Nikkor 300mm f/4

13

Comments

  • IronheartIronheart Posts: 3,017Moderator
    It's just as likely that it is a camera body problem as a lens problem. First thing I would do is just move the aperture lever with my finger and see if it is stuck or binding in any way (compare to another lens to see what it "should" feel like). Also if you have a different body to try it on and see if it does the same thing. Any chance you are hitting the DoF button accidentally?
  • Scuderia1Scuderia1 Posts: 82Member
    edited September 2015
    To answer you in parts..
    1. I'm able to move the aperture "ring" on the back of the 300mm f/4 lens without any issue. It's actually how I've been "solving" my issue in the field. I rotate it to "4" real quick and back to "32" so I don't get the "FEE" and can shoot. I don't feel like it's stuck or binding in any way.

    2. I don't have a different body. I only own a D800. I'm sorry if this sounds bad.. But what exactly is the DoF button? I don't think it's something I've ever used..

    update: so I compared the Aperture lever to a Nikkor 24-70.. It moves just as smooth and "snaps" back to the "original" position. I went and fired off about 20-30 shots after testing the aperture lever and I didn't encounter any issues. But I shut the camera off and came back in 5 minutes and the same issues started happening.. Sometimes after 2 shots. Sometimes right when I turn the camera back on. I'm really unsure what is happening..
    Post edited by Scuderia1 on
    Nikon D800 | Nikkor 50mm f/1.8g | Nikkor 24-70 f/2.8 | Nikkor 300mm f/4 (+Nikon TC1.4x)
  • tcole1983tcole1983 Posts: 981Member
    Sounds weird. I can't really tell what your problem is by the description you gave. The lens should be locked at F32. So not sure why you would move it...or that seems to temporarily solve the problem? Might try cleaning the lens contacts or something. You shouldn't have to move the aperture ring at all.
    D5200, D5000, S31, 18-55 VR, 17-55 F2.8, 35 F1.8G, 105 F2.8 VR, 300 F4 AF-S (Previously owned 18-200 VRI, Tokina 12-24 F4 II)
  • spraynprayspraynpray Posts: 6,545Moderator
    The solution is to send your body and lens to your Nikon Repair Centre. It doesn't matter where the fault lays, it is no use as it is so it has to be fixed.
    Always learning.
  • Scuderia1Scuderia1 Posts: 82Member
    edited September 2015
    Sounds weird. I can't really tell what your problem is by the description you gave. The lens should be locked at F32. So not sure why you would move it...or that seems to temporarily solve the problem? Might try cleaning the lens contacts or something. You shouldn't have to move the aperture ring at all.
    Thank you very much for responding. I'm pretty frustrated with the entire situation. The only thing I didn't add yesterday is I shot about 50 pics with my 24-70mm and I didn't have any issues. This leads me to believe that it's NOT the camera and it's something about that antiquated aperture ring on the back of the older version of the 300mm f/4.

    I turned my camera off overnight. When I turned it on this morning, the issue recurred. I then cleaned everything (lens, camera contacts) very well and it seems OK for the moment.

    I'm very tempted at this point to trade in my 300mm f/4 for the newer version through a retailer (i.e. Adorama) if the problem recurs.
    Post edited by Scuderia1 on
    Nikon D800 | Nikkor 50mm f/1.8g | Nikkor 24-70 f/2.8 | Nikkor 300mm f/4 (+Nikon TC1.4x)
  • IronheartIronheart Posts: 3,017Moderator
    @Scuderia1, better to pull the battery overnight. The on/off switch is really a soft button. Think about how fast the camera starts up...
  • esquiloesquilo Posts: 71Member
    @Scuderia1, better to pull the battery overnight. The on/off switch is really a soft button. Think about how fast the camera starts up...
    Or just watch what happens when you turn the camera off while it's writing to the memory-card. Nothing. It will finish writing and THEN turn itself off.
    Nikon D7100 with Sigma 10-20 mm, Nikon 16-85 mm, Nikon 70-300 mm, Sigma 150-500 mm, Nikon 28 mm f/1.8G and Nikon 50 mm f/1.8G.
    Nikon1 J3 with 10-30 mm and 10 mm f/2.8
  • PhotobugPhotobug Posts: 5,751Member
    Unbelievable. This lens was ordered on June 11th and I just got an update that it's still on back order. Best Buy and Amazon has them in stock. Perhaps I am going to have to cancel my order and pay the higher price to get my hands on one. My order with Adorama includes a 2% rebate in 45 days.

