Nikon 300mm 2.8 VR II review, maybe the best budget SUPER TELEPHOTO for WILDLIFE PHOTOGRAPHY 2020!
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- Опубликовано: 9 фев 2025
- Hey Guys, today I'm back with what is a well overdue review of the Nikon 300mm 2.8 VR II!
I've had this lens for 8 years now, a true faithful friend.
The lens has been with me all over the place as a pro wildlife photographer, helping me make thousands of images I love, and deliver professional assignments and jobs.
Investing in a supertele a a huge step in your wildlife photography journey and for myself the 300 2.8 was always the lens for me. The fast aperture, incredible AF speed and combination of flexibility with teleconverters plus a compact form factor for travelling ticked all my boxes, and today I thought I'd share some thoughts and images.
With the price now often below £2500 and even as low as £1800 the 300mm 2.8 VR I and VR II offer an incredible option for the budget conscious wildlife photographer. Far surpassing the consumer zoom options that can retail for not much less, the 300mm 2.8 is a class apart in terms of the professional quality, performance and optics.
If you are looking at getting one, often in the UK Wex have some great second hand deals, offering a 12 month warrantee on purchases and great service. I use and work with Wex ( I give regular lectures and workshops for them) so know they are a great company and team.
If you do buy it helps me out with a small cut whilst ensuring you'll get a great deal and reliable product.
This ones a steal!
Nikon 300mm 2.8 VR I : tidd.ly/5b1988ac
As always guys if you have any questions be it about the 300mm 2.8 VR II or anything wildlife photography related be sure to drop it in the comments and I'll get back to you!
Thanks for watching and please do like and subscribe and share if you enjoy the content.
If you've found my video helpful and fancy dropping me a coffee or small donation to say thanks, you can do so here www.paypal.com...
Cheers Guys!
Tom
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For more of my work be sure to check out my Instagram @TomMasonPhoto or on the web - www.tommasonphoto.com
In my bag : (UK affiliate links help me fund the channel and cost you nothing)
Lowepro Whistler 450 AW II - (travelled flawlessly on all my flights with ALL the gear below inside!)
tidd.ly/ee5e459a
Nikon Monarch HG 8x30's - Simply love these. tidd.ly/3df767bb
Nikon D850 + Grip + D5 batteries tidd.ly/5e9ce68e
Nikon D5 tidd.ly/4fb4af7b
Nikon Z6 and 24-70S - (All video for the channel now shot on this - love this little camera!) tidd.ly/18f827ed
Nikon 300mm 2.8 VR II (My all time favourite lens) tidd.ly/c3774d0f
Nikon 70-200 FL tidd.ly/50423b68
Nikon 35mm 1.4 G tidd.ly/74102f76
Nikon 20mm 1.8G tidd.ly/792d72d0
Nikon 1.4 TC tidd.ly/51bb49a8
Nikon 2.0 TC tidd.ly/6d38e4fe
Nikon SB-700 tidd.ly/40a57f1a
Spare D5 battery tidd.ly/3c45d8ba
Gitzo Mini Traveller tidd.ly/eda4b0c
Petzel Headlamp amzn.to/2LX80SW
G-tech external drives amzn.to/2Yil63y
Macbook 12" amzn.to/2ZBQ57e
Gitzo Rocket Blower (however i'd get this one) tidd.ly/8d6a3ab4
I also carry a trusty Gitzo Tripod and Monopod
Gitzo 2 series mountaineer (will do a video about this soon) tidd.ly/56738206
Gitzo monopod tidd.ly/bb4c85ec
If you have any Gear questions drop them below as well, I'm always happy to help! Or hit me up on Twitter or Instagram @TomMasonPhoto.
#wildlifephotography
I've just told my wife that you said I need to get one of these. I don't think she likes you now! 🤣. Good video 🙂
Haha, well ill take the hate if it means you get the lens ;)
@@TomMasonPhoto Same here :D
Mine told me "No way dude", but I have known her for 28 years. She'll get soft.... :-) `soon...
Dude: you just became my all time favorite wildlife photographer, your work is astonishing. And I wish you the best with your channel. I don’t think you really know how good you are!
Fantastic video Tom. I absolutely love mine, in fact your images inspired me to buy one back in 2018. It’s a brilliant all round wildlife lens and it’s always in my bag unless I need the reach of the 500mm f4 VR for a specific subject. Keep up the brilliant work with the channel and your photography.
Cheers Matt, glad you're liking the 300mm 2.8, the 500 /600 are tempting for me sometimes however now I think the 120-300 might be next... Ill keep the videos coming!
Best Nature photo video I've watched. I've just picked up a Sigma 300mm f2.8 for £550, so hoping to achieve something similar to your Awesome work.
Good lens but no focus limiter which yhe nikons have
It's very funny that I'm not professional nor using Nikon but still love watching your video! Great work!!! Really enjoyed it!
Thank you!
Great channel Tom. Just got my hands on a used 300 2.8 VR II (and a couple TCs), can't wait to try it out and keep improving. The switch from a Tamron 150-600 G2 will be both challenging and interesting !
