Wildlife Photography on a Budget: Why the Nikon 300mm f/4 AF-S is a bargain in 2023 (Review)
I know how frustrating it can be to get sucked into thinking that you need the latest, most expensive gear to take great photos. However, the truth is you don’t.
When I first started wildlife photography, one of my main concerns was how expensive it could be. Watching so many YouTube videos of pro photographers recommending the best lenses and cameras became overwhelming. I could not afford a legendary setup like the Nikon 500mm f/4 and the Nikon D5.
Nonetheless, I believe that all you need to take excellent photos of wildlife is an inexpensive, durable, and versatile lens. For me, that has been the Nikon AF-S Nikkor 300mm f/4D IF-ED... and it only cost me $530 USD.
In this blog post, I will give you an in-depth review of the Nikon 300mm f/4 AF-S, share some photos I have taken with it, and compare it to other budget telephoto lenses for wildlife photography from Nikon. Most importantly, I will tell you why I think that this Nikon 300mm f/4 is the best prime lens for wildlife photography on a budget.
Male white-tailed deer | Nikon D850 + 300mm f/4 AF-S | ISO 2200, 1/250, f/4
Overview
While this professional Nikon lens was first launched in 2000 for $1,149 USD, I bought it in 2019 for about $530 USD. I had been using my trusty Nikon AF-S 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 VR for a couple of years but felt like I needed a prime lens to get a larger aperture and better image quality. Since buying it, I have used it extensively to shoot waterfowl, shorebirds, and even deer with excellent results. It is sturdy, can be easily handheld for long periods of time, and it just gets the job done.
If you’re looking for a reliable lens for wildlife photography for cheap, I would definitely recommend the Nikon 300mm f/4 AF-S. If you’re passionate and want to take stunning photos, but cannot afford to spend thousands of dollars on the newest lenses, then this one might be for you.
Red-tailed hawk | Nikon D7100 + 300mm f/4 AF-S | ISO 2500, 1/125, f/4
Pros
F/4 aperture
In wildlife photography, a standard rule is that the larger the aperture, the better. First, a faster aperture will let in more light. This is a huge bonus since an aperture of f/4 on the Nikon 300mm f/4 AF-S will allow you to get better photos in low light and shoot for longer than with a slower lens, like an f/5.6 or f/8. Second, a wider aperture will also decrease your depth of field, keeping your subject in focus, but blurring the background (also known as bokeh, the out-of-focus areas in a photograph).
Weight
At 1440 g (3.17 lbs), when compared to most other wildlife telephoto lenses, the Nikon 300mm f/4 AF-S is very light. For example, it is less than half the weight of both the Nikon 300mm f/2.8G ED VR II (2900 g / 6.39 lb) and the Nikon 500mm F4E FL ED VR (3090 g / 6.81 lb). This makes it a fantastic lens to handhold. When in the field, I have only used it on a tripod a handful of times, but have used it handheld both on long hikes and at my local lake.
White-tailed doe | Nikon D7100 + 300mm f/4 AF-S | ISO 6400, 1/1000, f/4
Price
As an older lens that has been replaced by the newer Nikon 300mm f/4E PF ED VR, its price is heavily discounted. At the time of writing this blog post, I’ve found it on the used market in Canada on Kijiji for as little as $750 CAD. On eBay, it goes for less than $500 USD, and $1,596.95 on Amazon.
If I were to buy this lens now, I would try to get the cheapest option possible while choosing a platform I felt safe on. While Kijiji can have great deals, especially considering the lack of shipping costs, you do not have the same level of security as a larger company, such as eBay or Amazon. That being said, I have bought most of my gear second-hand through Kijiji and, as of right now, have had no significant negative experiences.
Compatibility with the 1.4x teleconverter
One of the great positives for wildlife photographers is that this lens’s reach can be extended by using the Nikon TC-14E III 1.4x teleconverter, increasing your effective focal length to 420 mm. While you do lose a stop of light bringing your maximum aperture to f/5.6, this can be a very nice tradeoff. When shooting wildlife, the name of the game is often to get as close to your subject as possible, so it can often be worth it to lose a little light.
North American beaver | Nikon D7100 + 300mm f/4 AF-S | ISO 1400, 1/500, f/4
Fast autofocus
Fast autofocus is a major consideration for wildlife photographers who want to be able to keep up with their subject’s movements and nail the shot. Fortunately, the Nikon 300mm f/4 AF-S does not disappoint.
