300f4 LENS FOR AIR SHOWS

[merv]

I have been getting advice on airshows and often see that people use an 300f4 nikon lens. How does this compare with a 70-300 as I was thinking of getting the 300 prime. I have a D300:bang:

[Wail]

I've never used the 300 f/4; but it is far superior, sharper and a lot faster to focus, lens. Also, it can happily take the 1.4 tele-converter; and even with the 1.7 tele. it still maintains sharpness.

The only downside, when compared to the 70-300VR, is the lack of VR .. so, you will need to learn how to hand-hold it and watch your shutter speed.

In all fairness, I don't think it is a fair comparison ( 300 f/4 vs. 70-300VR). They are two very different bits of kit.

[paulyoung666]

at sunderland airshow i didnt find 300 mm enough even on a 1.6 crop body , but i most certainly appreciated the zoom , especially for the red arrows finale and the larger aircraft :thumbs:

[hyakuhei]

You'll find that the Nikkor 300 F/4 AF-S will spank most lenses (any zoom) - if you ask a Nikon user you'll find out that there's only one better telephoto lens in the world, the Nikkor 300 F/2.8 AF-S :D

I use the 300 AF-S for all my aviation work (http://galleries.westwalesphotography.co.uk/aviation) and I have to say that I've been very happy with it, very sharp and very contrasty, I love the detail that it can produce. I agree that sometimes 300mm can be a little bit short for airshows but anything over 300mm starts to get *Very* expensive. The 300 F/4 will take a 1.4TC quite happily, I use the Kenko one and get good results:

This shot (http://galleries.westwalesphotography.co.uk/p971164570/e23709a59) and this shot (http://galleries.westwalesphotography.co.uk/p971164570/e3a9895b6) were both taken using the 300 + kenko 1.4TC

In all fairness, I don't think it is a fair comparison ( 300 f/4 vs. 70-300VR). They are two very different bits of kit.

Yup - can't argue there. If you don't want to compromise on IQ but can't afford the 300 F/2.8 then the 300 F/4 is the muts nuts, however primes can be very restricting and can also leave a big gap in your coverage. Zooming with your feet, panning and learning how to pick your shots all become important factors.

Hope this helps :clap:

[merv]

Yes that helps. Will the TC1.7 work with the 300f4. I also have the 70-200f2.8 :bang:

[hyakuhei]

I believe it will but you might find the AF struggling a bit on all but the brightest of days

[lythambelle]

I've been considering this lens 300 afs (presently trying to save up the cash), however I have not seen anywhere selling this lens (where they have them in stock).

Where did you get yours?

[merv]

Haven't got the 300f4 yet but Grays of Westminster have it:thumbs:

[merv]

I've maybe mentioned this before, but which is likely to be the better bet, tne70-200 f2.8 with 1.7TC or the 70-300 VR. Have both these lenses and will have to think seriously about the 300f4 whether or not there is any advantage:bang::bonk:

[hyakuhei]

Which 70-200 Merv?

[merv]

Sorry, the nikon 70-200 f2.8 VR (£1500 quids worth!!!!):$
Thanks for asking

[hyakuhei]

It depends what you want to do really, I'd expect the 70-200 F/2.8 to out perform the 70-300 in every aspect even when taking the TC into account but its not going to be the same as using a prime, particularly when looking at edge sharpness, CA and AF performance.

The OP mentioned your interested in airshows, the 70-200 would be nice for the reds but for single aircraft your most likely going to want to be over the 400mm mark which means using a 300 and a TC - you could possibly look at the 70-200 + 2xTC but thats not a great combo really - teleconverters and zooms dont mix :thumbs:

[Wail]

I had the 70-200VR, and frankly I wouldn't pair it with a 2x TC even if it was my only choice. It's just far too soft with that combination.

[merv]

So hyakuhei what are you suggesting--- the nikon 300f4 plus which TC? Is my present 1.7TC OK to use or did I hear someone say Kenko?:bonk::bang:

[hyakuhei]

That would be a good start Merv, the 300 F/4 holds it value very well so you can always change it later.

The 1.7TC will be fine, I only have a 1.4 kenko and I'm happy with its performance. You'll get a bit more magnification with the 1.7 but you'll loose some light and I'd expect that the AF would slow a little too but I'd imagine it to be a very usable combination for the summer months.

There's no reason to pick Kenko over Nikon other than the price difference, if I could afford it I've had got the Nikon but the Kenko is very good so I'm quite happy to keep it.

[PsiFox]

I also have the Kenko 1.4 with the 300 AF-S, it is fine:)

[buckas]

i used my 400mm/5.6 prime at fairford, didn't change the lens for the whole show. was bang on the money for everything other than "group" shots which would need a bit wider, but for 90% of the show the 400 was needed

http://drewbuckleyphotography.com/fairford09.html

(on 1.6x sensor)

drew