Nikon 300mm 2.8 VR II review, maybe the best budget SUPER TELEPHOTO for WILDLIFE PHOTOGRAPHY 2020!

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Hey Guys, today I'm back with what is a well overdue review of the Nikon 300mm 2.8 VR II!
I've had this lens for 8 years now, a true faithful friend.
The lens has been with me all over the place as a pro wildlife photographer, helping me make thousands of images I love, and deliver professional assignments and jobs.
Investing in a supertele a a huge step in your wildlife photography journey and for myself the 300 2.8 was always the lens for me. The fast aperture, incredible AF speed and combination of flexibility with teleconverters plus a compact form factor for travelling ticked all my boxes, and today I thought I'd share some thoughts and images.
With the price now often below £2500 and even as low as £1800 the 300mm 2.8 VR I and VR II offer an incredible option for the budget conscious wildlife photographer. Far surpassing the consumer zoom options that can retail for not much less, the 300mm 2.8 is a class apart in terms of the professional quality, performance and optics.
If you are looking at getting one, often in the UK Wex have some great second hand deals, offering a 12 month warrantee on purchases and great service. I use and work with Wex ( I give regular lectures and workshops for them) so know they are a great company and team.
If you do buy it helps me out with a small cut whilst ensuring you'll get a great deal and reliable product.
This ones a steal!
Nikon 300mm 2.8 VR I : tidd.ly/5b1988ac
As always guys if you have any questions be it about the 300mm 2.8 VR II or anything wildlife photography related be sure to drop it in the comments and I'll get back to you!
Thanks for watching and please do like and subscribe and share if you enjoy the content.
If you've found my video helpful and fancy dropping me a coffee or small donation to say thanks, you can do so here www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_...
Cheers Guys!
Tom
----
For more of my work be sure to check out my Instagram @TomMasonPhoto or on the web - www.tommasonphoto.com
In my bag : (UK affiliate links help me fund the channel and cost you nothing)
Lowepro Whistler 450 AW II - (travelled flawlessly on all my flights with ALL the gear below inside!)
tidd.ly/ee5e459a
Nikon Monarch HG 8x30's - Simply love these. tidd.ly/3df767bb
Nikon D850 + Grip + D5 batteries tidd.ly/5e9ce68e
Nikon D5 tidd.ly/4fb4af7b
Nikon Z6 and 24-70S - (All video for the channel now shot on this - love this little camera!) tidd.ly/18f827ed
Nikon 300mm 2.8 VR II (My all time favourite lens) tidd.ly/c3774d0f
Nikon 70-200 FL tidd.ly/50423b68
Nikon 35mm 1.4 G tidd.ly/74102f76
Nikon 20mm 1.8G tidd.ly/792d72d0
Nikon 1.4 TC tidd.ly/51bb49a8
Nikon 2.0 TC tidd.ly/6d38e4fe
Nikon SB-700 tidd.ly/40a57f1a
Spare D5 battery tidd.ly/3c45d8ba
Gitzo Mini Traveller tidd.ly/eda4b0c
Petzel Headlamp amzn.to/2LX80SW
G-tech external drives amzn.to/2Yil63y
Macbook 12" amzn.to/2ZBQ57e
Gitzo Rocket Blower (however i'd get this one) tidd.ly/8d6a3ab4
I also carry a trusty Gitzo Tripod and Monopod
Gitzo 2 series mountaineer (will do a video about this soon) tidd.ly/56738206
Gitzo monopod tidd.ly/bb4c85ec
If you have any Gear questions drop them below as well, I'm always happy to help! Or hit me up on Twitter or Instagram @TomMasonPhoto.
#wildlifephotography

Опубликовано:

23 май 2020

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Комментарии : 358

@DE-in3rn 4 года назад

Dude: you just became my all time favorite wildlife photographer, your work is astonishing. And I wish you the best with your channel. I don’t think you really know how good you are!

@XCMRM80 4 года назад

I've just told my wife that you said I need to get one of these. I don't think she likes you now! 🤣. Good video 🙂

@TomMasonPhoto 4 года назад

Haha, well ill take the hate if it means you get the lens ;)

@noobgamingcreations4144 4 года назад

@@TomMasonPhoto Same here :D

@shyster717 3 года назад

Mine told me "No way dude", but I have known her for 28 years. She'll get soft.... :-) `soon...

@PupilPriority 3 года назад

Really love the whole video and how you shot it too! Also, the images

@9aryfreeman 4 года назад

Another entertaining and informative video Tom, it always makes me smile with excitement when you release a new video, you never disappoint. 👍🏻

@TomMasonPhoto 4 года назад

Thanks Gary, glad you like the videos, I’ll be keeping them coming!

@dirtrider233 4 года назад

Fantastic video Tom. I absolutely love mine, in fact your images inspired me to buy one back in 2018. It’s a brilliant all round wildlife lens and it’s always in my bag unless I need the reach of the 500mm f4 VR for a specific subject. Keep up the brilliant work with the channel and your photography.

@TomMasonPhoto 4 года назад

Cheers Matt, glad you're liking the 300mm 2.8, the 500 /600 are tempting for me sometimes however now I think the 120-300 might be next... Ill keep the videos coming!

@AlexanderSogliero 3 года назад

Excellent video. I couldn't agree more with how you put everything. Bravo.

@baljindersinghsidhu3959 2 года назад

Mind blowing lens.. loved watching video.. wish i could buy one for myself.

@Capcity44 2 года назад

Great video and images, Tom. Thanks for telling us about a lens that RU-vidrs don't talk about much. Budget is certainly relative, but the used prices on these are more realistic than ever, and there are few lenses this good at that price range.

