Why does the Buying Guide say "Wait" for the 300mm f/2.8 VRII?

HockeyManHockeyMan Posts: 68Member
edited July 2015 in Nikon Lenses
Hi, everyone. I've done an extensive forum search and can't find anything recent on a replacement for the 300mm f/2.8 VR II. I've seen no rumors about a replacement for it and I know Nikon just released the 300mm f/4 PF which is supposed to be great, but only for outdoor shooting. I need to have as wide open an aperture as possible because I shoot gymnastics at 1/400s or faster at indoor gymnasiums with really bad lighting. The one stop loss of light would push my ISO to 3200 and though good, my D800 @ ISO 3200 has quite a bit of grain. Yes, I've heard it before, I need a D4 or D4s, but I need a lens more than a body right now, and I can't afford to get both. Does anyone have any insight as to when a replacement will be out? Otherwise, I may have to pick up the existing lens on eBay or Craigslist. I may also just save my money and get a D5 when it comes out.
D800, 14-24mm f/2.8, 50mm f/1.4G, 85mm f/1.4G, 70-200mm f/2.8G VR II, TC17E II, D300, DX 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G. Coolpix E5400, some AI lenses from my father.
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Comments

  • WestEndFotoWestEndFoto Posts: 3,742Member
    Nikon is applying the Fluorite treatment to all of its super-teles, most recently the 500mm and 600mm. The only two left are the 200 f/2.0 and 300 f/2.8. Based on the pace so far, possibly at the end of this year, but most likely next year.

    I would anticipate a big reduction in weight, making handholding even easier.
  • HockeyManHockeyMan Posts: 68Member
    Oh, I didn't realize it would be that fast. When I looked at the refresh rate for the 500 f/4 and 600 f/4, it took Nikon 8 years (from 2007 to 2015), so I thought it might be another 3 years for the 300 f/2.8. Any type of weight reduction would be most appreciated since I'm not a terribly big guy. Thanks!
    D800, 14-24mm f/2.8, 50mm f/1.4G, 85mm f/1.4G, 70-200mm f/2.8G VR II, TC17E II, D300, DX 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G. Coolpix E5400, some AI lenses from my father.
  • PB_PMPB_PM Posts: 4,494Member
    Just be prepared for a massive price jump, at least $2000-3000 more than the current price.
    If I take a good photo it's not my camera's fault.
  • HockeyManHockeyMan Posts: 68Member
    Dang it, yeah. It looks like a lot of the newer lenses above 200mm got that price jump. It just goes with the love / hate relationship we all have with our gear. We love the quality we can get, we hate the price.
    D800, 14-24mm f/2.8, 50mm f/1.4G, 85mm f/1.4G, 70-200mm f/2.8G VR II, TC17E II, D300, DX 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G. Coolpix E5400, some AI lenses from my father.
  • WestEndFotoWestEndFoto Posts: 3,742Member
    As much as I dislike paying more, given the extra performance that nobody thought was possible and reduced weight, it makes sense.
  • HockeyManHockeyMan Posts: 68Member
    By the way, I'm following you now on flickr WestEndFoto, you have great architecture and portrait photos!
    D800, 14-24mm f/2.8, 50mm f/1.4G, 85mm f/1.4G, 70-200mm f/2.8G VR II, TC17E II, D300, DX 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G. Coolpix E5400, some AI lenses from my father.
  • WestEndFotoWestEndFoto Posts: 3,742Member
    Thanks Hockeyman. If you look on PAD and some of the great photographers that contribute to it, you will see where I got much of my inspiration.
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