Awesome video, Tom! Thanks for giving us something to watch during the quarantine times! I recently found a 300 2.8 AFS I for $1600 and I’m really happy with the value/ quality for the condition it’s in. New favorite lens for sure!
All the AFS versions of the lens are great, top class optics and speed! Glad you’re happy wit yours!
I have a vr1 version too. But i found that picture taken in f2.8 is not as sharp as f4. I saw some people online said that is normal, but some others review article say this lens is tack sharp throughout every aperture. Im really confusing now, how about your copy?
@@zunngo2652 Your lens should be sharp or very sharp actually, wide open at f/2.8! You may want to check for a dirty drop in filter or possibly haze, fungus or something like that. Only other possibly is you got a bad copy which is extremely unlikely so it could be something like damage or a separated lens element or grouping. Take out the 52mm drop-in filter and ensure it’s clean, while doing that check the rear most element is in place. It should not rotate or move. Use a new micro-fiber cloth or new q-tip to press slightly against the most rear element to insure its in place solidly and does not move or rotate. If your lens is clean and clear, it should be very sharp wide open. So I’m guessing it’s a dirty drop-in filter or dirty back element. Either of which can negatively effect image quality. Some dust or dirt on the front element will have zero impact on IQ, but those rear elements are a completely different story. They will absolutely effect image quality if they are dirty or damaged. You can replace the 52mm Nikon NC filter that’s in the rear drop-in filter holder. They are about $35 new online, and you can replace them. As long as you can get the original filter off. Sometimes they get stuck on and are very difficult to remove. In that case you’d need to buy a whole new drop-in unit and filter. These can be found usually on eBay. Good luck! I’ve had the AF-S/AF-S II, VR and now have the VRII and all have been very sharp wide open at f/2.8! But they do get sharper at f/4, but not by much, so it’s unusual yours is not very sharp at f/2.8! You should have it looked at if you can’t figure this out in your own.
Great overview video and great lens :) I got mine just over a year ago now and have had no regrets at all - at he time I honestly thought I’d end up selling it in favour of a 500 PF, but it’s just too useful and awesome!!
Yes the 300mm is just amazing, the 500 PF is nice and I’ll review it later this year but for me for the price the 300 is the winner. The AF speed, performance and aperture just make it a stand out winner for me!
thank you for helping me decide on my super telephoto lens. This review, the sample images and the reasons that you talked about resonated with me. So I decided to buy a 300mm F2.8 ai lens to use on my Olympus OMD EM1 mk2 and WOW. thank you again love this setup it really adds some pop to my wildlife photography. Cheers Graham Kilpatrick
Now the 300mm ai IS a budget telephoto...my idea of a budget lens anyway.
Another entertaining and informative video Tom, it always makes me smile with excitement when you release a new video, you never disappoint. 👍🏻
Thanks Gary, glad you like the videos, I’ll be keeping them coming!
Great video and images, Tom. Thanks for telling us about a lens that RUclipsrs don't talk about much. Budget is certainly relative, but the used prices on these are more realistic than ever, and there are few lenses this good at that price range.
Really love the whole video and how you shot it too! Also, the images
...You've captured some truly exquisite images, wow! -a truly stunning work..!
Stunning images, I love the Elephants, Amazing. My favourite animal and would love to shoot some images in the wild.
Thank you, the Elephants were a true highlight of my time in Africa last year and the 300mm did a cracking job!
Hi Tom, I bought mine this weekend after watching this video. I've had a quick play with it so far and been blown away by it. I'll be using it at RIAT this year so can't wait to see what it can do with fighter jets, whilst stuck on my D810.
Great advice Tom! I’m hoping to go for the Canon version when I can justify it, that 300mm focal length seems to be my favourite go-to as well and I’d definitely prefer the mobility of that over a larger lens. We’ve been happy with the 100-400, but I hired a sigma 150-600 when we were photographing mountain hares in February and hated it! I ended up switching back to our old 300mm and was so much happier! Hope you’re keeping well at the moment, Sam.
Hey Sam, for sure the 300mm 2.8 is in a different realm to the more prosumer lenses the 2.8 aperture and optics make it a dream and you’ll be stoked with it! I’m ok in the current situation just keeping busy and getting the jobs done!
What was wrong with the Sigma? Not sharp enough? I used to have the 150-500, which was passable but not nearly as good as the Nikon 200-500.
Great video. You are so right about everyone having that close up tight shot. They are great in some instances but the landscape shots with the subject being small in the 1/3 is in my opinion the nicest and classic shot for fine art. Good for you for not following the pack! Don’t shoot the norm and everything else will fall in place.
Less is more!
I got super lucky where I managed to buy a broken 300mm VR1 and fix it for a total of £1300!! Love the lens, it is amazing how much better the images are with the separation of subject and background that comes from the Bokeh.
That sounds an awesome deal and for sure the images are a class apart with the separation and clean gorgeous Bokeh!
Hi Tom, thank you for your video. I am looking into wildlife lenses and kept falling for the big berthas (as I feel it is what is most seen on social media). But your review of the 300mm f2.8 made it clear that there is more to wildlife photography than just capturing an animal as close as possible from as far as possible.
