Nikon AF-S 300mm f/2.8D ED-IF II Nikkor

The lens above is shown in white, but mine, and every other unit I have seen, is in Nikon black. This is of course the non-VR model and though the VR is always a welcome addition, I believe this is one lens that when used for sports, wildlife, etc., does not mandate the VR function. The reason is that no one in their right mind hand holds this thing... it's heavy. This sucker is mounted on a tri or monopod - typically the latter for myself has I am a sports photographer mainly. I have used this to cover weddings (though if you can swing the $ I would recommend the 200mm f/2 VR for such work), graduations, etc., but my purpose for getting it was for sports and trust me... it excells. This is my finest optic hands down (note, I have not yet acquired the 200mm f/2, saving, saving, saving)! I also work with the 17-55mm AF-S f/2.8, the 70-200mm AF-S f/2.8 VR, and the 85mm AF D f/1.4 and this out performs them all. For portrait work and extremely low light the 85 f/1.4 is tough to match, but the 300mm is superb. In the field the auto focus is lightning fast especially on a body like the D2X or D2H. Optical quality and construction is top notch and images are spectacular. Couple this with a TC AF-S telephoto converter and you get 420mm f/4, 510mm f/4.5ish, or 600mm f/5.6!!! The bulk and design of the glass allows for brighter and sharper pictures than either of my other f/2.8 zooms including the VR. I got an unbelievable deal on this baby on eBay. I got it from Cameta as a Nikon approved demo, but it was LIKE NEW SUPERB! I lucked out and got it over a year ago for about $2200! The lowest I have seen them lately is about $3200 used. Even at this price though it is tough to NOT justify the expense for the quality if it suites your photographic needs. Unbelievable speed and quality.

Optical Quality
Build Quality
AF speed is unreal
Balance
Speed

*Newest release has VR - makes it the only VR 300mm for Nikon bodies! and runs only $200ish more than the previous model.

Lens hood - the spring loaded security screw broke about 3 months after I got it and the replacement is $300!
Price - but worth it

Nothing to match it. The Sigma 120-300 f/2.8 is nice but even though it offers HSM it is not quite as fast as the Nikon's AF-S and the image quality at 300mm is arguably not quite as sharp... though it does give you a ZOOM at f/2.8. It is also huge. Never tried the 300mm f/2.8s from the likes of Tamron or Sigma (prime). They may be awesome. Remember the new version of this lens has VR and the only other option in that technology is to be a Canon user and pick up their IS version.

Never needed it.

One of the best 300mm f2.8 out there. Much lighter than the AF-S Model I. Better material used on the lens hood, still have to be careful with the locking screw. Fast and sharp, works well with the both the TC-14E & 20E [I and II]. If you have the AF-S I, probably no need to upgrade [especially with all the new VR lenses coming out, model III is just a matter of time], if you shoot Nikon and are looking for a 300mm f2.8, it is worth considering this lens, cost more than a Tamron, Sigma, or Tokina, but it's worth it..

Noticeable lighter weight [almost a pound lighter than model I], significant with the 300mm [more of a hand hold lens], less important, but still nice to have the weight loss in the 400mm, 500mm and 600mm AF-S II [mostly used with monopods]. Slightly faster focusing [not a whole lot].t

It would be nice to have VR feature, maybe model III? Better and stronger lens hood lock, more than 60% of the shooters I know who use this lens have the locking screw broken off, I am one of the luckier ones.f

Nikon 300mm f2.8 MF, AF-I, AF-S I, 400mm f2.8 MF, AF-S I & II, 500mm f4 AF-S I and II, 600mm f4 AF-S I, Canon EF 300mm f2.8 I and IS, 400mm f2.8 II and ISS

Not needed.`