Nikon Nikkor AI-S 300mm f/4.5 ED IF Lens
The Nikon 300mm f/4.5 ED IF is a 300mm f/4.5 lens designed for Nikon F mount cameras. Used copies start from $200.26 on GearFocus, with buyer protection on every purchase.
Nikon Nikkor AI-S 300mm f/4.5 ED IF Lens
Used Nikon 300mm f/4.5 ED IF Listings on GearFocus
Lens Overview — Nikon 300mm f/4.5 ED IF
Key Features — Nikon 300mm f/4.5 ED IF
300mm Telephoto Prime: Fixed 300mm focal length provides dedicated reach for wildlife, sports, and distant subject photography without the optical compromises of a zoom design.
ED Glass Element: Extra-low Dispersion glass reduces chromatic aberration, delivering sharper, higher-contrast images at the edges of the frame.
Internal Focus Design: Focusing is achieved internally, so the overall lens length does not change during focus — useful for maintaining balance on a tripod.
f/4.5 Maximum Aperture: Offers reasonable light-gathering capability for a manual telephoto prime, supporting subject separation and usable shutter speeds in good light.
Nikon F Mount: Compatible with a wide range of Nikon F-mount film and digital SLR bodies spanning several decades, including full frame DSLRs.
Full Frame Coverage: Image circle covers full frame sensors, making it fully usable on bodies like the Nikon D800, D810, and D3 series without vignetting.
Lens Specifications — Nikon 300mm f/4.5 ED IF
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| Use Cases | Wildlife, Sports, Birding |
| Lens Type | Prime |
| Format | Full Frame |
| Zoom/Prime | Prime |
| Focal Length | 300mm |
| Maximum Aperture | f/4.5 |
| Camera System | DSLR |
| Lens Mount | Nikon F |
| Autofocus | No |
| Focus Type | Manual |
| Image Stabilization | None |
| Filter Thread | 72mm |
Description — Nikon 300mm f/4.5 ED IF
The Nikon Nikkor AI-S 300mm f/4.5 is a prime telephoto lens built for the Nikon F mount, with full coverage of a full frame sensor. Its fixed 300mm focal length places it squarely in telephoto range, offering a dedicated single-focal-length solution rather than the flexibility of a zoom. The maximum aperture of f/4.5 provides adequate light transmission for a lens of this class.
Focusing is entirely manual — there is no autofocus mechanism — meaning the photographer takes full control over focus accuracy and speed. No image stabilization is present, so sharp imagery at this focal length depends on solid technique or the use of a support system. The 72mm filter thread is a practical choice, aligning with a widely available filter ecosystem. At 745g, the lens is a manageable carry for a telephoto prime of this reach.
Compatible bodies must use the Nikon F mount system.
Pros — Nikon 300mm f/4.5 ED IF
- ✓Fixed 300mm focal length (specifications: minFocalLength/maxFocalLength = 300) delivers dedicated telephoto reach with no optical compromises from a zoom design
- ✓Full frame coverage (specifications: lensFormat = Full Frame) makes it compatible with Nikon F-mount full frame bodies
- ✓Maximum aperture of f/4.5 (specifications: maximumAperture = 4.5) offers reasonable light gathering for a 300mm telephoto prime
Cons — Nikon 300mm f/4.5 ED IF
- ✗Manual focus only (specifications: autoFocus = false, focusType = Manual) — no autofocus support, which limits usability for fast-moving subjects
- ✗No image stabilization (specifications: imageStabilization = None) means sharp handheld results at 300mm depend entirely on shooter technique or external support
- ✗f/4.5 maximum aperture (specifications: maximumAperture = 4.5) is relatively modest and may require higher ISO settings in lower light conditions
Videos — Nikon 300mm f/4.5 ED IF
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Frequently Asked Questions — Nikon 300mm f/4.5 ED IF
Does this lens work on full frame Nikon cameras?+
Yes. The lens is specified as Full Frame format (specifications: lensFormat = Full Frame), meaning it is designed to cover a full frame sensor without vignetting. It uses the Nikon F mount, so it is compatible with Nikon F-mount full frame bodies.
Does this lens have autofocus?+
No. The specifications explicitly list autoFocus as false and focusType as Manual. Focusing is entirely manual, so the photographer must adjust focus by hand using the focus ring.
What filter size does this lens use?+
The lens has a 72mm filter thread (specifications: filterThreadSize = 72). This is a fairly common filter size and compatible accessories should be straightforward to source.
How heavy is this lens?+
The lens weighs 745 grams (specifications: weight = 745g). For a 300mm telephoto prime, this is a manageable weight, though handheld shooting at this focal length without stabilization still requires good technique.
Does this lens have image stabilization?+
No. The specifications list imageStabilization as None. Photographers should plan to use a tripod, monopod, or other support equipment to help achieve sharp images at 300mm.