Nikon Nikkor AF-S 300mm f/2.8 G ED VR-II
The Nikon 300mm f/2.8 G ED VR-II is a 300mm f/2.8 lens designed for Nikon F mount cameras. Used copies start from $2,268.59 on GearFocus, with buyer protection on every purchase.
Nikon Nikkor AF-S 300mm f/2.8 G ED VR-II
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Lens Overview — Nikon 300mm f/2.8 G ED VR-II
Key Features — Nikon 300mm f/2.8 G ED VR-II
300mm f/2.8 Prime: Fixed 300mm focal length with a fast f/2.8 maximum aperture delivers strong subject isolation and excellent light gathering for telephoto shooting.
VR II Stabilization: Second-generation Vibration Reduction provides up to 4 stops of compensation, enabling sharper handheld shots at long focal lengths.
Extra-Low Dispersion Glass: ED glass elements minimize chromatic aberration and color fringing, producing sharp, high-contrast images across the frame.
Silent Wave Motor AF: AF-S Silent Wave Motor delivers fast, near-silent autofocus well-suited to sports, wildlife, and event shooting.
Nikon F Mount: Compatible with the full range of Nikon F mount DSLR bodies, including full-frame flagships like the D4, D5, and D800 series.
Full-Frame Coverage: Designed to cover the full 35mm image circle, ensuring consistent edge-to-edge performance on Nikon's full-frame DSLRs.
Lens Specifications — Nikon 300mm f/2.8 G ED VR-II
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| Use Cases | Wildlife, Sports, Portrait |
| Lens Type | Prime |
| Format | Full Frame |
| Zoom/Prime | Prime |
| Focal Length | 300mm |
| Maximum Aperture | f/2.8 |
| Camera System | DSLR |
| Lens Mount | Nikon F |
| Autofocus | Yes |
| Focus Type | Manual, Auto |
| Image Stabilization | Optical |
| Filter Thread | 52mm |
Description — Nikon 300mm f/2.8 G ED VR-II
The Nikon Nikkor AF-S 300mm f/2.8 G ED VR-II is a prime telephoto lens built around the Nikon F mount and designed to cover the full-frame sensor format. It delivers a fixed 300mm focal length paired with a fast f/2.8 maximum aperture, making it a strong performer when shooting in lower light or when background separation is a priority. The lens includes optical image stabilization, helping to manage the inherent challenge of shooting at long focal lengths handheld.
Focus options include both autofocus and manual focus, providing versatility across different shooting conditions and photographer preferences. A 52mm filter thread makes filter use straightforward, and the threading size is relatively accessible for a lens of this specification. The lens tips the scales at 2,900g, which reflects the substantial optical assembly required for a prime of this aperture and focal length.
Intended for DSLR cameras on the Nikon F system, this lens is a dedicated tool for photographers invested in the Nikon F ecosystem who require reach and aperture performance in a prime telephoto configuration.
Pros — Nikon 300mm f/2.8 G ED VR-II
- ✓Fast f/2.8 maximum aperture provides strong light-gathering capability at 300mm
- ✓Optical image stabilization helps reduce the effects of camera shake during handheld use
- ✓Full-frame coverage ensures compatibility with Nikon F mount full-frame DSLRs
Cons — Nikon 300mm f/2.8 G ED VR-II
- ✗At 2,900g, the lens is very heavy and will require robust support for extended handheld use
- ✗Fixed 300mm focal length offers no zoom flexibility, requiring physical repositioning to reframe
- ✗No information available on weather sealing from the provided specifications
Videos — Nikon 300mm f/2.8 G ED VR-II
Nikon 300mm 2.8 VR II review, maybe the best budget SUPER TELEPHOTO for WILDLIFE PHOTOGRAPHY 2020! — Tom Mason
Frequently Asked Questions — Nikon 300mm f/2.8 G ED VR-II
What camera mount does this lens use?+
This lens is built for the Nikon F mount. It is designed for use with Nikon F-mount DSLR cameras and covers the full-frame format.
Does this lens support autofocus?+
Yes, the lens supports both autofocus and manual focus operation. This gives photographers the ability to switch between focus modes depending on the shooting situation.
Does this lens have image stabilization?+
Yes, the lens features optical image stabilization. This helps compensate for camera shake, which is particularly useful when shooting handheld at 300mm.
What filter size does this lens accept?+
The lens has a 52mm filter thread, which allows use of standard 52mm screw-in filters.
How heavy is this lens?+
The lens weighs 2,900g. Photographers planning extended handheld use should factor this into their kit planning, and a monopod or tripod support is worth considering.
Is this lens compatible with full-frame cameras?+
Yes, the lens is specified as a full-frame format lens, meaning it provides coverage for full-frame Nikon F-mount DSLR bodies without vignetting.