@GeoffCooper 4 года назад

Great overview video and great lens :) I got mine just over a year ago now and have had no regrets at all - at he time I honestly thought I’d end up selling it in favour of a 500 PF, but it’s just too useful and awesome!!

@TomMasonPhoto 4 года назад

Yes the 300mm is just amazing, the 500 PF is nice and I’ll review it later this year but for me for the price the 300 is the winner. The AF speed, performance and aperture just make it a stand out winner for me!

@eric159tw 4 года назад

It's very funny that I'm not professional nor using Nikon but still love watching your video! Great work!!! Really enjoyed it!

@TomMasonPhoto 4 года назад

Thank you!

@613jasper 4 года назад

Awesome video, Tom! Thanks for giving us something to watch during the quarantine times! I recently found a 300 2.8 AFS I for $1600 and I’m really happy with the value/ quality for the condition it’s in. New favorite lens for sure!

@TomMasonPhoto 4 года назад

All the AFS versions of the lens are great, top class optics and speed! Glad you’re happy wit yours!

@zunngo2652 4 года назад

I have a vr1 version too. But i found that picture taken in f2.8 is not as sharp as f4. I saw some people online said that is normal, but some others review article say this lens is tack sharp throughout every aperture. Im really confusing now, how about your copy?

@patricksmith2553 2 года назад

@@zunngo2652 Your lens should be sharp or very sharp actually, wide open at f/2.8! You may want to check for a dirty drop in filter or possibly haze, fungus or something like that. Only other possibly is you got a bad copy which is extremely unlikely so it could be something like damage or a separated lens element or grouping. Take out the 52mm drop-in filter and ensure it’s clean, while doing that check the rear most element is in place. It should not rotate or move. Use a new micro-fiber cloth or new q-tip to press slightly against the most rear element to insure its in place solidly and does not move or rotate. If your lens is clean and clear, it should be very sharp wide open. So I’m guessing it’s a dirty drop-in filter or dirty back element. Either of which can negatively effect image quality. Some dust or dirt on the front element will have zero impact on IQ, but those rear elements are a completely different story. They will absolutely effect image quality if they are dirty or damaged. You can replace the 52mm Nikon NC filter that’s in the rear drop-in filter holder. They are about $35 new online, and you can replace them. As long as you can get the original filter off. Sometimes they get stuck on and are very difficult to remove. In that case you’d need to buy a whole new drop-in unit and filter. These can be found usually on eBay. Good luck! I’ve had the AF-S/AF-S II, VR and now have the VRII and all have been very sharp wide open at f/2.8! But they do get sharper at f/4, but not by much, so it’s unusual yours is not very sharp at f/2.8! You should have it looked at if you can’t figure this out in your own.

@AveryCaudill Год назад

Such a great review! Jsut snagged a VR mark i for 1600$! with a two year warranty! Long time fan of the channel, cheers Avery

@kontrolla1 4 года назад

Thanks for another great video Tom. Totally agree with your review. I bought a 300 f2.8 second hand a couple of years ago and it has produced many of my very best images. I now have a 500 f4 too but when 300 is long enough it is still my goto lens and I know it will deliver superb results every time.

@TomMasonPhoto 4 года назад

Great to hear Paul, the 300mm 2.8 is a wonderful lens and paired with a 500mm you have a dream team!

@robferguson6798 3 года назад

Great video. You are so right about everyone having that close up tight shot. They are great in some instances but the landscape shots with the subject being small in the 1/3 is in my opinion the nicest and classic shot for fine art. Good for you for not following the pack! Don’t shoot the norm and everything else will fall in place. Less is more!

@GingerPhotographer 4 года назад

Excellent video Tom - Canon man myself!

@rafaelbarakat3216 2 года назад

Hi Tom, thank you for your video. I am looking into wildlife lenses and kept falling for the big berthas (as I feel it is what is most seen on social media). But your review of the 300mm f2.8 made it clear that there is more to wildlife photography than just capturing an animal as close as possible from as far as possible. Thanks again and have a good one !

@VkG64 6 месяцев назад

Great channel Tom. Just got my hands on a used 300 2.8 VR II (and a couple TCs), can't wait to try it out and keep improving. The switch from a Tamron 150-600 G2 will be both challenging and interesting !

@ricardoobando1883 Год назад

You are my favorite youtube channel now ❤

@theamateurphotographer8307 4 года назад

thank you for helping me decide on my super telephoto lens. This review, the sample images and the reasons that you talked about resonated with me. So I decided to buy a 300mm F2.8 ai lens to use on my Olympus OMD EM1 mk2 and WOW. thank you again love this setup it really adds some pop to my wildlife photography. Cheers Graham Kilpatrick

@alexblaze8878 3 года назад

Now the 300mm ai IS a budget telephoto...my idea of a budget lens anyway.

@BosePhotography 4 года назад

Great advice Tom! I’m hoping to go for the Canon version when I can justify it, that 300mm focal length seems to be my favourite go-to as well and I’d definitely prefer the mobility of that over a larger lens. We’ve been happy with the 100-400, but I hired a sigma 150-600 when we were photographing mountain hares in February and hated it! I ended up switching back to our old 300mm and was so much happier! Hope you’re keeping well at the moment, Sam.

@TomMasonPhoto 4 года назад

Hey Sam, for sure the 300mm 2.8 is in a different realm to the more prosumer lenses the 2.8 aperture and optics make it a dream and you’ll be stoked with it! I’m ok in the current situation just keeping busy and getting the jobs done!

@neilpaton2448 2 года назад

What was wrong with the Sigma? Not sharp enough? I used to have the 150-500, which was passable but not nearly as good as the Nikon 200-500.

@cmcimagesmedia 4 года назад

Stunning images, I love the Elephants, Amazing. My favourite animal and would love to shoot some images in the wild.

