Nikon AF-S Nikkor 300mm f/4D IF-ED vs Nikon AF-S Nikkor 300mm f/4E PF 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 300mm f/4E PF ED VR is lighter by 685g.
- Nikon AF-S Nikkor 300mm f/4E PF ED VR is the newer design (2015 vs 2000).
| Spec | AF-S Nikkor 300mm f/4D IF-ED | AF-S Nikkor 300mm f/4E PF ED VR |
|---|---|---|
| Brand | Nikon | Nikon |
| Mount | Nikon F | Nikon F |
| Type | Prime | Prime |
| Focal length | 300mm | 300mm |
| Max aperture | f/4.0 | f/4.0 |
| Released | 2000 | 2015 |
| Format | full-frame | full-frame |
| Groups | 6 | 10 |
| Af motor | SWM | SWM |
| Elements | 10 | 16 |
| Weight g | 1440.0 | 755.0 (lighter) |
| Filter mm | 77 | 77 |
| Length mm | 222.5 | 147.5 |
| Diameter mm | 90.0 | 89.0 |
| Min focus m | 1.45 | 1.4 (closer focusing) |
| Blades | n/a | 9 |
| Stabilized | n/a | Yes |
| Max magnification | n/a | 0.24 |
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 300mm f/4E PF ED VR
A 2015 telephoto prime using a Phase Fresnel element to stay short and light, at about 755g. It adds VR and an electromagnetic aperture.
Pros
- Very light for 300mm
- VR with Sport mode
- Sharp
- Takes 77mm filters
Cons
- Phase Fresnel lenses can show banded flare near bright lights
- f/4 is slower than f/2.8 telephotos
- Minimum focus of 1.4m