Thanks again and have a good one !
Great Video Tom, I am just starting out and have a D500 with the 200-500mm. With practice, hoping to one day get a few decent shots of birds and Wildlife. Cheers Ian
Good vid! I have had my Nikon 300mm f/2.8 VII for a couple of years now, and I agree with you 100%. I wish that I had it when I went to Botswana. I mostly use mine paired with my D850 for sports photography (I am a freelance photographer for the local newspaper), and have gotten some unbelievable shots. One thing I do is program the fn1 button to be able to switch back and forth from full frame to crop. That way I am basically getting a 450mm f/2.8 shot at around 20 megapixels. I have pictures of goalkeepers diving for the ball from the other end of the soccer field, and the shot is tack sharp. Hand held is a little tougher, but I got some great shots at an air show. Thank you for the review...you don’t see a lot of them for this lens.
What is the difference in that and cropping full frame in post?
@@morgenholzthank you for replying to my comment! It is pretty much the same, but shooting in crop mode helps me frame my shots better, so it is one less thing to worry about in post. I can see my crop as I am shooting my subject that is 100 yards away. When I am going through hundreds of sports shots, it is easier for me to see the cropped version quickly, and moving on to the next one, rather than have to take the time to try to remember which part of the picture I was supposed to be paying attention to, or enlarging the shot. I only do this when the subject(s) is pretty far away. If all of the area around your subject is just clutter, why take a picture of it if you don’t have to? LOL 😂 Good question though... I hope that I answered it okay for you. Try it out some time, and see what you think.
Since the time that I responded to your video, I have used my 300mm to do some landscape shots and portrait shots....truly an amazing lens with amazing results.
Dean
Your photos are beautiful! I actually had to go look you up after watching this. Peae
The 300mm is an amazing lens for the environmental shots on a fx body. I believe the VR version at 2k $ paired with a dx body is a very interesting option for the enthousiasts. The reach is sufficient for latger mamals and with a TC14 you can even do some proper bird photography. The size and weight also allows some flexibility compared to a 500mm f4, which is less important for pros as they can sit behind a tripod for hours.
Such a great review! Jsut snagged a VR mark i for 1600$! with a two year warranty! Long time fan of the channel, cheers Avery
Nice overview of the lens. 300mm f2.8 are top tier gear. Great separation and pop for the subject.
Totally agree! The 300mm 2.8 is an awesome lens, bloody love mine!
Thanks for a good review on the lens as am looking getting into wild life photography
Glad it was helpful!
Thanks for the heads up. I was planning to buy the Nikon 300 F4 PF but now the 300mm 2.8 VR seems a better option. The 300mm 2.8's bokeh reminds me of my all time favourite lenses like the 105mm 1.4 and the 58mm1.4. Once bitten, there is simply no turning back to settle for less.
Yes, once you have experience off the best glass it is hard to settle for less, the 300 2.8 is certainly like that, the image quality is just gorgeous and you never want to be on a shoot without it!
@Tom, I finally found here in South Korea a perfect 300mm f2.8 VR II at 2000 GBP like new. What a masterpiece. The AF its a laser ... I will leave my 200-500 on the z6 for videos and keep this baby on my D850 for stills. Thanks for your contents , always the best around !!
You are my favorite youtube channel now ❤
Great video Tom and I very much agree. Canon shooter here but same story, I have settled on 300mm f/2.8 L IS version 1 that I picked up mint, used. It's been a workhorse. These lenses are built to last; like family heirlooms. Your comments about adding context to images with the 300mm (or extended with TCs) is really important. Recently read an interview with David Yarrow in Outdoor Photographer where he notes that he has longer lenses in the kit, but rarely goes beyond 300mm because it is much hard to "tell a story". Also the benefit for travel is notable. Appreciate this perspective. Lots of photographers out there with "lens envy" for the 500 and 600s, but folks should look real closely at the 300, see the flexibility with a 2.8 aperture, its capability with teleconverters and the ability to hand hold and put in your time getting close to the subject! I'm hoping Canon releases the mark III...just so prices can come down on mark II! Cheers.
No worries Roger, for sure the 300mm I just find to be an all round brilliant lens. The idea for me is of course to tell stories with wildlife images and sometimes being too close just doesn't produce the results I want. The new 120-300 has certainly seen a price drop for the Nikon 300mm 2.8 used market however that lens is on my list to try and out and test. the practicality of a 70-200 and 300mm 2.8 mixed together in a single lens with even better optics really appeals to me, for travelling with less gear but also having great flexibility in a single camera lens combo! However we will see if the price is justified!
Whoa Tom! I've been watching and enjoying for a long time, and notice a SIGNIFICANT change in your video "look" with this installment! Incredibly cinematic! Different cam? Lens? Editing treatment? Do tell! Love it!
Hey Chris, this video was a new combination in regards to filming that I've been testing out and hope to use a lot more in the coming year! (Really glad you noticed and it was worth the effort!)
The whole video was shot in ProResRaw 4K using the Nikon Z6 with the Ninja V - a big step up in my video investment and I'm really happy with the "Look" especially filming with my Nikon 35mm 1.4 prime as most of this was made with.