@TomMasonPhoto 4 года назад

Thank you, the Elephants were a true highlight of my time in Africa last year and the 300mm did a cracking job!

@lewissouthworth7568 Год назад

Hi Tom, I bought mine this weekend after watching this video. I've had a quick play with it so far and been blown away by it. I'll be using it at RIAT this year so can't wait to see what it can do with fighter jets, whilst stuck on my D810.

@chuckmac3994 5 месяцев назад

Best Nature photo video I've watched. I've just picked up a Sigma 300mm f2.8 for £550, so hoping to achieve something similar to your Awesome work.

@lukes5533 4 года назад

Great stuff brilliant shots Tom thanks 👍

@TomMasonPhoto 4 года назад

Glad you enjoyed it

@ianh8396 4 года назад

Great Video Tom, I am just starting out and have a D500 with the 200-500mm. With practice, hoping to one day get a few decent shots of birds and Wildlife. Cheers Ian

@benomatography 4 года назад

Nice review Tom! I was really tempted to pick up the 300/2.8 when I switched from one of the 150-600 zooms, but I was concerned to find myself using a converter all the time for smaller subjects. So I finally got the 500/4 VR and I‘m super happy with it, apart from the weight 😀

@TomMasonPhoto 4 года назад

For sure it’s all about how we use tree kit and for you the 500mm sounds perfect! I love getting close and using the lens in low light situations for the 2.8’works for me! Happy shooting!

@64viji 4 года назад

Great video!🙏🏻 Enjoyed it☺️🙌

@TomMasonPhoto 4 года назад

Thank you!

@craigmaisfield3247 4 года назад

Brilliant review mate. I love my 300mm f2.8.

@TomMasonPhoto 4 года назад

Cheers Craig, its a cracking lens for sure!

@NikCan66 4 года назад

Brilliant video as usual

@TomMasonPhoto 4 года назад

Thank you!

@MAKE_PHOTOGRAPHS_ANYWHERE 4 года назад

Nice overview of the lens. 300mm f2.8 are top tier gear. Great separation and pop for the subject.

@TomMasonPhoto 4 года назад

Totally agree! The 300mm 2.8 is an awesome lens, bloody love mine!

@jonasjansshaugli2993 4 года назад

Great video as usual Tom! Decided to go for the VR I version a couple of months back much thanks to you and your work, and I could not bee happier with the decision! At the moment I am using it with my D500, and I am planning on buying a second body, the D3s, and I am certain it will work great on that body as well. Keep up the the good work!

@TomMasonPhoto 4 года назад

Thanks Jonas, glad you are enjoying the lens and finding it to be great on the D500, the D3s or maybe even a used D4 would be a great partner!

@jonasjansshaugli2993 4 года назад

@@TomMasonPhoto that would be the better option for sure, but the D3s is a lot cheaper, at least here in Norway:)

@allanternent8862 2 года назад

Thanks for a good review on the lens as am looking getting into wild life photography

@TomMasonPhoto 2 года назад

Glad it was helpful!

@YipKuSing 6 месяцев назад

Beautiful images. Very good video. Subscribed.

@cotswoldphotographers 4 года назад

Great video Tom, thank you 🙏

@TomMasonPhoto 4 года назад

Thanks Garry!

@jeffcowan2667 4 года назад

Presently shooting with a Nikon 200-500 5.6 and love it, but this will be my next lens. Really enjoyed the video!

@TomMasonPhoto 4 года назад

Thanks Jeff, glad you enjoyed it!

@fotokrzysztof 5 месяцев назад

Great Lens ❤

@petrvokurek2286 2 года назад

Amen! Thanks for telling it like it is. It´s just so true about the investment. I, like so many other people, have used all of the cosumer lenses and have tried to make do with them. But, hey, the just don´t cut it, on many levels! I´ve just concluded that a 300mm f2,8 + convertors would be my ideal wildlife lens. I´m glad you love it so much and I´ll get it as soon as finances allow :)

@AG-nj3ky 4 года назад

The 300mm is an amazing lens for the environmental shots on a fx body. I believe the VR version at 2k $ paired with a dx body is a very interesting option for the enthousiasts. The reach is sufficient for latger mamals and with a TC14 you can even do some proper bird photography. The size and weight also allows some flexibility compared to a 500mm f4, which is less important for pros as they can sit behind a tripod for hours.

@NotFromConcentrate 2 года назад

Your photos are beautiful! I actually had to go look you up after watching this. Peae

@arcadium86 3 года назад

@Tom, I finally found here in South Korea a perfect 300mm f2.8 VR II at 2000 GBP like new. What a masterpiece. The AF its a laser ... I will leave my 200-500 on the z6 for videos and keep this baby on my D850 for stills. Thanks for your contents , always the best around !!

@49sixteen 2 года назад

Alright alright, you talked me into it. I subscribed.

@mgearplus92 4 года назад

Great video, loved seeing the images you were able to get with the lens! I really enjoy the style of your images. I recently picked up the af-s 300mm f/4 based largely on advice from a different one of your videos and I am absolutely loving it. To anyone watching this who doesn't quite need the professional level so can't justify this investment, you should watch Tom's other videos on the f/4 version of this lens and consider it as a similar but more wallet friendly alternative. I think a lot of the points in this video still hold true for that one.

@TomMasonPhoto 4 года назад

Hey Matt, for sure the 300mm F4 AFS is a stunning lens, portable and light, the performance and sharpness is fantastic, the look isn't quite the 2.8's performance but for £500 you can't go wrong! Glad you're joying the lens! Cheers, Tom

@gordonyz4 4 года назад

My 300 f4D is sharper at the same apertures vs. my 2.8. Its light so im keeping bpth

@ChrisMosner 4 года назад

Whoa Tom! I've been watching and enjoying for a long time, and notice a SIGNIFICANT change in your video "look" with this installment! Incredibly cinematic! Different cam? Lens? Editing treatment? Do tell! Love it!