Equipped with both fast and accurate autofocus, this lens consistently outperforms competitors, like the Nikon AF-S Nikkor 200-500mm F5.6E ED VR and Nikon AF-S VR 70-300 f/4.5-5.6G IF-ED, which I will discuss further in the Competitors section. To further improve the autofocus, I recommend setting the minimum focusing distance to 3 metres instead of “FULL,” and only switching it back when your animal is closer than 3 metres.
Sharpness
Apart from a competent autofocus system, lens sharpness constitutes another of the determining factors for wildlife photography. Again, the Nikon 300mm f/4 AF-S produces stunning results and is even better in some cases than its younger sibling, the Nikon 300 PF. In sum, this is a professional-grade lens with superb image quality. Check out these links for more information on the Nikon 300mm f/4 AF-S sharpness and how it compares to the Nikon 300 PF.
Mallard drake swimming | Nikon D7100 + 300mm f/4 AF-S | ISO 2200, 1/1000, f/4
Great reach on crop sensor (DX) body
300mm at f/4 is nothing to scoff at on a full-frame or FX camera. Despite this, if you’re a wildlife photographer, more reach is often better. If you were to use the Nikon 300mm f/4 AF-S on a crop sensor or DX camera, like the Nikon D500, you would multiply your effective focal length by 1.5x to bring you to 450mm! And if you have the teleconverter, you can add 1.4x to get you all the way to 630mm!
IBIS with Z mirrorless cameras
You might not expect to hear the Nikon Z line mentioned in the same sentence as a prime lens from 2001. However, if you shoot any of the Nikon mirrorless cameras, such as the Nikon Z6 or the newer Z6 II, the lack of VR (vibration reduction) becomes meaningless. The Z line has IBIS (in-body image stabilization), which works with any of the Nikon lenses you own, no matter how old. This is excellent news for the Nikon 300mm f/4 AF-S, which can get up to 3 stops of IBIS as a non-VR lens.
Drake ring-necked duck | Nikon D700 + 300mm f/4 AF-S | ISO 200, 1/2000, f/4
Cons
No VR
As I said, this will not be much of an issue if you are using a Nikon mirrorless camera with IBIS. If you have a DSLR, then the lack of VR can be a challenge. This is true primarily if you shoot in low light with slow shutter speeds.
However, if you shoot in brighter conditions and can keep your shutter speed at or above 1/250 or 1/500, this lens works great. If you use a tripod or a beanbag, then the lack of VR should not matter. I usually shoot while laying on the ground with my lens on my backpack, increasing my keeper rate since my support absorbs most vibrations.
Lack of back element
The fact that Nikon did not include a back element when making this lens blows my mind. Not having this feature can make it easier for dust to enter. That said, there are a few things you can do to prevent this.
First, be extra careful when changing lenses. I try not to change mine in the field and only do so at home while keeping the exposed element facedown. Second, if you have a teleconverter, keep it on your lens at all times. Not only will this provide you with some awesome extra reach, but it will prevent dust from entering the back element.
Groundhog | Nikon D7100 + 300mm f/4 AF-S | ISO 3200, 1/500, f/6.3
Tripod collar
Like many who have bought this lens, I also have issues with the tripod collar. The foot is too small and makes it difficult to balance on a tripod. If you do not use a tripod for wildlife photography very often, this will not be a problem. If you do, though, then you might want to consider getting a third-party collar, although it may be hard to find given the lens’s age.
I like to hold my telephoto lenses by the tripod foot, but with the Nikon 300mm f/4 AF-S, it is very uncomfortable. Unless you have tiny hands, I would not recommend holding it this way, as you may drop your lens. Despite this, I do not consider the tripod collar a barrier since it has not affected my photography at all.
Focal length
While not a major concern, 300mm may feel a little short for you, depending on what and how you shoot. I felt more limited with what I could shoot, especially on a full-frame camera. That being said, I have been able to capture quality photos with this lens on both FX and DX bodies. Simply put, if you know that you can get close enough to your subject, then 300mm is perfectly fine. But if you are taking photos of small birds, for example, then you may find yourself limited by this focal length.
Bufflehead drake | Nikon D7100 + 300mm f/4 AF-S | ISO 360, 1/500 f/4
My main takeaway is that all photography gear has limitations. Working through them will help you develop your skills better than thinking about the next best thing. If you cannot fill the frame with your subject, try to rethink your approach and the kind of photograph you want. For instance, capturing your subject small in the frame to show its environment.
