Nikon AF-S Nikkor 300mm f/4E PF ED VR vs Tamron SP AF 300mm f/2.8 LD [IF]
Side-by-side comparison from our catalogue data. Better values are highlighted only where a clear difference exists.
Tamron
SP AF 300mm f/2.8 LD [IF]
Verdict at a glance
- Tamron SP AF 300mm f/2.8 LD [IF] is faster by 1 stop (f/2.8 vs f/4.0), letting in more light.
| Spec | AF-S Nikkor 300mm f/4E PF ED VR | SP AF 300mm f/2.8 LD [IF] |
|---|---|---|
| Brand | Nikon | Tamron |
| Mount | Nikon F | Nikon F |
| Type | Prime | Telephoto |
| Focal length | 300mm | 300mm |
| Max aperture | f/4.0 | f/2.8 (faster) |
| Released | 2015 | n/a |
| Blades | 9 | 9 |
| Format | full-frame | n/a |
| Groups | 10 | 7 |
| Af motor | SWM | n/a |
| Elements | 16 | 10 |
| Weight g | 755.0 | n/a |
| Filter mm | 77 | 43 |
| Length mm | 147.5 | n/a |
| Stabilized | Yes | n/a |
| Diameter mm | 89.0 | n/a |
| Min focus m | 1.4 (closer focusing) | 2.5 |
| Max magnification | 0.24 | 0.14 |
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
Tamron SP AF 300mm f/2.8 LD [IF]
A 300mm f/2.8 telephoto prime lens, the Tamron SP AF 300mm f/2.8 LD [IF] is designed for Nikon F mount bodies, from the Tamron SP series. It brings distant subjects closer for sports, wildlife and events.