@TomMasonPhoto 4 года назад

Hey Chris, this video was a new combination in regards to filming that I've been testing out and hope to use a lot more in the coming year! (Really glad you noticed and it was worth the effort!) The whole video was shot in ProResRaw 4K using the Nikon Z6 with the Ninja V - a big step up in my video investment and I'm really happy with the "Look" especially filming with my Nikon 35mm 1.4 prime as most of this was made with. The rig is great in terms of quality and the workflows quite nice, even with the HUGE file sizes of the RAW video! For future videos I'll try and work in this way as often as I can but for some videos the smaller Z50 will be what I'll use, especially for the more "vlog" style content, where setting up the cinema rig isn't really viable! Glad you like the new look and I'm hoping to keep refining and developing my video shooting as time goes on!

@ChrisMosner 4 года назад

@@TomMasonPhoto yes - totally worth it. Gorgeous, lush, rich. I look forward to more eye candy along with your great content. 😄

@AAhmed_Alii 4 года назад

Beautiful images!!

@TomMasonPhoto 4 года назад

Thank you

@cadencecreeker 4 года назад

Good vid! I have had my Nikon 300mm f/2.8 VII for a couple of years now, and I agree with you 100%. I wish that I had it when I went to Botswana. I mostly use mine paired with my D850 for sports photography (I am a freelance photographer for the local newspaper), and have gotten some unbelievable shots. One thing I do is program the fn1 button to be able to switch back and forth from full frame to crop. That way I am basically getting a 450mm f/2.8 shot at around 20 megapixels. I have pictures of goalkeepers diving for the ball from the other end of the soccer field, and the shot is tack sharp. Hand held is a little tougher, but I got some great shots at an air show. Thank you for the review...you don’t see a lot of them for this lens.

@morgenholz 3 года назад

What is the difference in that and cropping full frame in post?

@cadencecreeker 3 года назад

@@morgenholzthank you for replying to my comment! It is pretty much the same, but shooting in crop mode helps me frame my shots better, so it is one less thing to worry about in post. I can see my crop as I am shooting my subject that is 100 yards away. When I am going through hundreds of sports shots, it is easier for me to see the cropped version quickly, and moving on to the next one, rather than have to take the time to try to remember which part of the picture I was supposed to be paying attention to, or enlarging the shot. I only do this when the subject(s) is pretty far away. If all of the area around your subject is just clutter, why take a picture of it if you don’t have to? LOL 😂 Good question though... I hope that I answered it okay for you. Try it out some time, and see what you think. Since the time that I responded to your video, I have used my 300mm to do some landscape shots and portrait shots....truly an amazing lens with amazing results. Dean

@fnnn6030 4 года назад

Really nice vid. I do say it everytime but keep up producing so incredibly vids

@TomMasonPhoto 4 года назад

Thanks man, I’ll do my best to keep them coming!

@donaldkelley5785 4 года назад

Excellent Video, Tom... I have the 300/2.8 and can say it is amazing, with or without the TC. It is my go to lens for butterfly photography because of the closer focusing distance, especially with a TC 1.4 or 1.7. I also have the 500/4, and can say it is a bit heavier and more difficult to travel with than the 300/2.8.

@TomMasonPhoto 4 года назад

Thanks Donald, yes I find the 300 fantastic for travelling with and am so glad I went for it over the 500 or 400. I’m hoping the 120/300 will be even more of a top performer for my kit in the future but we shall see! The 300 is certainly a great setup when combined with TCs for a variety of subjects!

@faizee 4 года назад

“Budget” lol

@rtulpe 4 года назад

c'com, it's a bargain at €5.5k *LOL*

@mikkelstormhansen9733 4 года назад

Good lenses are much more of an investment than a purchase, I know some photographers that use 8-9 year old 600mm f4, cause they still give great images. They certainly do not use 8-9 bodies however

@oliviermotard9113 4 года назад

@@mikkelstormhansen9733 yes but can way décent lens for way way less

@mikkelstormhansen9733 4 года назад

@@oliviermotard9113 wut

@photozen8398 3 года назад

@@mikkelstormhansen9733 LOL

@ianspicer1529 4 года назад

Great video Tom, as usual. Although this one looks especially lush and green in the spring light :-) So, a very convincing argument for 300mm f2.8... here's the question I am wresting with at the moment: Should I opt for a 300mm f.2.8 & a 2xTC or a 500 or 600mm f4 . I know the reach will be slightly better on the 500/600 but, given that 300f2.8 x 2TC is more or less the same thing as 500f4 - is the 300mm + TC in fact a more flexible solution? Your thoughts and input welcome.

@tashihishey34 4 года назад

Thanks for the heads up. I was planning to buy the Nikon 300 F4 PF but now the 300mm 2.8 VR seems a better option. The 300mm 2.8's bokeh reminds me of my all time favourite lenses like the 105mm 1.4 and the 58mm1.4. Once bitten, there is simply no turning back to settle for less.

@TomMasonPhoto 4 года назад

Yes, once you have experience off the best glass it is hard to settle for less, the 300 2.8 is certainly like that, the image quality is just gorgeous and you never want to be on a shoot without it!

@gregsvoice5628 4 года назад

I got super lucky where I managed to buy a broken 300mm VR1 and fix it for a total of £1300!! Love the lens, it is amazing how much better the images are with the separation of subject and background that comes from the Bokeh.

