The Nikon AF-S 300mm f/4D has been released almost 20 years ago. It has compatibility with both new and old cameras, with it’s AF-S motor but still retaining the aperture ring (pictured). As mentioned in the title, it is even compatible with the Z series cameras!
Having used this lens for birding for the past almost 8 years on both the DSLRs and the Mirrorless cameras, I would like to share my thoughts on how the lens performs, focusing on the newer Z cameras like the Nikon Z50 (since it’s performance on the DSLRs has been well documented.)
Image quality (Sharpness)
Being a telephoto prime, despite the smaller f/4 aperture, it remains tack sharp even wide open. Here are some sample images for your reference.
Autofocus Speed
I found the AF speed on the Z6, even with the 1.4x teleconverter (TC), to be reasonably fast. AF on the Z50 is more hit and miss, with more hunting based on my personal experience. Using the lens without a TC on the Z50 is recommended in my opinion.
In general, AF on the Z6 is better with or without a TC as compared to the Z50.
I have not comprehensively tested the tracking but in my general use I don’t have issues on the Z6 when tracking birds in flight across the sky or plain background.
I would love to hear comments on lens performance in work related usage like in sporting events.
Another point is that AF-S motor are generally faster than the stepping motors in the Z series lenses but have a stuttery feel to them. Stepping motors in comparison feel smoother (I’m comparing the 300mm f/4 against the Z50 or Z6 kit lens ). This point might be important to videographers looking to do AF during video shooting.
Ergonomics
Buttons on the lens
The lens has 2 main switches, the AF/MF switch and the AF limiter.
Personally, I leave the AF switch on Autofocus and use it as such. We can override the focus anytime by turning the AF ring anyway.
For the limiter switch, depending on the situation, I may choose to limit the AF range to reduce hunting. Example, when I am certain that the wildlife is going to be far away, I’ll leave it at infinity to 3m.
Otherwise, I might use the full range, especially when the birds are tamer and I can get close (like the bird shot with fruit in its mouth)
With the FTZ adaptor
The lens is a little unwieldy with body the 1.4x TC and the FTX adaptor on both the Z50 and the Z6.
With the FTX adaptor alone, however, the combination feels solid with no rattling.
One potential issue is the balance of the lens compared to the lighter body of the Z series. With DSLRs, the long lens is counterbalanced by the weight of the body. With the mirrorless bodies, the 300mm f4 D combo becomes front heavy, especially since you need to use it with the FTZ adaptor which exacerbates the issue.
Vibration Reduction (VR) / in body stabilisation on the Z6
One of the “weaknesses” of the AFS 300mm f/4D was the lack of in lens VR. This was addressed in the PF version of the lens, but in Singapore, the price difference is about 3x (!). I was thrilled to use the older lens on the Z6 with its in-body stabilisation.
During framing, gone are the micro jitters in the viewfinder due to the long focal length (and my habit of drinking too much coffee). Shots of 1/160s with the 300mm f4 and Z6 combo are possible.
Sadly, there are no DX cameras in the Z line up with in body stabilisation, so I would still recommend using a monopod when using the lens on the Z50 or any of the DX bodies in 2023. I’m hoping Nikon will release a DX camera with in body stabilisation.
Conclusion
In Singapore, you can get the AF-S 300mm f/4D lens for about SG$450-500 (not the white version, the black version).
The Nikon AF-S 300mm f/4 D is a sharp, fast focusing lens.
In combination with the FX bodies with their in body stabilisation, this makes for a value for money birding combo, especially if you score a cheap full frame Z series camera as well pre-loved.
This is still my go-to combo for casual birding, highly recommended as second hand buy!
Personal Plug by Chris Puan
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