Nikon 300mm F4.5 AIS for wildlife

[raider2727]

I am sat here waiting for my new D300S to arrive (hurry up postie)
I have the following lenses, Nikon 14-24, 24-70 and 70-200 VR MKI.
I really want to get more involved with Wildlife this year and because of my kit and a new lee filter kit i dont have much cash left but would like 1 sharp tele suitable for wildlife.

Nikon 300mm F4.5 AIS although manual focus seems to fit the bill and is within my price range.
Can anyone comment on the lenses performance?

[Jamieconverge]

how much do 300 ais go for?

why not go for a tele convertor for the 70-200?

[Naboo32]

how much do 300 ais go for?

why not go for a tele convertor for the 70-200?

FWIW, I'm using a 1.7x TC on my 70-200mm and I have to admit, it does detract a little from the sharpness :|. If I was serious about wildlife photography, I'd choose a 300mm prime as well :thumbs:.

[raider2727]

i had a 1.7 TC and to be honest i was not happy with it, i think the 1.4 TC is a better option but again i guess not as sharp as a prime.
I think the lens will sell for around £200-£300 depending on condition

[raider2727]

FWIW, I'm using a 1.7x TC on my 70-200mm and I have to admit, it does detract a little from the sharpness :|. If I was serious about wildlife photography, I'd choose a 300mm prime as well :thumbs:.

Andy i love the pics of the Red Squirrel on your site, what lens did you use for that?

[Naboo32]

Andy i love the pics of the Red Squirrel on your site, what lens did you use for that?

Funnily enough, all of those (IIRC), were shot with the Nikkor 70-200mm f/2.8 VRII fitted with the TC17EII teleconvertor. What's more, they were mostly shot using very high ISO settings and were then cropped to buggery :lol:!

In better light, the results might look better, but I'm afraid that these 'wildlife' pics of mine don't really do the lens justice :(.

Thanks for the kind words, nonetheless :).