Nikon AF-S Nikkor 300mm f/2.8G ED VRII Review

Nikon AF-S Nikkor 300mm f/2.8G ED VR II Sample Photos

Sharpness is outstanding across the frame when stopped down | 1/320 sec | f/11.0 | 300.0 mm | ISO 320 High-Res	Clarity is very good across the frame at maximum aperture | 1/2500 sec | f/2.8 | 300.0 mm | ISO 200 High-Res
Nikon's Nano-Crystal coating makes this lens very resistant to flare and loss of contrast | 1/800 sec | f/2.8 | 300.0 mm | ISO 200 High-Res	Closest focus is 2.3m | 1/320 sec | f/4.0 | 300.0 mm | ISO 250 High-Res
1/1600 sec | f/2.8 | 300.0 mm | ISO 200 High-Res	1/320 sec | f/2.8 | 300.0 mm | ISO 360 High-Res
1/500 sec | f/8.0 | 300.0 mm | ISO 200 High-Res	1/800 sec | f/5.6 | 300.0 mm | ISO 200 High-Res

Value for Money

I don't think anyone can deny, this is a very expensive piece of glass. With a price of around £4000, this lens probably costs more than many professional photographer's cars. Even so, given the performance and build quality of this lens, it may well be worth the expense for those who rely on photography for a living.

Cheaper alternatives include Nikon's AF-S 300mm f/4 ED-IF lens, which costs around £1000, but lacks vibration reduction and has a slower maximum aperture.

Sigma currently offer two viable alternatives to this lens. Their 300mm f/2.8 EX DG HSM can be picked up for around £2200. However, this lens lacks the weather sealed build and vibration reduction technology found on the Nikon lens. Another interesting alternative can be found in Sigma's 120-300mm f/2.8 EX DG OS HSM lens. Not only is this lens considerably cheaper at around £1500, but it offers the convenience of a zoom with a fast f/2.8 maximum aperture and optical stabilisation.

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