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Nikon Nikkor AI-S 300mm f/2.8 ED Lens

The Nikon 300mm f/2.8 ED is a 300mm f/2.8 lens designed for Nikon F mount cameras. Used copies start from $759.9 on GearFocus, with buyer protection on every purchase.

Nikon Nikkor AI-S 300mm f/2.8 ED Lens

Nikon Nikkor AI-S 300mm f/2.8 ED Lens

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Nikon Nikkor AI-S 300mm f2.8 *ED Lens AIS

Condition: Excellent

Product Highlights

  • 300mm Telephoto Prime Lens
  • Fast f/2.8 Maximum Aperture
  • Extra-low Dispersion (ED) Glass
  • Manual Focus Design

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Used Nikon 300mm f/2.8 ED Listings on GearFocus

Nikon Nikkor AI-S 300mm f2.8 *ED Lens AIS
Nikon Nikkor AI-S 300mm f2.8 *ED Lens AIS

Excellent

$759.90

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Lens Overview — Nikon 300mm f/2.8 ED

The Nikon Nikkor AI-S 300mm f/2.8 is a manual focus prime telephoto lens built around the Nikon F mount, designed for full-frame cameras. With a fixed focal length of 300mm and a maximum aperture of f/2.8, this is a fast, long-reach optic well suited to situations where light is limited or subject separation is a priority. Being a prime lens, it offers a single, fixed perspective that encourages deliberate, considered shooting technique rather than the flexibility of a zoom.

The manual-only focus system means the photographer retains full control over the focus point, with no autofocus motor present. This makes it a hands-on, tactile shooting experience that some photographers actively prefer, particularly in controlled environments. The lens is built for Nikon F-mount compatibility and covers a full-frame image circle, meaning it can be used across a wide range of Nikon bodies without crop considerations affecting the field of view.

Weighing in at 2,900g, this is a substantial piece of glass that reflects the optical demands of a fast 300mm prime. A 122mm filter thread rounds out the key physical specifications. No image stabilization is present.

Key Features — Nikon 300mm f/2.8 ED

300mm f/2.8 Prime: A fixed 300mm focal length with a fast f/2.8 maximum aperture delivers strong subject isolation and usable performance in lower light conditions.

ED Glass Elements: Extra-low Dispersion glass minimizes chromatic aberration, producing sharp, high-contrast images across the frame even at wide apertures.

Nikon F Mount: Compatible with Nikon's extensive F-mount ecosystem, including film and digital bodies, as well as mirrorless systems via adapter.

Full-Frame Coverage: Designed for full-frame image circles, so the 300mm field of view is unaffected by crop factor on full-frame Nikon bodies.

AI-S Manual Focus: The AI-S coupling provides precise aperture control with compatible Nikon bodies, while the manual focus ring offers smooth, tactile control suited to deliberate shooting.

Large-Format Filter Thread: The large front element requires a large-diameter filter thread, accommodating high-quality neutral density, polarizing, and other filter types.

Lens Specifications — Nikon 300mm f/2.8 ED

Nikon 300mm f/2.8 ED full specifications
SpecDetail
Use CasesSports, Wildlife, Birding
Lens TypePrime
FormatFull Frame
Zoom/PrimePrime
Focal Length300mm
Maximum Aperturef/2.8
Camera SystemDSLR
Lens MountNikon F
AutofocusNo
Focus TypeManual
Image StabilizationNone
Filter Thread122mm

Description — Nikon 300mm f/2.8 ED

The Nikon Nikkor AI-S 300mm f/2.8 is a prime telephoto lens designed for Nikon F-mount cameras with full-frame coverage. Its fixed 300mm focal length and f/2.8 maximum aperture make it a fast, long-reach option for photographers who work in manual focus. There is no autofocus — focusType is Manual only — placing complete control in the photographer's hands.

With no image stabilization, disciplined shooting technique and physical support equipment become especially important at this focal length. The lens weighs 2,900g, a figure that underscores its professional-grade construction and the optical requirements of a fast prime at this range. A 122mm filter thread accommodates large-format filtration.

Compatible with the broad range of Nikon F-mount cameras, this lens offers a consistent, fixed perspective ideal for photographers who value optical simplicity and prefer a manual shooting workflow.

Pros — Nikon 300mm f/2.8 ED

  • ✓Fast f/2.8 maximum aperture at 300mm focal length enables strong subject separation and performance in lower light
  • ✓Full-frame coverage (lensFormat: Full Frame) means no crop factor impact on Nikon F-mount full-frame bodies
  • ✓Prime lens design at exactly 300mm delivers a fixed, consistent focal length with no zoom compromise

Cons — Nikon 300mm f/2.8 ED

  • ✗Manual focus only — no autofocus capability, which can be limiting for fast-moving subjects
  • ✗No image stabilization (imageStabilization: None), making it more demanding to shoot handheld at 300mm
  • ✗At 2,900g, the lens is very heavy and will require robust support such as a monopod or tripod for extended use

Videos — Nikon 300mm f/2.8 ED

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Resources & Downloads — Nikon 300mm f/2.8 ED

Manuals & Guides

Frequently Asked Questions — Nikon 300mm f/2.8 ED

Does this lens autofocus?+
No. The Nikon Nikkor AI-S 300mm f/2.8 is a manual focus lens only, as indicated by its focusType specification. There is no autofocus motor built into the lens, and it will not autofocus even on bodies with in-body AF drive motors.
What camera mount does this lens use?+
This lens uses the Nikon F mount. It is designed for Nikon F-mount compatible cameras and covers a full-frame image circle, making it suitable for both full-frame and APS-C Nikon F-mount bodies.
Does the lens have image stabilization?+
No. The specifications list image stabilization as None, so there is no optical stabilization built into this lens. Shooting handheld at 300mm will require careful technique, and use of a monopod or tripod is advisable.
What filter size does this lens accept?+
The lens has a 122mm filter thread. Filters of this size are not commonly available in standard retail ranges and may need to be sourced from specialist suppliers, which can add significant cost.
How heavy is this lens?+
The Nikon Nikkor AI-S 300mm f/2.8 weighs 2,900g according to its specifications. This is a substantial weight that strongly recommends the use of a tripod or monopod, particularly for extended shooting sessions.
Is this a zoom or prime lens?+
This is a prime lens with a fixed focal length of 300mm. There is no zoom capability — the focal length does not change, which is reflected in both the minFocalLength and maxFocalLength being listed as 300mm in the specifications.

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