300mm F4 with a 1.4x tele converter.

[D50birdshooter]

If i purchase the 300mm f4 prime and i use a 1.4 x converter will this hurt the image quality of handholding. or is 300mm not enough. Also will this combo hurt the auto focus speed. is this lens a fast lens without converter. please help me.

[Outboard]

If i purchase the 300mm f4 prime and i use a 1.4 x converter will this hurt the image quality of handholding. or is 300mm not enough. Also will this combo hurt the auto focus speed. is this lens a fast lens without converter. please help me.

The 300 f4 is not a heavy lens and if you use a fast enough shutter speed than you will be OK hand holding the lens. How fast? Depends entirely on your ability to hold a lens steady.

[ikw101]

The 300 f4 is a great lens both the afs and the older screw driven version.

I've been using one of the older versions on a D50 for the past 12 months. On a bright day it can just about be used hand-held with a Kenko Pro 1.4x however you may need to go to iso800 to get enough speed to overcome camera shake. Personally I find the image noise at this setting to be too much so I very rarely go beyond iso400.

Hand-held the 300 f4 is reliable at a speed of 1/500. Although the images are sharp at f4 frequently the resulting depth of field is so shallow only half the bird will be in focus therefore you'll want an aperture of f5.6 and above. If there's enough light to get to 1/640 even better especially if it's a distant bird and you want to tightly crop the image.

Adding the 1.4 tc does result in a small loss of quality especially on the older lens. If at all possible use something to stabilise the lens even if it means resting it on a small beanbag in the fork of a tree! To reduce vibration even further buy a remote control off ebay. In general if you add a 1.4 tc to hand hold successfully you need to be aiming for a speed of 1/800 and ideally an aperture of f8. Also be aware that the tc will make the lens susceptible to flare if you ever try shooting into the light (recently had no other choice at a Long eared Owl Roost - the photo's without the tc fitted could be recovered in photoshop unfortunately the ones where the tc had been fitted were killed by the flare - guess I'll have to get a D300 and crop)!

The older lens isn't the fastest focusing lens available however if you use the focus limiter it's reliable enough to capture most birds in flight even on the relatively slow D50.
A well looked after second-hand version of the non afs 300 f4 is a very good buy and for the money you will not get anything sharper. However the D50 although a great camera is dated. Hopefully within the next 12 months the D80 will be replaced with a cut down version of the D300. An extra 6 million pixels will result in little or no need to use a 1.4tc.

[afoto]

Consider to buy the AF-S version and the TC-17II, great combo and not too slow AF.

[DeepBlue]

The loss in image quality with the 1.4 TC is very minimal. I use this combination frequently on a D200.

Here is a link to an image that I took a few days ago with the 300 and a 1.4. The image is heavily cropped (the image is maybe 20% of the total image), since the distance from the bird was so great. The light conditions were dark, since sunset was approaching.

http://chasinglightphotography.com/images/Bald-Eagle-600x800-MRW_0133.jpg

I hope this helps.

Best,

Mike

[Neil]

The 300/f4 AFS is one of Nikon's better lenses and is very good value for money ( the 300/2.8 AFS VR is 3x the price and only 5% sharper and 10% faster ). You don't need VR on the the new D300 and D3 as their iso 1600 is as noisefree as iso 400 on previous models. I shoot at 1/2000 and f8 with the Nikon 1.4x on the D3 as it gives me the best results ( too much coffee I guess ). Neil

[WHIMBREL]

The 300/f4 AFS is one of Nikon's better lenses and is very good value for money ( the 300/2.8 AFS VR is 3x the price and only 5% sharper and 10% faster ). You don't need VR on the the new D300 and D3 as their iso 1600 is as noisefree as iso 400 on previous models. I shoot at 1/2000 and f8 with the Nikon 1.4x on the D3 as it gives me the best results ( too much coffee I guess ). Neil

Hi there Neil,

After much saving I have recently invested in a D300 (it's a wonderful camera) and currently use it with the older version Sigma 135-400 Apo. I have been seriously considering the Nikon 300 f4 AF-S with a Kenko Teleplus 1.4 Pro tele-converter, have you used this combination on your Nikon's, if so what are your findings.