The rig is great in terms of quality and the workflows quite nice, even with the HUGE file sizes of the RAW video! For future videos I'll try and work in this way as often as I can but for some videos the smaller Z50 will be what I'll use, especially for the more "vlog" style content, where setting up the cinema rig isn't really viable!
Glad you like the new look and I'm hoping to keep refining and developing my video shooting as time goes on!
@@TomMasonPhoto yes - totally worth it. Gorgeous, lush, rich. I look forward to more eye candy along with your great content. 😄
Mind blowing lens.. loved watching video.. wish i could buy one for myself.
6:45 I like the boheh and the context that this focal length is giving your pictures. There's scenery and subject separation as well. Or maybec it's just excellent photography.
Came here today from your video on RED35's channel of the 42.5mm and 45mm f/1.2s. Subbed.
I kind of wonder why there isn't a fast lens for MFT at 150 to 200mm to be the equivalent of this focal length on full frame.
Nice review Tom! I was really tempted to pick up the 300/2.8 when I switched from one of the 150-600 zooms, but I was concerned to find myself using a converter all the time for smaller subjects. So I finally got the 500/4 VR and I‘m super happy with it, apart from the weight 😀
For sure it’s all about how we use tree kit and for you the 500mm sounds perfect! I love getting close and using the lens in low light situations for the 2.8’works for me! Happy shooting!
Brilliant video as usual
Thank you!
Excellent video. I couldn't agree more with how you put everything. Bravo.
Thanks for another great video Tom. Totally agree with your review. I bought a 300 f2.8 second hand a couple of years ago and it has produced many of my very best images. I now have a 500 f4 too but when 300 is long enough it is still my goto lens and I know it will deliver superb results every time.
Great to hear Paul, the 300mm 2.8 is a wonderful lens and paired with a 500mm you have a dream team!
Really nice vid. I do say it everytime but keep up producing so incredibly vids
Thanks man, I’ll do my best to keep them coming!
hi! im considering buying this lens for my Z9, have you compared it to the 70-200 Z or the 100-400mm Z? i just wanna know about sharpness, how do they compare and if this still sill be hold well with the new lens being so sharp, thanks a lot
Great stuff brilliant shots Tom thanks 👍
Glad you enjoyed it
Tom. Just recently purchased the Nikon 300 2.8 VR ll as a used lens (£2,350) and very happy so far. Put this together with the D500 and have a TC1.4 and 2.0 if need going forwards.
At the moment I use a monopod but can I ask you to share what tripod / gimbal you were using in the video?
Also what was your backpack as I am looking to change this?
Enjoy your channel, Andy
Hey Andy, glad you’re enjoying the 300mm! The upgrade is so worth the investment, I’ll do a new Tripod video soon but it’s a Gitzo 4553S with the Gitzo fluid gimbal on top, really great system. The bags the Gitzo 30L one as my new smaller day pack!
Just watched your video and loved you video and your comments. I have to agree with everything you said as I've had one for 3-4 years but it's sitting on a shelf, not being used! 🙈
Aww that’s such a shame for such a wonderful lens! Go get it off the shelf!!
I do love mine, even though I also use a bot load of other glass when I come back to the 300mm it’s just so special in my mind. Wouldn’t ever give it up!
Amen! Thanks for telling it like it is. It´s just so true about the investment. I, like so many other people, have used all of the cosumer lenses and have tried to make do with them. But, hey, the just don´t cut it, on many levels! I´ve just concluded that a 300mm f2,8 + convertors would be my ideal wildlife lens. I´m glad you love it so much and I´ll get it as soon as finances allow :)
“Budget” lol
c'com, it's a bargain at €5.5k *LOL*
Good lenses are much more of an investment than a purchase, I know some photographers that use 8-9 year old 600mm f4, cause they still give great images. They certainly do not use 8-9 bodies however
@@mikkelstormhansen9733 yes but can way décent lens for way way less
@@oliviermotard9113 wut
@@mikkelstormhansen9733 LOL
Presently shooting with a Nikon 200-500 5.6 and love it, but this will be my next lens. Really enjoyed the video!
Thanks Jeff, glad you enjoyed it!
Hi Tom, Great Video, thanks!
I see also a new bag ... is that the smaller or the bigger one of the Adventury.
Best, Mike
Hey Mike, it is a new (ish) bag and it's the smaller one. I've been trying it out as my short/day bag for the last 6 months or so. Works well when I dont need everything in the bag and just have a camera + spare and lots of personal kit / flask etc. There has been loads of interest in the bag so I'll do a review!
Tom Mason Hi Tom, thx a lot! Waiting for the review! Best, Mike
Excellent video Tom - Canon man myself!
Interesting you say you reckon it's the best budget wildlife lens.
I actually got the 300mm f4D after you recommended it and it's been a dream on my Nikon F100, my wildlife camera of choice. The Nikon d850 is for taking videos. It's amazingly fast AF and sharp, so so sharp but not clinical sterile looking sharp like the Tamron 150-600mm zoom I have which is essential for me. It was £400 when I bought that prime.
