Nikon AF-S Nikkor 300mm f/4D IF-ED vs Nikon AF-S Nikkor 400mm f/2.8E FL ED VR
Side-by-side comparison from our catalogue data. Better values are highlighted only where a clear difference exists.
Verdict at a glance
- Nikon AF-S Nikkor 400mm f/2.8E FL ED VR is faster by 1 stop (f/2.8 vs f/4.0), letting in more light.
- Nikon AF-S Nikkor 300mm f/4D IF-ED is lighter by 2360g.
- Nikon AF-S Nikkor 300mm f/4D IF-ED goes wider (300mm vs 400mm).
- Nikon AF-S Nikkor 400mm f/2.8E FL ED VR reaches further (400mm vs 300mm).
- Nikon AF-S Nikkor 400mm f/2.8E FL ED VR is the newer design (2014 vs 2000).
| Spec | AF-S Nikkor 300mm f/4D IF-ED | AF-S Nikkor 400mm f/2.8E FL ED VR |
|---|---|---|
| Brand | Nikon | Nikon |
| Mount | Nikon F | Nikon F |
| Type | Prime | Prime |
| Focal length | 300mm (wider) | 400mm |
| Max aperture | f/4.0 | f/2.8 (faster) |
| Released | 2000 | 2014 |
| Format | full-frame | full-frame |
| Groups | 6 | 12 |
| Af motor | SWM | SWM |
| Elements | 10 | 16 |
| Weight g | 1440.0 (lighter) | 3800.0 |
| Filter mm | 77 | n/a |
| Length mm | 222.5 | 358.0 |
| Diameter mm | 90.0 | 159.5 |
| Min focus m | 1.45 (closer focusing) | 2.6 |
| Blades | n/a | 9 |
| Stabilized | n/a | Yes |
| Max magnification | n/a | 0.17 |
Nikon AF-S Nikkor 300mm f/4D IF-ED
An AF-S version of the 300mm f/4 with internal focusing and a 77mm filter thread. It has no VR and weighs about 1.44kg.
Pros
- Sharp
- Silent Wave Motor
- Internal focusing
- Works with TC-14E
Cons
- No VR
- Heavy at 1.44kg
Nikon AF-S Nikkor 400mm f/2.8E FL ED VR
Nikon's flagship 400mm f/2.8 with fluorite elements and an electromagnetic aperture, introduced in 2014. It weighs about 3.8kg, lighter than previous Nikon 400mm lenses.
Pros
- f/2.8 with VR
- Lighter than earlier Nikon 400mm lenses
- Weather-sealed build
- Takes teleconverters
Cons
- Large
- Needs a monopod or gimbal head
- About 3.8kg