    Now there is lots of excellent field comments on the new Nikon 200-500mm F5.6 lens and I am going to have to assess if I am buying both or skip the 300mm F4. Decisions decisions decisions! :D
    D750 & D7100 | 24-70 F2.8 G AF-S ED, 70-200 F2.8 AF VR, TC-14E III, TC-1.7EII, 35 F2 AF D, 50mm F1.8G, 105mm G AF-S VR | Backup & Wife's Gear: D5500 & Sony HX50V | 18-140 AF-S ED VR DX, 55-300 AF-S G VR DX |
    |SB-800, Amaran Halo LED Ring light | MB-D16 grip| Gitzo GT3541 + RRS BH-55LR, Gitzo GM2942 + Sirui L-10 | RRS gear | Lowepro, ThinkTank, & Hoodman gear | BosStrap | Vello Freewave Plus wireless Remote, Leica Lens Cleaning Cloth |
  • haroldpharoldp Posts: 984Member
    I just got my 300e f4VR and focus fine tuned on a D810, naked (the lens not me), and with 1.4 and 2.0 tc's.

    It is extremely sharp wide open and at f5.6. Not quite in the 400/2.8 class, but neither is anything else.

    It is astonishingly sharp with the tc-14eIII, I saw almost no difference with or without tc wide open (420mm f5.6) and none one stop down at f8. It is a small step better than the 80-400 at 400/5.6.

    With tc-20eIII it is almost as good, and is a perfectly serviceable 600/f8 that you can carry all day. At f11 it is a step better.

    As an aside, I needed a tripod ring to do the focus tuning. Mounting the camera body to the tripod as some have suggested left so much vibration that it was useless.

    I bought the Vello tripod ring listed for 70-200 /4 (they use the same ring). It is $ 49 at B & H and is as good as Nikon's (at $ 169) and easier to mount. I needed an arka shoe which was another $16 (nikon also needs it).

    The RRS rig with detachable foot is better ( $229), and I would have sprung for it if I planned to use this lens on a tripod with ant frequency, but I do not. The next time will likely be when I calibrate to a new body.

    When my 200-500 eventually comes in, I will report.

    I will then have so many 400mm options that I will be too confused to leave the house and shoot.

    ... H

    D810, D3x, 14-24/2.8, 50/1.4D, 24-70/2.8, 24-120/4 VR, 70-200/2.8 VR1, 80-400 G, 200-400/4 VR1, 400/2.8 ED VR G, 105/2 DC, 17-55/2.8.
    Nikon N90s, F100, F, lots of Leica M digital and film stuff.

  • PhotobugPhotobug Posts: 5,751Member
    I just got my 300e f4VR and focus fine tuned on a D810, naked (the lens not me), and with 1.4 and 2.0 tc's.

    It is extremely sharp wide open and at f5.6. Not quite in the 400/2.8 class, but neither is anything else.

    It is astonishingly sharp with the tc-14eIII, I saw almost no difference with or without tc wide open (420mm f5.6) and none one stop down at f8. It is a small step better than the 80-400 at 400/5.6.

    With tc-20eIII it is almost as good, and is a perfectly serviceable 600/f8 that you can carry all day. At f11 it is a step better.

    As an aside, I needed a tripod ring to do the focus tuning. Mounting the camera body to the tripod as some have suggested left so much vibration that it was useless.