The 300 F4 AFS is certainly my go to recommended budget telephoto for wildlife however in terms of Super telephotos the 2.8 version gives a large step up in performance, IQ and aperture but still for a decent price (when talking about super tele lenses)
The 300 F4 is a dream lens on the camera especially at the £400/500 price tag
Beautiful images. Very good video. Subscribed.
Great video, loved seeing the images you were able to get with the lens! I really enjoy the style of your images. I recently picked up the af-s 300mm f/4 based largely on advice from a different one of your videos and I am absolutely loving it. To anyone watching this who doesn't quite need the professional level so can't justify this investment, you should watch Tom's other videos on the f/4 version of this lens and consider it as a similar but more wallet friendly alternative. I think a lot of the points in this video still hold true for that one.
Hey Matt, for sure the 300mm F4 AFS is a stunning lens, portable and light, the performance and sharpness is fantastic, the look isn't quite the 2.8's performance but for £500 you can't go wrong! Glad you're joying the lens! Cheers, Tom
My 300 f4D is sharper at the same apertures vs. my 2.8. Its light so im keeping bpth
Great video as usual Tom! Decided to go for the VR I version a couple of months back much thanks to you and your work, and I could not bee happier with the decision! At the moment I am using it with my D500, and I am planning on buying a second body, the D3s, and I am certain it will work great on that body as well. Keep up the the good work!
Thanks Jonas, glad you are enjoying the lens and finding it to be great on the D500, the D3s or maybe even a used D4 would be a great partner!
@@TomMasonPhoto that would be the better option for sure, but the D3s is a lot cheaper, at least here in Norway:)
Great video!🙏🏻 Enjoyed it☺️🙌
Thank you!
Brilliant review mate. I love my 300mm f2.8.
Cheers Craig, its a cracking lens for sure!
Hi Tom, great video. You've certaily given me some food for thought. I'm currently looking on the secondhand market for a telephoto prime and have been considering the nikon 500mm F4G ED VR, however, now you've brought this lens to my attention I may need to reconsider. A used 300 2.8 plus a TC would still come in lower than the 500mm. I did read/hear that the 300 2.8 is the lens nikon had in mind when they developed the TC's so I'd guess/hope that image quality would still be high when using one. Stay safe and keep up the good work, cheers Ian
Hey Ian, when the TC is attached you can't even tell with the 1.4. Really on the D850 to notice any difference you have to be looking 4:1 in the corner to see anything at all and real word A@ prints it looks the same. The 500mm is a great lens as well if you want and like the extra reach, but depending on the camera you have the 300mm + 1.4TC and say a D850 is highly flexible, especially if you like shooting lower light subjects say badgers and foxes where you'll want all the light you can get! Cheers, Tom
@@TomMasonPhoto Hi Tom, thanks for the reply, much appreciated. I now have lots to think about! feels like the 300mm may be a more flexible option when you consider the use of TC's. take care. Ian
Excellent Video, Tom... I have the 300/2.8 and can say it is amazing, with or without the TC. It is my go to lens for butterfly photography because of the closer focusing distance, especially with a TC 1.4 or 1.7. I also have the 500/4, and can say it is a bit heavier and more difficult to travel with than the 300/2.8.
Thanks Donald, yes I find the 300 fantastic for travelling with and am so glad I went for it over the 500 or 400. I’m hoping the 120/300 will be even more of a top performer for my kit in the future but we shall see! The 300 is certainly a great setup when combined with TCs for a variety of subjects!
Great video, I'm very interested in this lens. What camera and especially lens are you using to film the video? Its a super lovely look and combination!
Hey Tom. Absolutely agree with your review, but of course I wouldn’t write a comment if I didn’t have a question to ask. Can you tell me a percentage of the pictures you took with a Teleconverter attached to the 300 compared to all pictures you took with it so far?? I owned myself one for probably over a year or so, but unluckily I didn’t have the time to use it that often and 3.5 grand (€) is a bit much to have it laying around and catch the dust.....looking forward to your next video!! Cheers from Frankfurt, Germany.
I think it's probably about 50:50 in regards to TC use, however with the D850 now I can crop in camera without the need for the TC that is what I tend to do in low light, and choose the TC for better light to make the most of the full RES of the sensor. I find the 1.4 makes basically no change to the lenses performance (other than the one stop reduction) that I can happily use in most situations without worry, however tend to use the lens bare because the 2.8 aperture gives such a fantastic look. Cheers, Tom
Hi Tom how often do you use your 70-200 2.8 ED Fl..? can you please make a video on that one too..? thanks. always love to see your reviews.
Hey, I don't actually own the 70-200 2.8 FL, I have the VR II version, I was loaning the FL from Nikon UK to test over in Botswana. Likely for me is to swap both my 70-200 and 300 2.8 for the new 120-300 FL lens in the future so I probably won't have a 70-200 FL anytime soon. From my test though the lens is fantastic, the incredibly sharp, beautiful in fact, with gorgeous quality. The AF is lightning quick and the build is superb. Cheers, Tom
@@TomMasonPhoto Thanks Tom.