@TomMasonPhoto 4 года назад

That sounds an awesome deal and for sure the images are a class apart with the separation and clean gorgeous Bokeh!

@rogersmith4308 4 года назад

Great video Tom and I very much agree. Canon shooter here but same story, I have settled on 300mm f/2.8 L IS version 1 that I picked up mint, used. It's been a workhorse. These lenses are built to last; like family heirlooms. Your comments about adding context to images with the 300mm (or extended with TCs) is really important. Recently read an interview with David Yarrow in Outdoor Photographer where he notes that he has longer lenses in the kit, but rarely goes beyond 300mm because it is much hard to "tell a story". Also the benefit for travel is notable. Appreciate this perspective. Lots of photographers out there with "lens envy" for the 500 and 600s, but folks should look real closely at the 300, see the flexibility with a 2.8 aperture, its capability with teleconverters and the ability to hand hold and put in your time getting close to the subject! I'm hoping Canon releases the mark III...just so prices can come down on mark II! Cheers.

@TomMasonPhoto 4 года назад

No worries Roger, for sure the 300mm I just find to be an all round brilliant lens. The idea for me is of course to tell stories with wildlife images and sometimes being too close just doesn't produce the results I want. The new 120-300 has certainly seen a price drop for the Nikon 300mm 2.8 used market however that lens is on my list to try and out and test. the practicality of a 70-200 and 300mm 2.8 mixed together in a single lens with even better optics really appeals to me, for travelling with less gear but also having great flexibility in a single camera lens combo! However we will see if the price is justified!

@ianroscoe4706 4 года назад

Hi Tom, great video. You've certaily given me some food for thought. I'm currently looking on the secondhand market for a telephoto prime and have been considering the nikon 500mm F4G ED VR, however, now you've brought this lens to my attention I may need to reconsider. A used 300 2.8 plus a TC would still come in lower than the 500mm. I did read/hear that the 300 2.8 is the lens nikon had in mind when they developed the TC's so I'd guess/hope that image quality would still be high when using one. Stay safe and keep up the good work, cheers Ian

@TomMasonPhoto 4 года назад

Hey Ian, when the TC is attached you can't even tell with the 1.4. Really on the D850 to notice any difference you have to be looking 4:1 in the corner to see anything at all and real word A@ prints it looks the same. The 500mm is a great lens as well if you want and like the extra reach, but depending on the camera you have the 300mm + 1.4TC and say a D850 is highly flexible, especially if you like shooting lower light subjects say badgers and foxes where you'll want all the light you can get! Cheers, Tom

@ianroscoe4706 4 года назад

@@TomMasonPhoto Hi Tom, thanks for the reply, much appreciated. I now have lots to think about! feels like the 300mm may be a more flexible option when you consider the use of TC's. take care. Ian

@florentdeblecker8565 4 месяца назад

Thank you very much for your videos and your sharing of experiences. I will be upgrading to the Nikon Z8 soon. What do you think of this camera with an Af-S 300mm f/2.8? Would a Z 180-600 be more qualitative?

@jonathanpointer9578 7 месяцев назад

Great video, I'm very interested in this lens. What camera and especially lens are you using to film the video? Its a super lovely look and combination!

@daniel_s_photo 4 года назад

Great vídeo Tom. How does the autofocus preform on the Nikon z6? I have a z6 and I was wondering if it works well.

@sinetwo Год назад

Hey Tom, great video on it! What's your thought for it in terms of using it with 1.4 and 2.0x TCs? I've heard the 2.0x seriously degrades the AF, to the point it ends up slower than the 200-500?

@peterkin1010 9 месяцев назад

What tripod and head are you using? This has been the best post I've seen about any 300mm f 2.8 in ages. Brilliant photos as well.

@thejrcitizens 4 года назад

Thank you for this and all your videos. I always learn something new. FYI: The sound on your videos is painfully low. I get blasted by sound if I don't remember to turn my PC volume down after viewing your videos.

@michael-4k4000 2 года назад

Very cool video....

@thewarpig111 3 года назад

Great video, How do you find the results when used with the 1.4/2.0 converters, does image quality significantly suffer much at 5.6 with the 2.0?

@davebellamy4867 Год назад

6:45 I like the boheh and the context that this focal length is giving your pictures. There's scenery and subject separation as well. Or maybec it's just excellent photography. Came here today from your video on RED35's channel of the 42.5mm and 45mm f/1.2s. Subbed. I kind of wonder why there isn't a fast lens for MFT at 150 to 200mm to be the equivalent of this focal length on full frame.

@vijayp154 4 года назад

Hi Tom, thanks for another great insightful video. I have a question. I own both a Nikon D500 and a D850 and I usually pair either with a Nikon 200-500mm lens for birding. While that lens is more than a bang for the buck, as you'd know, it suffers in low light and hunts for focus even in reasonable lighting conditions at times, which has made me think of upgrading my lens. And a 500mm f4 or a 600mm f4 are out of my budget. I have been seriously thinking of the Nikon 300mm f2.8. Do you think if I'd be able to shoot birds (even small) both stationary and in action by pairing the 300mm lens with the D500 which makes it an effective 450mm lens at f2.8 and if can add a TC 1.4 to that combo getting an effective focal length of 630mm at f4? Would there be any degradation of image quality, performance in low light and auto focus speeds? Also, how will it be to use the 300mm lens on the d850 in the dx crop mode and using the TC 1.4. Which of these two combos would be better? I know it's a lengthy question but would appreciate your answer. Thanks much. Can't wait for your next video already 😃.

@MrModerate_kane 4 года назад

Subbed, got to get my ass out, been lazy with covid. keep up the good work.

