Quick answer
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
Verdict
The easy-to-carry 300mm. The TC-14E III extender gives 420mm f/5.6.
About this lens
Nikon AF-S Nikkor 300mm f/4E PF ED VR: a telephoto prime lens with a 300mm focal length and a maximum aperture of f/4, made for Nikon F mount cameras, with Vibration Reduction, Silent Wave Motor autofocus and extra-low dispersion glass. It brings distant subjects closer for sports, wildlife and events.
Nikon AF-S Nikkor 300mm f/4E PF ED VR specifications
- Brand
- Nikon
- Mount
- Nikon F
- Focal length
- 300mm
- Maximum aperture
- f/4.0
- Lens type
- Prime
- Format coverage
- full-frame
- Released
- 2015
- Optical construction
- 16 elements in 10 groups
- Aperture blades
- 9
- Image stabilization
- Yes
- Autofocus motor
- SWM
- Minimum focus distance
- 1.4 m
- Maximum magnification
- 0.24x
- Filter thread
- 77 mm
- Weight
- 755 g
- Length
- 147.5 mm
- Diameter
- 89 mm
Specification source: imaging.nikon.com
What can you shoot with the Nikon AF-S Nikkor 300mm f/4E PF ED VR?
- Wildlife handheld
- Sports
- Hiking telephoto
Its moderate maximum aperture works best in good light or with a higher ISO.
Full-frame equivalent and field of view
Calculated from the focal length and crop factor. Not measured.
| Sensor | Crop | Equivalent | Horizontal FOV | Diagonal FOV |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full frame | 1.0x | 300mm | 6.9° | 8.2° |
| APS-C | 1.5x | 450mm | 4.6° | 5.5° |
Frequently asked questions
What is a PF lens?
PF stands for Phase Fresnel, a diffractive element that shortens and lightens the lens. It can show banded flare around bright point lights.
Does the Nikon 300mm f/4E PF work with teleconverters?
Yes, it works with the TC-14E III, giving 420mm f/5.6 with autofocus.
Does the 300mm f/4E PF work on Z cameras?
Yes, with the FTZ adapter; autofocus and VR operate normally.
Alternatives for Nikon F from other brands
All Nikon F lensesSame mount, overlapping focal range, closest maximum aperture first.