The 300 is good for the big stuff ‘ but it’s a little short on the small stuff’ get a bit messy when u have to start using converters
Hi Tom, great video. Have you tried the 300mm f4 PF curious how it'd compare to this f2.8.
I have tried and used the 300 PF, it’s a great lightweight lens for wildlife and especially paired with a DX camera it’s a great hiking setup, for me the IQ isn’t as good as the 300 2.8 and lacks the look the wider aperture allows, but the 2.8 is a lot heavier for longer hikes, worth it when the images come together though!
@@TomMasonPhoto brilliant thanks for taking the time to reply, it's really appreciated!!! I had a feeling you may have tried one :). Thanks again and all the best!
As always you’ve really put together an informative video and your shots, well they are all truly an inspiration. That grizzly shot at 6:06... Wow! I’d prefer a 600 with tele converter on that bad boy 😁. I’m very close to pulling the trigger on the 300 VII 2.8 to go with my trinity series 14-24, 24-70 and the newer 70-200 2.8. Anyway I’d be interested in hearing more about your tripod and gimbal head that you’re using in this video with the 300. Also any thoughts on the new 120-300 2.8? Insanely expensive but do you think the 300 VII still holds its own? Personally I do. Cheers and thanks again.
I shall certainly be doing a tripod update video soon. I'm hoping to get a 120-300 2.8 to test out at some point, for me it looks a perfect lens combining my 70-200 and 300 2.8 in a single optic, smaller for travel and better as a one lens walk around setup. The optics from what I have been told are incredible and apparently have a noticeable benefit, that I hope is true! I can't quite imagine how good a lens is that has a noticeable improvement over the 300 2.8! Off course the price is well...high and IDK if I'd rather have a 600mm as well as my 300!
If you do pull the trigger on the 300 2.8 you won't regret it!
Thanks for the reply Tom. Looking forward to more videos from you. Keeps me inspired. Cheers!
Alright alright, you talked me into it. I subscribed.
Great video Tom, thank you 🙏
Thanks Garry!
Great vlogs you put out, Tom; recently found and subscribed 👍🏻
Seriously tempted by this lens, used anyway. 50th birthday soon and I’ve asked for money towards a super telephoto, up to now been looking at 150-600 lenses which I’ve rented before but in truth I found the aperture limitations frustrating in the early hours and I’m far more drawn towards fully blurred backgrounds. Trouble is I’d probably also have to sell my beloved 70-20 2.8 and 14-24 2.8 just to get close, especially when allowing for a 1.4 and 2.0 TC 😭 The other thing which I think makes this lens a good choice is your D850...I have a D750, so with half the mp just not sure it’s a sensible choice...maybe that kidney selling website is not such a bad idea after all, if it gets me a D850 too! 🤣
Hey Martin, the 300mm is awesome and I love mine, when I first got it (like 8 years ago) I sold basically everything I owned at 19 to buy it, but it was the best investment I ever made! Certainly with the D850 the lens has really been given another lease of life, the extra reach and quality of the camera is a real bonus and it means I can largely only use the 1.4 TC and still have the reach i need, keeping the lovely f4 aperture. The 2.0 TC I ended up selling on as I just never use it, certainly a d850 is a better quality TC! Or a D500 t pair with your D750 would work well, offering the FPS, reach and speed at a much reduce price. I certainly think once you own a super tele prime, you just think...I should have done this sooner, so good glass is a solid investment and right now some great deals can be found!
@@TomMasonPhoto Thanks so much for taking the time to reply, Tom, I really appreciate the good advice from someone who knows their stuff and has lots of real world experience with this lens, and yes, the D500 is something I’ve been wondering about too. Much thinking to do!
Excellent work by you. Seems like a fine lens. Wet elephant in the river reminds me of Chobe, was it there? I may never make it back, but do have shots and memories. My lenses weren’t quite up to that level.
Yes indeed the Elephants were in Chobe last summer, a wonderful trip!
Hi Tom. Great video as always. What tripod do you use please?
Thank you for your continued efforts to post great content. I find it challenging to put together a nice short clip of my daughters playing and having fun and can appreciate the effort in your vlogs. I have an opportunity to acquire the 300mm, but find that most of my images are made at 500-600mm. I’m in South Florida and most photograph birds. How would you rate sharpness and AF acquisition of the 300mm + TC (1.4 or 2.0) versus the 200-500 on the D850? Best regards.
In regards to the AF - the 300mm 2.8 is certainly significantly faster than the 200-500 with the 1.4 TC. The 2.0 is slower and TBH I hardly ever use it because the D850 crop + the 1.4 gives better results.
@@TomMasonPhoto Thanks
Thank you very much for your videos and your sharing of experiences. I will be upgrading to the Nikon Z8 soon. What do you think of this camera with an Af-S 300mm f/2.8? Would a Z 180-600 be more qualitative?
Great video, I have the 200-500mm but would love to go to a more 'professional' lens but I went to the dark side (mirrorless) and are really hoping that nikon starts producing z-mount version.
