?: 300mm f/2.8 VRII vs. 300mm f/4E PF VR

greyhoundrick

Hello everyone!

I was wondering what thoughts you have on the 300mm f/4 PF in comparison to the 300mm f/2.8 VRII.

Obviously the cost is much lower for the f/4 version, but the thing that interests me the most is overall sharpness given everything else equal. Does the PF version stack up to the f/2.8?

I know sharpness is a large encompassing term and there are many variables (i.e. hand holding skills, subject movement, settings etc.) but do you think that the f/2.8 is priced at its amount due to the fact that it is a faster lens, has better IQ, better build etc? And if so, how would you compare the 2 side by side for IQ?

The only pro lenses I have ever tested side by side were the 70-200mm VR I vs. the 300mm f/2.8 non VR and even though the 70-200 was superb, I felt the 300mm overall was just a step up. Was wondering if the same incremental performance might be similar with the 300mm PF VR vs. the 300mm f/2.8 VR.

Thanks so much for your opinions! They are very helpful :-)

best,

Rick

PB_PM

The 300mm F2.8G VRII is a killer lens, if you can handle the weight. Stopped down to F5.6-F8 I doubt you'd see any difference between it and the PF, unless it's on a D850 maybe. At F2.8-F4, it's no contest . The F2.8 also has snappier focus, if that is important.

framer

That 300 AFS f/4 D is a great lens for the money

framer

dissent

I agree framer. I won't be getting rid of my D lens anytime soon. Light and sharp.

VisualUniverse

While I don't have the Nikon 300 f/2.8, I do own both the Nikon 300 f/4E and 300 f/4 D, plus I own the Canon 300mm f/2.8L IS. I have found sharpness/IQ in the Nikon 300 f/4E to rival the Canon 300. The 300 f/4 D doesn't stand up to either.

jimmyboy

The Nikon 300 f/2.8G VRll. I own 5 Nikon Bodies. All these camera bodies that I own with this lens, shoots very well with a Nikon + 2 converter. I believe 300 f/4 PF came out mid 2015. The first batch in 2015 there was a problem, I believe something in the VR. not sure. Buy it new if your interested buying the f/4, I'd stay away from used. What I see in the f/4 that it's small, light. The 300 f/2.8 little on the heavy side but manageable for a few shots freehand. Most of the time I'm close to my car shooting it off a mono/pod with a ball head & Wimberly side kick, not light at all. Now with new 300 f/4 with a 1.4 converter on a DX format, brings it too 630mm you got reach. you can hike with it, nice & light. The only problem you'll have lose a few stops of light using converters it also slows the auto/focus down. Shooting 300 f/2.8 bare ass, is one of the fastest lens that Nikon makes! Beautiful lens. I'm thinking after the holidays is buying the f/4 PF keeping it on the front seat of the car when I'm out & about. I.m still reading reviews on the 300 f/4 PF it looks promising.