@MrModerate_kane 4 года назад

Really helpful links also for gear appreciate that

@dukejimanee 4 года назад

Was spending a lifetime trying to chose between a secondhand 300f2.8 and 200-400 f4 and this clinched the decision in favour of the prime. Even though I intend to chop and change between TCs a fair bit, having the potential to shoot at 2.8 was too hard to resist, especially after getting a sample of your results. Can I ask about your tripod setup? Is that a gimbal head you've got? What would you recommend that is solid enough to support the lens on a D500 whilst not adding an insane amount of weight? Luke

@Rivergginsgundogs 2 года назад

Hi Tom. Great video as always. What tripod do you use please?

@EliudGilSamaniego 2 года назад

hi! im considering buying this lens for my Z9, have you compared it to the 70-200 Z or the 100-400mm Z? i just wanna know about sharpness, how do they compare and if this still sill be hold well with the new lens being so sharp, thanks a lot

@martinhild 4 года назад

I love mine. I bought it in 2013 specifically for a trip to northern finland where we used it to take photos of wolverines. The results were amazing. I would never sell it. However at times I find it too heavy and I use the 300mm f/4 PF or the 500mm f/5.6. Tho both of these can not really compete result wise, they save me from a broken back when hiking ;-) Good review - I do second your findings.

@TomMasonPhoto 4 года назад

Northern Finland is where I should be right now! Back up with the bears and Wolverines, I had some great success last year. The 300 is just so good for low light situations with mammals. The 500 PF I'll be testing soon but I doubt I could ever replace my 300 2.8... well maybe the new 120-300 2.8... we shall see!

@DaveBlakePhoto 4 года назад

Hi Tom - any experience with the 52mm drop in filter? do you unscrew the clear filter, or stack the +52mm filter on top? I bought a Hoya ND and screwed it onto the clear filter thread, and it’s too thick to close. And I can’t seem to unscrew the clear filter off, to simply have the ND filter on. Which one is the problem - clear filter needs to come off (if so, how? it’s stuck), or Hoya HMC NDX4 is too thick? [i want to use the lens for video and drop the shutter speed down a bit] Your thoughts?

@rudolfreck6108 2 года назад

Hi Tom, would you in 2022 still prefer a Nikkor 300mm 2.8 VR II (secondhand, mint) for about USD 2700 over a new Nikkor 300mm f4 PF? Thanks so much for your helpful insights!

@venkatalgramam4461 3 года назад

Hi Tom , am a new subscriber . Really enjoying your videos . Will the combination of this lens 7 1.4 TC work with the Z series well/fast enough ?

@ianbainton5754 3 года назад

Hi Tom I have just purchased one second hand and it’s awesome. Only one thing I find the focusing is I little louder than my other more up to date lenses . Should you say this sounds normal?

@jss27560 4 года назад

Great video, I have the 200-500mm but would love to go to a more 'professional' lens but I went to the dark side (mirrorless) and are really hoping that nikon starts producing z-mount version.

@TomMasonPhoto 4 года назад

I'm very much looking forward to some new longer Z mount glass for my Z6 however right now the FTZ is working really well with my 300mm 2.8 VR II

@manresting 4 года назад

Thanks for another great video Tom. There’s something special about this lens - it has a personality! More so I think than some of the longer focal lengths. One question: I have a 1.4 converter that works fine with it. Is the 2.0 tele really worth it? I’m considering it because I do like photographing small birds some of the time. I have both D500 and d850...

@TomMasonPhoto 4 года назад

Hey Paul, having used the 2.0 TC I find the sharpness drops a little especially on the never higher Mp cameras. Largely the 1.4 and cropping gets better results and in most cases the f4 aperture is my preference for the better low light and faster AF performance.

@manresting 4 года назад

Tom Mason thanks Tom - I think I will stick to 1.4 in that case! One day will get a 500 f4 lens too.

@SKgeostrat 4 года назад

I love the videos you produce and this one is no exception. I own the 300 F 2.8 without the VR. Is there a big différence in AF speed and image quality? I might want to upgrade to get the most out of my D850!

@6hr0n05 2 года назад

I should receive mine without vr soon. From what I've gathered both the AF-S vr verisons and non vr AF-S share the same optics (11 optics in 8 groups), but the vr models have sometype of nano crystal coating, which apparently helps with sharpness in some conditions and ghosting, apart from that they are similar. Can't wait to test mine.

@JgHobley 2 года назад

Just watched your video and loved you video and your comments. I have to agree with everything you said as I've had one for 3-4 years but it's sitting on a shelf, not being used! 🙈

@TomMasonPhoto 2 года назад

Aww that’s such a shame for such a wonderful lens! Go get it off the shelf!! I do love mine, even though I also use a bot load of other glass when I come back to the 300mm it’s just so special in my mind. Wouldn’t ever give it up!

@fubband 3 года назад

Great vlogs you put out, Tom; recently found and subscribed 👍🏻 Seriously tempted by this lens, used anyway. 50th birthday soon and I’ve asked for money towards a super telephoto, up to now been looking at 150-600 lenses which I’ve rented before but in truth I found the aperture limitations frustrating in the early hours and I’m far more drawn towards fully blurred backgrounds. Trouble is I’d probably also have to sell my beloved 70-20 2.8 and 14-24 2.8 just to get close, especially when allowing for a 1.4 and 2.0 TC 😭 The other thing which I think makes this lens a good choice is your D850...I have a D750, so with half the mp just not sure it’s a sensible choice...maybe that kidney selling website is not such a bad idea after all, if it gets me a D850 too! 🤣

@TomMasonPhoto 3 года назад

Hey Martin, the 300mm is awesome and I love mine, when I first got it (like 8 years ago) I sold basically everything I owned at 19 to buy it, but it was the best investment I ever made! Certainly with the D850 the lens has really been given another lease of life, the extra reach and quality of the camera is a real bonus and it means I can largely only use the 1.4 TC and still have the reach i need, keeping the lovely f4 aperture. The 2.0 TC I ended up selling on as I just never use it, certainly a d850 is a better quality TC! Or a D500 t pair with your D750 would work well, offering the FPS, reach and speed at a much reduce price. I certainly think once you own a super tele prime, you just think...I should have done this sooner, so good glass is a solid investment and right now some great deals can be found!