My thanks in anticipation,

Bill

[Neil]

Hi there Neil,

After much saving I have recently invested in a D300 (it's a wonderful camera) and currently use it with the older version Sigma 135-400 Apo. I have been seriously considering the Nikon 300 f4 AF-S with a Kenko Teleplus 1.4 Pro tele-converter, have you used this combination on your Nikon's, if so what are your findings.

My thanks in anticipation,

Bill

Bill,
I haven't used the Kenko on the new 300 but I used one on the older version and I was never happy. This could be more the camera/lens combo though. I know the Nikon 1.4 x is not cheap but if you go with it you'll have a fantastic combo that will improve your photos tremendously. If you already have the Kenko then try it out first. I tried the Nikon 1.7x and was not happy with it's speed or sharpness so I stick to the 1.4x. I have it on all the time unless I'm really close.
Neil.

[WHIMBREL]

Thanks Neil,

So you can unreservedly recommend the Nikon 300 f4 AF-S with the Nikon 1.4 Tele-converter on my new D300? This combination would give me slightly more reach at 630 over the Sigma 135-400's maximum 600. In your opinion is that enough reach for medium distance bird shots and good IQ, I've not used a 300mm prime with tele-con's up to now so don't quite know what to expect.

Bill

[Neil]

Thanks Neil,

So you can unreservedly recommend the Nikon 300 f4 AF-S with the Nikon 1.4 Tele-converter on my new D300? This combination would give me slightly more reach at 630 over the Sigma 135-400's maximum 600. In your opinion is that enough reach for medium distance bird shots and good IQ, I've not used a 300mm prime with tele-con's up to now so don't quite know what to expect.

Bill
Yes. Here are some photos taken with the D3 (Crop Mode = 630mm ) and 300/4 AFS plus Nikon 1.4x. The bulbul,tailorbird and curlews were taken handheld. The spoonbill and gull photos were about 80 metres.
Neil.

[fugl]

Yes. Here are some photos taken with the D3 (Crop Mode = 630mm ) and 300/4 AFS plus Nikon 1.4x. The bulbul,tailorbird and curlews were taken handheld. The spoonbill and gull photos were about 80 metres.
Neil.

Wonderful pictures. What was your iso setting for these shots? I currently have the 300mm f4 on my D70 (and am very happy with the results) but am thinking of getting the Nikon 1.4 extender (& D300--the D70 is pretty noisy above iso 400) for the extra reach.

EDIT. Here are examples of bird photos I've taken the last few years with the D70 + AF-S Nikkor ED300mm f4D IF (99% at iso 400)

[Neil]

Wonderful pictures. What was your iso setting for these shots? I currently have the 300mm f4 on my D70 (and am very happy with the results) but am thinking of getting the Nikon 1.4 extender (& D300--the D70 is pretty noisy above iso 400) for the extra reach.

My Default is iso 800 so that I can get the 1/2000 at f8 that I like. The bulbul was at iso 1100 and the curlew iso 1600. Neil

[fugl]

My Default is iso 800 so that I can get the 1/2000 at f8 that I like. The bulbul was at iso 1100 and the curlew iso 1600. Neil

Very impressive results at those speeds. Your photos have pretty much made up my mind for me to go for the D300 with 1.4 TC. Thanks for posting them.

[WHIMBREL]

Neil,

Thank you for both the information and the superb photographs, I'm due to check out the 300 F4 AF-S at a local store as soon as it arrives from Nikon, your remarks (and photo's) have certainly whetted my appetite.

Best Wishes,

Bill

[PsiFox]

A useful thread for a newbie here.

I've got the D300 and the 300 F4 and was considering the 1.4 TC.

Having seen the images I've just ordered.

Thanks and Hi.

[WHIMBREL]

A useful thread for a newbie here.

I've got the D300 and the 300 F4 and was considering the 1.4 TC.

Having seen the images I've just ordered.

Thanks and Hi.

Are you purchasing the 300 f4 AF-S from a dealer that guarantees one in stock or from a dealer who has told you he will order one from Nikon UK?