    I bought the Vello tripod ring listed for 70-200 /4 (they use the same ring). It is $ 49 at B & H and is as good as Nikon's (at $ 169) and easier to mount. I needed an arka shoe which was another $16 (nikon also needs it).

    The RRS rig with detachable foot is better ( $229), and I would have sprung for it if I planned to use this lens on a tripod with ant frequency, but I do not. The next time will likely be when I calibrate to a new body.

    When my 200-500 eventually comes in, I will report.

    I will then have so many 400mm options that I will be too confused to leave the house and shoot.
    Oh that is a funny comment about too many options at 400mm. =D>

    Thanks for your comments on the comparison and when used with the TC-14eIII. When I made the decision to order the 300 F4PF VR lens I also bought the TC-14eIII and the filter for the lens.

    I have the money reserved for the RRS collar but did not order it until after I use the lens to determine if I really need it. I am not surprised about the vibration when mounted on the tripod with the camera body. That is why I allocated the money for the collar. However, thanks to your suggestion I will look into the Vello ring. Can't beat that price if it does a good job.

    I was doing some research on the 200-500 F5.6 lens and noticed two comments that the foot is short on this lens and not easily to hold/balance. I use a RRS replacement foot on my 70-200 F2.8 and it's length makes a nice grip when not on a tripod. Any way this is off topic in this thread, but just wanted to pass that along.

    After reading your reply you got me back on track...I have NAS for the 300 F4. =))
    D750 & D7100 | 24-70 F2.8 G AF-S ED, 70-200 F2.8 AF VR, TC-14E III, TC-1.7EII, 35 F2 AF D, 50mm F1.8G, 105mm G AF-S VR | Backup & Wife's Gear: D5500 & Sony HX50V | 18-140 AF-S ED VR DX, 55-300 AF-S G VR DX |
    |SB-800, Amaran Halo LED Ring light | MB-D16 grip| Gitzo GT3541 + RRS BH-55LR, Gitzo GM2942 + Sirui L-10 | RRS gear | Lowepro, ThinkTank, & Hoodman gear | BosStrap | Vello Freewave Plus wireless Remote, Leica Lens Cleaning Cloth |
  • PhotobugPhotobug Posts: 5,751Member
    Huge surprise. This afternoon I received a notification from my credit card company that Adorama charged my credit card for a large sum that exactly matches Adorama's price price for this lens. So far no email from Adorama.

    Hopefully tonight I will receive an email with the shipping tracking number. Now my interest and excitement is high. Been just over 4 months since I placed the order.
    D750 & D7100 | 24-70 F2.8 G AF-S ED, 70-200 F2.8 AF VR, TC-14E III, TC-1.7EII, 35 F2 AF D, 50mm F1.8G, 105mm G AF-S VR | Backup & Wife's Gear: D5500 & Sony HX50V | 18-140 AF-S ED VR DX, 55-300 AF-S G VR DX |
    |SB-800, Amaran Halo LED Ring light | MB-D16 grip| Gitzo GT3541 + RRS BH-55LR, Gitzo GM2942 + Sirui L-10 | RRS gear | Lowepro, ThinkTank, & Hoodman gear | BosStrap | Vello Freewave Plus wireless Remote, Leica Lens Cleaning Cloth |
  • PhotobugPhotobug Posts: 5,751Member
    Just got my customer service email. The 300mm lens has shipped. Can't wait.
    D750 & D7100 | 24-70 F2.8 G AF-S ED, 70-200 F2.8 AF VR, TC-14E III, TC-1.7EII, 35 F2 AF D, 50mm F1.8G, 105mm G AF-S VR | Backup & Wife's Gear: D5500 & Sony HX50V | 18-140 AF-S ED VR DX, 55-300 AF-S G VR DX |
    |SB-800, Amaran Halo LED Ring light | MB-D16 grip| Gitzo GT3541 + RRS BH-55LR, Gitzo GM2942 + Sirui L-10 | RRS gear | Lowepro, ThinkTank, & Hoodman gear | BosStrap | Vello Freewave Plus wireless Remote, Leica Lens Cleaning Cloth |
  • PhotobugPhotobug Posts: 5,751Member
    UPS delivered this box this afternoon.
    IMG_20151015_171949010
    D750 & D7100 | 24-70 F2.8 G AF-S ED, 70-200 F2.8 AF VR, TC-14E III, TC-1.7EII, 35 F2 AF D, 50mm F1.8G, 105mm G AF-S VR | Backup & Wife's Gear: D5500 & Sony HX50V | 18-140 AF-S ED VR DX, 55-300 AF-S G VR DX |
    |SB-800, Amaran Halo LED Ring light | MB-D16 grip| Gitzo GT3541 + RRS BH-55LR, Gitzo GM2942 + Sirui L-10 | RRS gear | Lowepro, ThinkTank, & Hoodman gear | BosStrap | Vello Freewave Plus wireless Remote, Leica Lens Cleaning Cloth |
  • MsmotoMsmoto Posts: 5,398Moderator
    edited October 2015
    Looks like a wonderful gift. Your birthday? LOL ;)