I'm very much looking forward to some new longer Z mount glass for my Z6 however right now the FTZ is working really well with my 300mm 2.8 VR II
I love mine. I bought it in 2013 specifically for a trip to northern finland where we used it to take photos of wolverines. The results were amazing. I would never sell it. However at times I find it too heavy and I use the 300mm f/4 PF or the 500mm f/5.6.
Tho both of these can not really compete result wise, they save me from a broken back when hiking ;-)
Good review - I do second your findings.
Northern Finland is where I should be right now! Back up with the bears and Wolverines, I had some great success last year. The 300 is just so good for low light situations with mammals. The 500 PF I'll be testing soon but I doubt I could ever replace my 300 2.8... well maybe the new 120-300 2.8... we shall see!
Hi Tom! Just now 3rd of August 2020 I came across your review on the 300mm VR2 Nikon and Just sibscribed to your Chanel. I also have this lens and what a lens it is. The only Nikon cameras I have is the D4 and D500 both bought brand new.Amazingly my D4 has close to 20 thousand photos only so it should last a life time...My question is about teleconverter...I bought the Nikon 2x teleconverter and wondering If I'd be much better off in quality IfI were To by the 1.7 or 1.4? Thanks mate. From Australia
Thanks a lot for clear comments
I wonder how good it would be with the Nikon Z6 and D500. I own both of these cameras
Great with the D500 and D850. I don't have a Z6 so cannot comment.
ryan Tang ... excellent with both the D500 and the Z6. The Z6 doesn’t focus as fast as the DSLR's but the IQ is Fantastic !!!
Donald Kelley also with the latest Firmware update, slower than DSLR focusing?
Just pair it with the D500 and there you got a legendary setup for birds, haha
Hi Tom, really enjoy your videos and shots.
Just wandering what backpack you were using for the 300mm ?
ATB
In most of these videos I’ve got my Gitzo 30l Adventury backpack. Great pack for a days shooting, often however I work with smaller day packs and non specific photo packs with the lens out and ready to shoot! If I’m travelling my Lowepro Whistler 450 is my go to. Hope that helps
@@TomMasonPhoto Thanks for the infoTom,
Hi Tom
How it works with the z6ii and the 1.4 Converter or 2.0 and adapter ?
Cheers from switzerland
Hi Tom
Agree great lens. I have the VR not VRii. Do you ever use the lens with TC's.? I find using mine with a D500 naked or with the TC 1.4iii produce better results then a FX body with the Tc1.7ii or 2.0iii.
What tripod and head are you using? This has been the best post I've seen about any 300mm f 2.8 in ages. Brilliant photos as well.
Hi Tom, would you in 2022 still prefer a Nikkor 300mm 2.8 VR II (secondhand, mint) for about USD 2700 over a new Nikkor 300mm f4 PF? Thanks so much for your helpful insights!
Great video,
How do you find the results when used with the 1.4/2.0 converters, does image quality significantly suffer much at 5.6 with the 2.0?
I see that you have a new backpack. The Gitzo 45L Adventury. Can you recommend it? :)
Mines the 30L and I do like it for my day pack and short trips out, handy size and fits what I need. I’ll do a full review soon!
@@TomMasonPhoto great! thanks! excited about the review!
Hey Tom, are you also going to test out the new nikon d780?
Wow, I really loved all the photos in this one. I'm surprised how close you got to the grizzlies with 300mm. Just wondering though if you at all end up cropping a lot with the shorter focal length. Personally I think the 180-400 with the built in 1.4tc would be the ideal lens for any form of wildlife.
TBH I crop less and less these days because I find I like the wide approach - often only 10/20% max if I do. I like the 300mm as it’s small and light but also the 2.8 aperture id hate to loose going to a 180/400 f4. Often I work close with wildlife so the closer focus and wide open aperture for low light really works great!
@@TomMasonPhoto great that you are able to get that close to wildlife .... even to bears. Seems like most people favor 500- 600mm lenses these days for wildlife. But yes, the bokeh is unrivaled on the 300/2.8 unless you go with the 400/2.8 which is a much bigger beast.
£5k is hardly a budget lens unless your your earning good money from wildlife photography ,i think i'll stick with my 200-500mm plus 90% of my images are at 500mm currently using the d500 definitely want to upgrade to the d850 soon and i have the same bag best one i've ever had,Great video btw.
5k is for a new one, used they easily found for £2000/2500 that’s maybe £500 or more than a 80/400 or such variable aperture lens.
The 200/500 is a great lens as well and with the D500 is great to pair it with
He did mention that he bought the lens when he turned professional wildlife photographer
Hi Tom I have just purchased one second hand and it’s awesome. Only one thing I find the focusing is I little louder than my other more up to date lenses . Should you say this sounds normal?
Thank you for this and all your videos. I always learn something new. FYI: The sound on your videos is painfully low. I get blasted by sound if I don't remember to turn my PC volume down after viewing your videos.
Great photography and tips! Just stumbled across your channel, new subscriber! What is that rolltop pack your using? Looks awesome
Nevermind, found it on Wex - Gitzo Adventury 30L Backpack- stoked for the next video!