@fubband 3 года назад

@@TomMasonPhoto Thanks so much for taking the time to reply, Tom, I really appreciate the good advice from someone who knows their stuff and has lots of real world experience with this lens, and yes, the D500 is something I’ve been wondering about too. Much thinking to do!

@jakesdewet3567 4 года назад

Hi Tom Agree great lens. I have the VR not VRii. Do you ever use the lens with TC's.? I find using mine with a D500 naked or with the TC 1.4iii produce better results then a FX body with the Tc1.7ii or 2.0iii.

@davidguedj4489 8 месяцев назад

Thanks a lot for clear comments

@brclifeguard5234 3 года назад

yo u posted this on my birthday and u have the same camera as me Nikon d810 right this MUST be a sign.

@dominiqueleblanc2193 3 года назад

I have the 200-500 mm. Wondering if I should change it for the 300mm with 1.4x teleconverter! Any thoughts?

@macmcmillen6282 4 года назад

Great review, Tom, and amazing images as usual. Do you tend to shoot this lens wide open most of the time? Do you find it to be just as sharp wide open as when stopped down, to say f/4? Most lenses I've used tend to require stopping down a bit to reach maximum sharpness. Thanks!

@bernhardjost 4 года назад

I usually don't see any sharpness increase when stopping down at all, it performs wide open. The only time I stop down is when I need more depth of field. Although you might stop down a little when using a TC, especially 2x.

@TomMasonPhoto 4 года назад

Hey Mac, In honestly I shoot wide open all the time for the look of the lens, whats the point in buying a 2.8 and not being able to use it! With the TC's f4 works fantastic with the 1.4 and you can even notice the difference, maybe at 8:1 in the corners but... even printed A0 you won't see it. I only stop down when creatively I want to and in regards to sharpness I'd say its a tiny improvement to 5.6 but not enough to even really notice in final shots, often its more about the depth of field rather than actual sharpness as obviously more in focus sometimes makes it look "more sharp". Wide open its fantastic and one of the key reasons I love it so much!

@macmcmillen6282 4 года назад

@@TomMasonPhoto Thanks Tom. That's a very good point you made about apparent sharpness; how the subject can appear really sharp when the background is soft due to the shallow depth of field. That said, it sounds like the 300mm f/2.8 is plenty sharp regardless of DOF influences when shot wide open. Thanks again.

@HD_FieldMedia 3 года назад

would you rather go to a 2nd hand 300 prima than a 200-500, for deer and red deer pictures and filming? thanks

@MOwhitail 4 года назад

Great video Tom. I've been going back and forth on the 300 2.8 with and without VR... There is quite a jump in price for the VR. Since I already have a 200-500 that could be a walk around lens I'm wondering how often the VR will be useful. I use a tripod quite a bit. Any thoughts?

@Steven-wo2oi 2 года назад

To me, no VR is completely no problem since I shoot my Tammy 150 600 G1 on tripod also

@ecycled3d 4 года назад

As always you’ve really put together an informative video and your shots, well they are all truly an inspiration. That grizzly shot at 6:06... Wow! I’d prefer a 600 with tele converter on that bad boy 😁. I’m very close to pulling the trigger on the 300 VII 2.8 to go with my trinity series 14-24, 24-70 and the newer 70-200 2.8. Anyway I’d be interested in hearing more about your tripod and gimbal head that you’re using in this video with the 300. Also any thoughts on the new 120-300 2.8? Insanely expensive but do you think the 300 VII still holds its own? Personally I do. Cheers and thanks again.

@TomMasonPhoto 4 года назад

I shall certainly be doing a tripod update video soon. I'm hoping to get a 120-300 2.8 to test out at some point, for me it looks a perfect lens combining my 70-200 and 300 2.8 in a single optic, smaller for travel and better as a one lens walk around setup. The optics from what I have been told are incredible and apparently have a noticeable benefit, that I hope is true! I can't quite imagine how good a lens is that has a noticeable improvement over the 300 2.8! Off course the price is well...high and IDK if I'd rather have a 600mm as well as my 300! If you do pull the trigger on the 300 2.8 you won't regret it!

@ecycled3d 4 года назад

Thanks for the reply Tom. Looking forward to more videos from you. Keeps me inspired. Cheers!

@DeReamers 4 года назад

Great photography and tips! Just stumbled across your channel, new subscriber! What is that rolltop pack your using? Looks awesome

@DeReamers 4 года назад

Nevermind, found it on Wex - Gitzo Adventury 30L Backpack- stoked for the next video!

@TomMasonPhoto 4 года назад

I’m actually going to feature that bag and do a review soon, enjoying it in the field and find it to be an excellent day bag! Thanks for joining the channel, Lots more videos on route!

@tigermike111 4 года назад

Hi Tom, Great Video, thanks! I see also a new bag ... is that the smaller or the bigger one of the Adventury. Best, Mike

@TomMasonPhoto 4 года назад

Hey Mike, it is a new (ish) bag and it's the smaller one. I've been trying it out as my short/day bag for the last 6 months or so. Works well when I dont need everything in the bag and just have a camera + spare and lots of personal kit / flask etc. There has been loads of interest in the bag so I'll do a review!