    Oh, yes, are you headed to Oshkosh next year?
    Post edited by Msmoto on
    Msmoto, mod
  • Nik0n2011Nik0n2011 Posts: 70Member
    congrats :D i just cant stop loving it (my lens, not your box!) and enjoy :) :D
  • spraynprayspraynpray Posts: 6,545Moderator
    When will the lens arrive now that you have the box? ;)
    Always learning.
  • Parke1953Parke1953 Posts: 456Member
    spraynpray now that's funny. I think just over 4 months and the lens should show up. =))
    Congrats photobug.
  • PhotobugPhotobug Posts: 5,751Member
    Love the comments and thanks for leaving them....Msmoto, NikOn2011, spraynpray, and Parke1953. \:D/

    I can't believe how light and short that lens is. And my initial pictures with the lens (not the box) taken late yesterday is favorable. Nice images. Sunday we are going to a park and I am shooting some trees and enjoy the color.

    The threads for the filter are slightly buried with the rubber ring and it took several tries to thread the B+W UV filter on the front. Can't wait to get out and take some pictures and use the DX mode on the D750 or using it on the D7100.
    D750 & D7100 | 24-70 F2.8 G AF-S ED, 70-200 F2.8 AF VR, TC-14E III, TC-1.7EII, 35 F2 AF D, 50mm F1.8G, 105mm G AF-S VR | Backup & Wife's Gear: D5500 & Sony HX50V | 18-140 AF-S ED VR DX, 55-300 AF-S G VR DX |
    |SB-800, Amaran Halo LED Ring light | MB-D16 grip| Gitzo GT3541 + RRS BH-55LR, Gitzo GM2942 + Sirui L-10 | RRS gear | Lowepro, ThinkTank, & Hoodman gear | BosStrap | Vello Freewave Plus wireless Remote, Leica Lens Cleaning Cloth |
  • PhotobugPhotobug Posts: 5,751Member
    Looks like a wonderful gift. Your birthday? LOL ;)

    Oh, yes, are you headed to Oshkosh next year?
    Yes, we plan to catch up with you in Oshkosh next year. I am slammed with volunteer work and I owe you a PM. We are also going to suggest a visit to Devils Lake (near Baraboo) and the Rail Road Museum in North Freedom. Lots of opportunities for moving rail cars and steam engines.
    D750 & D7100 | 24-70 F2.8 G AF-S ED, 70-200 F2.8 AF VR, TC-14E III, TC-1.7EII, 35 F2 AF D, 50mm F1.8G, 105mm G AF-S VR | Backup & Wife's Gear: D5500 & Sony HX50V | 18-140 AF-S ED VR DX, 55-300 AF-S G VR DX |
    |SB-800, Amaran Halo LED Ring light | MB-D16 grip| Gitzo GT3541 + RRS BH-55LR, Gitzo GM2942 + Sirui L-10 | RRS gear | Lowepro, ThinkTank, & Hoodman gear | BosStrap | Vello Freewave Plus wireless Remote, Leica Lens Cleaning Cloth |
  • mikealruskovmikealruskov Posts: 22Member
    I was planning on making a video review of the 300 f/4E PF in August but I was delayed with some personal matters. I've written most of the review and I'm about to film the rest of the material.