The reason I ask is that my local dealer has been put on hold by Nikon UK because of supply shortage of this lens in Europe, I don't think that Warehouse Express has them either at present. Beware that you do not pay an excessive price if there indeed is some supply and demand problem.

Regards,

Bill

PS. Perhaps our other 'Bird Forumers' know further details that may help...

[PsiFox]

I already have the lens it is just the TC on order.

[WHIMBREL]

Indeed you have!!!

[PsiFox]

I also got it from HK for just £480 plus delivery@£30.00

[WHIMBREL]

I also got it from HK for just £480 plus delivery@£30.00

Did you have to pay any UK VAT or customs duties on this lens when you received it, and did it come with a full UK recognised Nikon warranty?

[Duke Leto]

Did you have to pay any UK VAT or customs duties on this lens when you received it, and did it come with a full UK recognised Nikon warranty?

All Nikon optics have a worldwide warranty and you are able to register them on nikons website, the digital stuff such as DSLRs and Coolwalkers do not, also Nikon Software is regional so if you buy a copy of NX from the far east you will have difficulties downloading updates.

[WHIMBREL]

All Nikon optics have a worldwide warranty and you are able to register them on nikons website, the digital stuff such as DSLRs and Coolwalkers do not, also Nikon Software is regional so if you buy a copy of NX from the far east you will have difficulties downloading updates.

Thank you, I was not aware of Nikon's optics 'worldwide warranty'.

[Duke Leto]

found that out when I bought a coolwalker from Ritz in the US whilst on a business trip, when they wanted to sell me a warranty, asked why and they got out the Nikon blurb which explained it, bought a Lens from the far east and upon arrival registered it with Nikon UK.

[PsiFox]

Thank you, I was not aware of Nikon's optics 'worldwide warranty'.


If you buy a Camera in HK with NX provided, the disc is regional.

However if you download from nikon the trial and enter your key it will work.

I have the warranty and Duty was only £18.00. I was fully prepared to pay the full amount as it would still have been a saving.

[rezMole]

A couple of things:

Firstly, don't expect the ISO performance of the D300 to match that of the D3. The high ISO performance is a lot better than say the D70, but isn't as good as the D3 (from what I've read).

Secondly, there are some issues with the D300 locking up with some long lenses. I have this problem myself using Sigma 500mm f4.5 and Kenko Pro 1.4x converter. On dull days, the AF locks and you have to switch off the camera and switch back on. To be honest, this isn't a big issue as I would normally use manual focus anyway with this combination.

Having said this - wow, what a fantastic camera! Yesterday I took a couple of hundred shots at ISO 800, and there was hardly any noise (a bit in blue sky that's all) and this was easily removed. AF was super quick. And not having to switch between AF-S and AF-C by making use of the new AF-ON button is brilliant.

[rioja]

The 300/f4 AFS is one of Nikon's better lenses and is very good value for money ( the 300/2.8 AFS VR is 3x the price and only 5% sharper and 10% faster ). You don't need VR on the the new D300 and D3 as their iso 1600 is as noisefree as iso 400 on previous models. I shoot at 1/2000 and f8 with the Nikon 1.4x on the D3 as it gives me the best results ( too much coffee I guess ). Neil


Having just purchased the f2.8 the figures you quote were initially very depressing ! On consideration, and further reading of this thread, it's a relief that at least one advantage is the ability to use the 1.7TC with little loss of quality and pretty fast focus speeds. I hope to buy a 2.0 TC in due course too.

[Duke Leto]

Rioja stick with the 1.7, don't get a 2x, I have bought two 2x over the past 3 years and sold them both (on ebay they will make as much as they are to buy) I did try one on a 300/2.8 (with a D200 and a D2X) and the results were only okay. The 1.7 works well on the 300/4 so I imagine that is better on the 2.8. Someone else may have some words on the 2x, I did try but failed to get on with it. The last time I sold it I used some of the funds to buy a 1.7 should have done that on day 1.......

[rioja]

Thanks Steve, I'll definitely try before I buy !

