anyone have the Nikon 300mm F/4 lens?

[carylwithay]

I read this was great for wildlife and birds. I ordered one and it was soft so i returned it. Now no one has the lens, I mean no one. Have any of you tried it? The reviews i have read said it was very sharp.
Caryl

[badpickev]

was it soft on a tripod?

did you have a filter on the end?

you might also want to look at a 400mm f5.6 as a birding lens.

[carylwithay]

Yes, it was soft on a tripod and with a cable release. I have a 70-200 and I would like a longer lens that is just as sharp. I also use a 2X teleconverter.
Caryl

[Songman45]

Don't have the f4 but the 300mm f2.8 is tack sharp and fast as lightning
Steve

[carylwithay]

Yes, I heard that but it is very heavy and I hae a problem with my hands. The f/4 is much lighter by many pounds.
Caryl

[cyclohexane]

it was soft on a tripod and with a cable release

The 300 f/4 AF-S has a terrible tripod collar which basically prevents it from being stable on a tripod. A replacement collar from a manufacturer like Kirk or Really Right Stuff will do wonders for the lens.

Also, you may have simply have had a dud. If you can, try to get test another copy.

Also, don't bother with the 2x TC, especially on a f/4 lens.

[carylwithay]

Thank you for that info. I have been trying to get another but they are unavailable. Seems they all went to China for the Olympics. I will keep trying.
Caryl

[badpickev]

you can also look at the sigma 100-300 f4

[WooD]

I have a Nikon 300 f/4, and its super sharp. Even when using my TC14E II teleconverter. The tripod mount is pretty lame, but I cut a solid rubber block to fit between the lens, and the mount which fixed it up pretty good.

[carylwithay]

Thank you all so much. now to find a store that has one.
Caryl

[Mcoyne]

Not sure where you are but I have one in stock,(Australia) can also drop it onto a D3 and Gitzo tripod for a couple test shots for you if you like. But they will only be shots taken from the front door of the shop so nothing to special.

[wingspar]

Well, I’ve never heard anyone say the 300 f/4 is soft. Most rave about this lens. I almost bought one, but as a sports shooter, I went with the 2.8. I see that even B&H is out of stock on this lens. Since you are in SF, have you ever been to Fireside Cameras on Chestnut Street? It’s a small little store in the Marina district, but they seem to have everything all the time. Been years since I’ve been to SF and Fireside Cameras, but I’m sure it’s still there. It’s small, and you get personal service, and it’s amazing how much stuff they seem to keep in stock.

Did a Google search, and they even have a website. Not much of one, but here it is. Fireside Camera

[Nikonfreak]

The 300 f/4 is a superb lens. I went with the 300 f/2.8 VR version but the only softness issues that exist with the f/4 lens are usually due to the poor quality of the foot on the collar and nothing more. Even the collar on the f/2.8 isn't that great.

There are no issues with sharpness with this lens at all. It's top notch.

Julio

[carylwithay]

I am sure the one i was sent had problems. i sent it back for a full refund and am now waiting for another to be available. I shall try Fireside.
Thank you all for your help.
Caryl

[Dajuan]

I picked up one of these just after a D3 purchase as the 70-200mm just wasn't as long as it had been on previous bodies due to crop factor. I find the 300mm f/4 better than simply adding a 1.4x to the zoom. That said, the 300mm f/4 doesn't have VR, so if I had to do it all over again, I'd pick one up second hand and save a couple hundred bucks. And no, mine isn't for sale

[carylwithay]

I just lucked out and bought a 300mm F2.8 for less than $1800 so I have given up on the F4. thank you all for your responses.
Caryl