I’m actually going to feature that bag and do a review soon, enjoying it in the field and find it to be an excellent day bag! Thanks for joining the channel,
Lots more videos on route!
and the newer Nikkor 300mm f4 ? ..... seems it would be much easier to travel with and also offers excellent optics from what I have heard
That looks like a robust tripod cradle for the Nk300 f2.8. What is it?
Hello, so I can take focused pictures of small birds and squirrels with this one?
Hey mate! Thanks for the wonderful review. Is old Nikon AF Nikkor 300mm F/2.8 ED IF any good? They are available very cheap on eBay etc. Many thanks
I bought an AF-S 300 mm 2.8 ed if V1, i'll tell you once i get it.
Hey Tom, great video on it!
What's your thought for it in terms of using it with 1.4 and 2.0x TCs? I've heard the 2.0x seriously degrades the AF, to the point it ends up slower than the 200-500?
hi, i bought it and im sad to say it dont compare well in sharpness with the Z glass like 70-200 and the new 400mm f4.5, it is soft wide open when using with Z9 :(
Hi Tom - any experience with the 52mm drop in filter? do you unscrew the clear filter, or stack the +52mm filter on top? I bought a Hoya ND and screwed it onto the clear filter thread, and it’s too thick to close. And I can’t seem to unscrew the clear filter off, to simply have the ND filter on. Which one is the problem - clear filter needs to come off (if so, how? it’s stuck), or Hoya HMC NDX4 is too thick? [i want to use the lens for video and drop the shutter speed down a bit] Your thoughts?
Thanks for another great video Tom. There’s something special about this lens - it has a personality! More so I think than some of the longer focal lengths. One question: I have a 1.4 converter that works fine with it. Is the 2.0 tele really worth it? I’m considering it because I do like photographing small birds some of the time. I have both D500 and d850...
Hey Paul, having used the 2.0 TC I find the sharpness drops a little especially on the never higher Mp cameras. Largely the 1.4 and cropping gets better results and in most cases the f4 aperture is my preference for the better low light and faster AF performance.
Tom Mason thanks Tom - I think I will stick to 1.4 in that case! One day will get a 500 f4 lens too.
would you rather go to a 2nd hand 300 prima than a 200-500, for deer and red deer pictures and filming? thanks
Great video Tom, as usual. Although this one looks especially lush and green in the spring light :-) So, a very convincing argument for 300mm f2.8... here's the question I am wresting with at the moment: Should I opt for a 300mm f.2.8 & a 2xTC or a 500 or 600mm f4 . I know the reach will be slightly better on the 500/600 but, given that 300f2.8 x 2TC is more or less the same thing as 500f4 - is the 300mm + TC in fact a more flexible solution? Your thoughts and input welcome.
Great video Tom. I've been going back and forth on the 300 2.8 with and without VR... There is quite a jump in price for the VR. Since I already have a 200-500 that could be a walk around lens I'm wondering how often the VR will be useful. I use a tripod quite a bit. Any thoughts?
To me, no VR is completely no problem since I shoot my Tammy 150 600 G1 on tripod also
Another cracking video Tom...
I own the Nikon 200-500mm and am looking for a 2.8 prime for the exact reason you mentioned.
As good as the 200-500mm is, the f5.6 aperture will never give as good a background as an f2.8, which can be disappointing at times (particularly in tight separation situations).
I was considering the Nikon 400mm 2.8, but concerned about the portability (often favouring to hand-hold).
How do you find the image quality with the 1.4 or 1.7 tc's and do you have to stop down even further to gain sharpness with them?
Many thanks.
In regards to the TC's I only use the 1.4 these days because the D850 res and cropping options mean I dont really need another and the best optical perforce is key to me. The 1.4 is basically not even noticeable on the 300 2.8, the lens focus just as fast and the image quality is fantastic even in the corners on the D850.
The 400 2.8 also appealed to me as a possible upgrade but having the 300 for the last 8 years just solidly puts in my mind how much I love it, the 120-300 would be great as it would drop a lens in my kit, as I'd not need a 70-200 as well and TBH thats the only reason I really think about changing, for the reduced kit size for travelling.
The 300 I just find as a sweet spot for image making and paired with the D850, the flexibility is just fantastic for the work I do in the field! Cheers, Tom
@@TomMasonPhoto
Thanks for the reply, and that's good to know regarding the 1.4 TC.
I'd predominantly use the 300mm on my D500, so the TC would only be used in exceptional circumstances anyway (with the cropped body obviously giving more reach).
I find the 200-500mm actually takes a nicer image on my old D700, so would probably use that combo if travelling with two bodies.
The D850 sounds awesome too, but that will have to wait for a short while unfortunately 🤣🤣
Good idea about the 120-300mm...
As great as the 70-200mm 2.8 is, there's only so much you can physically carry on trips away.
Thanks again, and loving the videos.
Cheers, Kev.
Budget...eventualy the VR1...what os the diference between VR1 and 2?
Nice video!
How does the teleconverter work with the z6?
The Z6 works great with the 1.4 TC and I’ve used regularly, excellent IQ and the AF is hardly slowed at all