300 f4 AFS (1 Viewer)

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Astrokev

Well-known member

• Mar 27, 2009

• #1

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

Without habitat, there is no wildlife. It's that s

• Mar 28, 2009

• #2

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)

 

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Last edited: Mar 28, 2009

Helios

Well-known member

• Mar 29, 2009

• #3

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

 

steve.hinchliffe

Well-known member

• Mar 29, 2009

• #4

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

I put a spell on you! ----

• Mar 30, 2009

• #5

post

Astrokev: You may wish to take a look at this page: -
Kirk_replacements

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

 

Duke Leto

Without habitat, there is no wildlife. It's that s

• Mar 30, 2009

• #6

Gandalf its really not needed, the standard mount is fine

 

Gandalf_22h

I put a spell on you! ----

• Mar 31, 2009

• #7

post

Duke Leto said:

Gandalf its really not needed, the standard mount is fine

Click to expand...

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

Without habitat, there is no wildlife. It's that s

• Mar 31, 2009

• #8

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

 

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ikw101

Well-known member

• Apr 2, 2009

• #9

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.

 

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Astrokev

Well-known member

• Apr 2, 2009

• #10

ikw101 said:

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.

Click to expand...

A fair point!