    Does anyone want me to test or demonstrate anything specific with this lens? Anything you would like to see? My copy doesn't have any VR issues, but I do plan on including a VR test in the review.
    D7000, Tokina 11-16mm f/2.8, 35mm f/1.8G, 50mm 1.8G, 135mm f/2 DC, 300mm f/4E PF
  • heartyfisherheartyfisher Posts: 3,186Member
    When will the lens arrive now that you have the box? ;)
    =))
    Moments of Light - D610 D7K S5pro 70-200f4 18-200 150f2.8 12-24 18-70 35-70f2.8 : C&C very welcome!
    Being a photographer is a lot like being a Christian: Some people look at you funny but do not see the amazing beauty all around them - heartyfisher.

  • heartyfisherheartyfisher Posts: 3,186Member
    Can you see the PF rings ? @mikealruskov be nice if you can see them :-)
    Moments of Light - D610 D7K S5pro 70-200f4 18-200 150f2.8 12-24 18-70 35-70f2.8 : C&C very welcome!
    Being a photographer is a lot like being a Christian: Some people look at you funny but do not see the amazing beauty all around them - heartyfisher.

  • mikealruskovmikealruskov Posts: 22Member
    Can you see the PF rings ? @mikealruskov be nice if you can see them :-)
    Yes, very easy to notice! I recorded some cool looking b-roll of the PF rings reflecting. If you point the lens toward a hard light source and look into the front elements you can see the rings light up. Also looking through the back of the lens it's even more noticeable. In photos there is no trace of the rings whatsoever.

    It's a very novel set of optics that really makes this lens astonishingly small.
    D7000, Tokina 11-16mm f/2.8, 35mm f/1.8G, 50mm 1.8G, 135mm f/2 DC, 300mm f/4E PF
  • PhotobugPhotobug Posts: 5,751Member
    Can you see the PF rings ? @mikealruskov be nice if you can see them :-)
    Yes, very easy to notice! I recorded some cool looking b-roll of the PF rings reflecting. If you point the lens toward a hard light source and look into the front elements you can see the rings light up. Also looking through the back of the lens it's even more noticeable. In photos there is no trace of the rings whatsoever.

    It's a very novel set of optics that really makes this lens astonishingly small.
    I am also enjoying mine but have not used it much. Have you purchased a collar for mounting on a tripod or are you just using your plate on the body to mount to the tripod. The size and weight is so great I still don't think I need a collar but just wanted to ask your thoughts.
    D750 & D7100 | 24-70 F2.8 G AF-S ED, 70-200 F2.8 AF VR, TC-14E III, TC-1.7EII, 35 F2 AF D, 50mm F1.8G, 105mm G AF-S VR | Backup & Wife's Gear: D5500 & Sony HX50V | 18-140 AF-S ED VR DX, 55-300 AF-S G VR DX |
    |SB-800, Amaran Halo LED Ring light | MB-D16 grip| Gitzo GT3541 + RRS BH-55LR, Gitzo GM2942 + Sirui L-10 | RRS gear | Lowepro, ThinkTank, & Hoodman gear | BosStrap | Vello Freewave Plus wireless Remote, Leica Lens Cleaning Cloth |
  • spraynprayspraynpray Posts: 6,545Moderator
    I would always use a collar because I believe it lessens the possibility of vibration when compared to using the body to mount the camera. Focal length doesn't come into it.
    Always learning.
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