@tigermike111 4 года назад

Tom Mason Hi Tom, thx a lot! Waiting for the review! Best, Mike

@HI2LIFE 4 года назад

Hi Tom! Just now 3rd of August 2020 I came across your review on the 300mm VR2 Nikon and Just sibscribed to your Chanel. I also have this lens and what a lens it is. The only Nikon cameras I have is the D4 and D500 both bought brand new.Amazingly my D4 has close to 20 thousand photos only so it should last a life time...My question is about teleconverter...I bought the Nikon 2x teleconverter and wondering If I'd be much better off in quality IfI were To by the 1.7 or 1.4? Thanks mate. From Australia

@martinbyrne6643 3 года назад

The 300 is good for the big stuff ‘ but it’s a little short on the small stuff’ get a bit messy when u have to start using converters

@aaronhoessels4543 4 года назад

Hey Tom, are you also going to test out the new nikon d780?

@dariojud 3 года назад

Hi Tom How it works with the z6ii and the 1.4 Converter or 2.0 and adapter ? Cheers from switzerland

@tabishshaikh6402 3 года назад

What are your thoughts on using this with a Z6 + FTZ adaptor

@jameslane3846 4 года назад

Interesting you say you reckon it's the best budget wildlife lens. I actually got the 300mm f4D after you recommended it and it's been a dream on my Nikon F100, my wildlife camera of choice. The Nikon d850 is for taking videos. It's amazingly fast AF and sharp, so so sharp but not clinical sterile looking sharp like the Tamron 150-600mm zoom I have which is essential for me. It was £400 when I bought that prime.

@TomMasonPhoto 4 года назад

The 300 F4 AFS is certainly my go to recommended budget telephoto for wildlife however in terms of Super telephotos the 2.8 version gives a large step up in performance, IQ and aperture but still for a decent price (when talking about super tele lenses) The 300 F4 is a dream lens on the camera especially at the £400/500 price tag

@andrewwillis3219 4 года назад

Tom. Just recently purchased the Nikon 300 2.8 VR ll as a used lens (£2,350) and very happy so far. Put this together with the D500 and have a TC1.4 and 2.0 if need going forwards. At the moment I use a monopod but can I ask you to share what tripod / gimbal you were using in the video? Also what was your backpack as I am looking to change this? Enjoy your channel, Andy

@TomMasonPhoto 4 года назад

Hey Andy, glad you’re enjoying the 300mm! The upgrade is so worth the investment, I’ll do a new Tripod video soon but it’s a Gitzo 4553S with the Gitzo fluid gimbal on top, really great system. The bags the Gitzo 30L one as my new smaller day pack!

@davidf8 4 года назад

Hi, Tom! I think this is a great video about an awesome lens! Would you ever try a Nikon DX AF-P 70-300mm f/4.5-6.3 VR? (the cheapest telephoto zoom from Nikon, i think) I know it may not be the best choice, it obviously has a lot of flaws (i think that the maximum aperture is a pretty big one ), but i ve seen some very positive reviews on it and i would really like to know what do you think about that lens. Thank you and I wish you The Best!

@TomMasonPhoto 4 года назад

Well I actually bought my girlfriend the 70/300 AFP FX lens (about £350) after talking to the guys at Nikon and hearing great things, the performance is excellent and the lightweight design is really nice too, I’m going to do an entry level camera video at some pint and will see if I can grab a 70/300 DX

@josemirabal1063 4 года назад

Thank you for your continued efforts to post great content. I find it challenging to put together a nice short clip of my daughters playing and having fun and can appreciate the effort in your vlogs. I have an opportunity to acquire the 300mm, but find that most of my images are made at 500-600mm. I’m in South Florida and most photograph birds. How would you rate sharpness and AF acquisition of the 300mm + TC (1.4 or 2.0) versus the 200-500 on the D850? Best regards.

@TomMasonPhoto 4 года назад

In regards to the AF - the 300mm 2.8 is certainly significantly faster than the 200-500 with the 1.4 TC. The 2.0 is slower and TBH I hardly ever use it because the D850 crop + the 1.4 gives better results.

@josemirabal1063 4 года назад

@@TomMasonPhoto Thanks

@EliudGilSamaniego Год назад

hi, i bought it and im sad to say it dont compare well in sharpness with the Z glass like 70-200 and the new 400mm f4.5, it is soft wide open when using with Z9 :(

@nicoro3623 4 года назад

Hi Tom, very good work an beautifuel images. Thanks! How often do you use this lens hand held (in %)? Thank you for an answer and greetings from Switzerland. Romano

@TomMasonPhoto 4 года назад

I probably work handheld 70% of the time, the flexibility and portability is key for me.

@bulgiriri 2 года назад

Hello, so I can take focused pictures of small birds and squirrels with this one?

@VentoCruiser 4 года назад

Hey Tom. Absolutely agree with your review, but of course I wouldn’t write a comment if I didn’t have a question to ask. Can you tell me a percentage of the pictures you took with a Teleconverter attached to the 300 compared to all pictures you took with it so far?? I owned myself one for probably over a year or so, but unluckily I didn’t have the time to use it that often and 3.5 grand (€) is a bit much to have it laying around and catch the dust.....looking forward to your next video!! Cheers from Frankfurt, Germany.

@TomMasonPhoto 4 года назад

I think it's probably about 50:50 in regards to TC use, however with the D850 now I can crop in camera without the need for the TC that is what I tend to do in low light, and choose the TC for better light to make the most of the full RES of the sensor. I find the 1.4 makes basically no change to the lenses performance (other than the one stop reduction) that I can happily use in most situations without worry, however tend to use the lens bare because the 2.8 aperture gives such a fantastic look. Cheers, Tom