300 f4 AFS

[Astrokev]

Dear all,

With my continuing research to help me make a decision as to whether to buy the 300f4 AFS, I've seen a few reports about the tripod collar being very flimsy, resulting in noticeable camera shake when mounted on a tripod.

Since the problem was first reported, I think Nikon may have modified the mount, but I don't know whether this has completely solved the problem. Can anyone with this lens comment on this?

I'm also interested in opinions when used off-tripod. Is the lens comfortable to use for in flight shots?

Thanks
Kevin

[Duke Leto]

Kevin, all 3 shots I posted on BF today were taken with a 300/4 and a 1.4 actually all the past months shots were taken this way, all either handheld or mainly resting on a bean bag, there are reports of a flimsy mount but I think these have been blown out of proportion, IMHO its as solid as any mount on a lens of this type. Its a cracking lens you won't be disappointed and is a joy to use on a monopod.
Happy to discuss any of my images taken in the last month and if your passing through Suffolk you could give mine a go.
Cheers

Additional, attached is one BIF shot I took yesterday, with the 300/4 and a 1.4, hand held, its not the best shot but demonstrate that the unit is happily used handheld and a few other recent shots
For BIF shots its very comfortable in hand with or without the 1.4 (and you can use the 1.7 with it as well)

[Helios]

I've always had sharp shots when I've used a tripod with this lens.

[steve.hinchliffe]

i certainly have no issues with the collar and i rate this lens very highly.
take a look at the link below most of these images were taken with this
lens + the 1.4 converter

http://www.stevehinchliffebirdphotos.co.uk/

[Gandalf_22h]

Astrokev: You may wish to take a look at this page: -
Kirk_replacements (http://www.kirkphoto.com/lenscollars.html#NCP80)

Scroll down to NC-300 replacement lens collar for nikkor 300mm f4 afs. B (:

[Duke Leto]

Gandalf its really not needed, the standard mount is fine

[Gandalf_22h]

Gandalf its really not needed, the standard mount is fine

Informed choice is all.
I didn't like the nikkor tripod collar and foot on the 80-400mm VR and bought the Kirk replacement - much better. :t:

[Duke Leto]

I did see a comment on Bjorns website that the later models did have an improved mount / foot, having not seen the early ones I can't comment, mine is fine on a tripod
thanks

[ikw101]

Unless you're taking photo's of extremely slow moving or static objects I wouldn't worry about it. If you're using the 300f4 AFS for bird photography 99% of the time you'll be shooting at speeds of between 1/500 and 1/2500. At these speeds you won't get any camera shake from the lens collar.

[Astrokev]

Unless you're taking photo's of extremely slow moving or static objects I wouldn't worry about it. If you're using the 300f4 AFS for bird photography 99% of the time you'll be shooting at speeds of between 1/500 and 1/2500. At these speeds you won't get any camera shake from the lens collar.


A fair point!