[PsiFox]

Is Duke Leto that of House Atreides? Oh and to keep it on topic my 1.4TC is on the way now :)

[Duke Leto]

Is Duke Leto that of House Atreides? Oh and to keep it on topic my 1.4TC is on the way now :)

yes it is, a tad sad but my fav sci-fi read, registered the domains leto.me.uk and atreides.me.uk years ago and have just stuck using them, could be worst could be a Harkonnen.

sorry light years off topic

[Jean Chang]

[/QUOTE] And not having to switch between AF-S and AF-C by making use of the new AF-ON button is brilliant.[/QUOTE]

I'm not sure how you're doing this. I have this set so that a half-press of the shutter doesn't focus, the AF-ON button does, but what has this got to do with AF-S vs AF-C? Am I missing something that would make life easier? Heaven knows, I would sure love that!

I also just got the 300 f/4 with the Nikon 1.4x TC. Wouldn't you know that every day since getting it has been dark and cloudy, so all my test shots are around 1600 with slow speeds! Aaarrghh.

Jean

[rezMole]

And not having to switch between AF-S and AF-C by making use of the new AF-ON button is brilliant.[/QUOTE]

I'm not sure how you're doing this. I have this set so that a half-press of the shutter doesn't focus, the AF-ON button does, but what has this got to do with AF-S vs AF-C? Am I missing something that would make life easier? Heaven knows, I would sure love that!

[/QUOTE]
If you set the camera to AF-C and keep the AF-ON button pressed you have continuous auto-focus. If you just hold the AF-ON button until AF is locked and then release the button then it behaves a bit like single auto-focus. It just makes focussing much quicker - takes a bit of getting used to though, the shutter release button not doing any focusing.

[mcewenrk]

I don't wish to hijack the thread but has anyone any experience of using the 300mm f4 lens and 1.4x TC with the D90 ?

Thanks in advance,
RM

[Neil]

I don't wish to hijack the thread but has anyone any experience of using the 300mm f4 lens and 1.4x TC with the D90 ?

Thanks in advance,
RM

RM,
I was using it yesterday as a backup to my digiscoping kit. I've used it with the 1.4x and without and I prefer it without. The D3 handles the 1.4x well but the D90 struggles a bit with fast action eg. ducks in flight . For slower moving objects in good light it's nice to have the extra reach but probably better using it on a tripod. Neil.

[tech45]

I don't wish to hijack the thread but has anyone any experience of using the 300mm f4 lens and 1.4x TC with the D90 ?

Thanks in advance,
RMI find the TC-201 2x to be sharper than my kenko 1.4x, you need light but its nicer. Check my images. Using the Nikon D300 Nikon TC-201 and Nikkor 300mm AF-S F4

[Gentoo]

A good thread for those still learning like myself. I have the Kenko 1.4 but my 300 F/4 is the older AF, non AF-S version. This may have been answered but will this make a difference? Should I think about getting the newer version of this lens? Also should I try to get a Nikon TC?

[Duke Leto]

Gentoo, I only bought the AF-S version and sold my AF-D 300/4 cos I didn't want to carry around 2 TC's IMHO the image quality of the AF-D 300/4 is as sharp as the AF-S, you do get faster AF with the AF-S, looking back if I knew how quickly I was going to get a 500mm lens I would have kept the 300 AF-D, its better built than the AF-S

[Gentoo]

Gentoo, I only bought the AF-S version and sold my AF-D 300/4 cos I didn't want to carry around 2 TC's IMHO the image quality of the AF-D 300/4 is as sharp as the AF-S, you do get faster AF with the AF-S, looking back if I knew how quickly I was going to get a 500mm lens I would have kept the 300 AF-D, its better built than the AF-SAwesome news, I think I remember you saying that about the sharpness of the two lenses. Now you touched on what I was getting at; which TC is good for my AF-D lens?

[Duke Leto]

I used the sigma 1.4 with mine

[Gentoo]

I used the sigma 1.4 with mineMaybe I'll look into that. I'm not having very good results with the Kenko. I guess the Nikon's are out of the question?

[Duke Leto]

Nikons won't work on the AF-D hence I changed to the AF-S 300/4, the sigma was fine