with 1.4x teleconverter! Any thoughts?
Thank you for your continued efforts to post great content. I find it challenging to put together a nice short clip of my daughters playing and having fun and can appreciate the effort in your vlogs. I have an opportunity to acquire the 300mm, but find that most of my images are made at 500-600mm. I’m in South Florida and most photograph birds. How would you rate sharpness and AF acquisition of the 300mm + TC (1.4 or 2.0) versus the 200-500 on the D850? Best regards.
In regards to the AF - the 300mm 2.8 is certainly significantly faster than the 200-500 with the 1.4 TC. The 2.0 is slower and TBH I hardly ever use it because the D850 crop + the 1.4 gives better results.
@@TomMasonPhoto Thanks
Great review, Tom, and amazing images as usual. Do you tend to shoot this lens wide open most of the time? Do you find it to be just as sharp wide open as when stopped down, to say f/4? Most lenses I've used tend to require stopping down a bit to reach maximum sharpness. Thanks!
I usually don't see any sharpness increase when stopping down at all, it performs wide open. The only time I stop down is when I need more depth of field. Although you might stop down a little when using a TC, especially 2x.
Hey Mac, In honestly I shoot wide open all the time for the look of the lens, whats the point in buying a 2.8 and not being able to use it! With the TC's f4 works fantastic with the 1.4 and you can even notice the difference, maybe at 8:1 in the corners but... even printed A0 you won't see it. I only stop down when creatively I want to and in regards to sharpness I'd say its a tiny improvement to 5.6 but not enough to even really notice in final shots, often its more about the depth of field rather than actual sharpness as obviously more in focus sometimes makes it look "more sharp". Wide open its fantastic and one of the key reasons I love it so much!
@@TomMasonPhoto Thanks Tom. That's a very good point you made about apparent sharpness; how the subject can appear really sharp when the background is soft due to the shallow depth of field. That said, it sounds like the 300mm f/2.8 is plenty sharp regardless of DOF influences when shot wide open. Thanks again.
Very cool video....
As always you’ve really put together an informative video and your shots, well they are all truly an inspiration. That grizzly shot at 6:06... Wow! I’d prefer a 600 with tele converter on that bad boy 😁. I’m very close to pulling the trigger on the 300 VII 2.8 to go with my trinity series 14-24, 24-70 and the newer 70-200 2.8. Anyway I’d be interested in hearing more about your tripod and gimbal head that you’re using in this video with the 300. Also any thoughts on the new 120-300 2.8? Insanely expensive but do you think the 300 VII still holds its own? Personally I do. Cheers and thanks again.
I shall certainly be doing a tripod update video soon. I'm hoping to get a 120-300 2.8 to test out at some point, for me it looks a perfect lens combining my 70-200 and 300 2.8 in a single optic, smaller for travel and better as a one lens walk around setup. The optics from what I have been told are incredible and apparently have a noticeable benefit, that I hope is true! I can't quite imagine how good a lens is that has a noticeable improvement over the 300 2.8! Off course the price is well...high and IDK if I'd rather have a 600mm as well as my 300!
If you do pull the trigger on the 300 2.8 you won't regret it!
Thanks for the reply Tom. Looking forward to more videos from you. Keeps me inspired. Cheers!
“Budget” lol
c'com, it's a bargain at €5.5k *LOL*
Good lenses are much more of an investment than a purchase, I know some photographers that use 8-9 year old 600mm f4, cause they still give great images. They certainly do not use 8-9 bodies however
@@mikkelstormhansen9733 yes but can way décent lens for way way less
@@oliviermotard9113 wut
@@mikkelstormhansen9733 LOL
Hi Tom, really enjoy your videos and shots.
Just wandering what backpack you were using for the 300mm ?
ATB
In most of these videos I’ve got my Gitzo 30l Adventury backpack. Great pack for a days shooting, often however I work with smaller day packs and non specific photo packs with the lens out and ready to shoot! If I’m travelling my Lowepro Whistler 450 is my go to. Hope that helps
@@TomMasonPhoto Thanks for the infoTom,
Hi Tom - any experience with the 52mm drop in filter? do you unscrew the clear filter, or stack the +52mm filter on top? I bought a Hoya ND and screwed it onto the clear filter thread, and it’s too thick to close. And I can’t seem to unscrew the clear filter off, to simply have the ND filter on. Which one is the problem - clear filter needs to come off (if so, how? it’s stuck), or Hoya HMC NDX4 is too thick? [i want to use the lens for video and drop the shutter speed down a bit] Your thoughts?
What are your thoughts on using this with a Z6 + FTZ adaptor
Wow, I really loved all the photos in this one. I'm surprised how close you got to the grizzlies with 300mm. Just wondering though if you at all end up cropping a lot with the shorter focal length. Personally I think the 180-400 with the built in 1.4tc would be the ideal lens for any form of wildlife.
TBH I crop less and less these days because I find I like the wide approach - often only 10/20% max if I do. I like the 300mm as it’s small and light but also the 2.8 aperture id hate to loose going to a 180/400 f4. Often I work close with wildlife so the closer focus and wide open aperture for low light really works great!
@@TomMasonPhoto great that you are able to get that close to wildlife .... even to bears. Seems like most people favor 500- 600mm lenses these days for wildlife. But yes, the bokeh is unrivaled on the 300/2.8 unless you go with the 400/2.8 which is a much bigger beast.
Hi Tom thanks for the video. I was thinking of getting this lens, My question is do you think
the afs non vr is just as usefull Thankyou
Personally I'd go for the VR, why, it's not just about the optics/aperture but also the newer design and components for life expectancy and replacements. The newer AFS motor in the VR/ VR II is faster and more effective and the VR is very handy when handholding for the image making as well as keeping the viewfinder image steady for maintaining the AF points in critical spots on subjects. For me the extra £500 is a well worthwhile investment.
@@TomMasonPhoto Thank you so much for the reply,
and the newer Nikkor 300mm f4 ? ..... seems it would be much easier to travel with and also offers excellent optics from what I have heard