Here’s a summary of my pros and cons for the Nikon 300mm f/4 AF-S.
Competitors
Since I started wildlife photography, I have used several lenses that I would consider to be competitors of the Nikon 300mm f/4 AF-S in terms of focal length, use, and price range. So, what are the pros and cons of each when compared to this lens?
*Note: All of these alternatives have VR, which is of course a strong pro when compared to the Nikon 300mm f/4. However, one of them is noticeably better, which I have indicated. The other two are very similar to each other which is why I have not expanded further on them.
Ring-billed gulls in breeding plumage | Nikon D7100 + 300mm f/4 AF-S | ISO 200, 1/2000 f/4
Nikon 200-500 vs Nikon 300 f/4 AF-S
Pros
Focal length: The Nikon 200-500 wins in terms of focal length and zoom range, allowing you to get both tighter and slightly wider images as you see fit.
VR: Of all the lenses on this list, the Nikon 200-500 has the best VR. Hands down. According to Nikon, you can get up to 4.5 stops of image stabilization. Personally, I have gotten sharp shots down to 1/60.
Wood duck hen | Nikon D7100 + 300mm f/4 AF-S | ISO 6400, 1/500, f/4
Cons
Aperture: The f/5.6 aperture lets in one less stop of light compared to the 300mm f/4.
Weight: This lens weighs 2300 g (5.07 lb) compared to the 300mm f/4’s 1440 g (3.17 lb). In other words, it weighs almost 63% more!
Lens hood: The lens hood falls off randomly from time to time, whereas in the 300mm f/4, you cannot remove it from the lens; you can only slide it off or on.
Autofocus: The autofocus is noticeably slower than all others mentioned on this list.
Price: It is much more expensive, as to be expected of a newer lens. Brand new from Nikon, it can be found for $1,399.95 USD or $1749 CAD. While inexpensive compared to Nikon’s professional telephotos, it’s more than double the cheapest 300mm f/4!
Nikon 300 PF vs Nikon 300 f/4 AF-S
Pros
Lighter: At only 755 g (1.66 lb), the 300 PF is nearly half the weight of its older sibling. This makes it even more hand-holdable than its predecessor, allowing you to shoot longer with less fatigue.
Faster autofocus: The 300 PF has a slightly, if not marginally, faster autofocus than the previous model.
Sharper in the centre frame: Here it beats its predecessor, as can be observed in these graphs.
Cons
Price: Of all the competitors, the 300 PF is by far the most expensive. Brand new from Nikon, it can be found for $1,999.95 USD or $2,599 CAD. Being a revolutionary lens that provides an excellent focal length in a smaller-than-ever package, it is to be expected that it will have a high price tag.
Softer in mid-frame and corners: In this area, the older lens produces better results, while the 300 PF struggles.
Killdeer | Nikon D700 + 300mm f/4 AF-S | ISO 140, 1/1000 f/4
Nikon 70-300 IF-ED vs Nikon 300 f/4 AF-S
Pros
Focal length: The 70-300 maintains the same maximum focal length as the 300mm f/4, while allowing the photographer to shoot wider all the way to 70 mm. This makes this lens more versatile in terms of the types of shots you can get with it.
Price: This is by far the cheapest lens. It can be found on Amazon for as little as $278 USD or $434 CAD.
Weight: Weighing in at 745 g (1.64 lb), the 70-300 is the lightest lens on this list. Though only slightly lighter than the 300 PF, it could be a handy alternative if you want an even cheaper lens and are willing to give up some image quality and durability.
Cons
Sharpness: As expected from a consumer-grade lens, the 70-300 is noticeably less sharp than the 300 mm f/4. However, these lenses are in totally different classes, from their launch prices to their overall build.
Build: The 70-300 is mostly plastic, compared to the metal 300 mm f/4. This makes it cheaper, but also less durable.
Aperture: The variable maximum aperture of f/4.5-5.6 aperture lets in one less stop of light at the maximum focal length compared to the 300mm f/4.
Canada goose | Nikon D7100 + 300mm f/4 AF-S | ISO 1800, 1/1000, f/4
Conclusion
As for my final thoughts, the 300mm f/4 AF-S could be considered the best prime lens for wildlife photography on a budget. It is a sharp, fast-focusing lens with an aperture of f/4 that will let you shoot for longer and in lower light. While it may not have the excellent VR capabilities of the 200-500 or the incredibly lightweight of the 300 PF, at this price, you are getting a professional-grade lens that is still lighter than most super-telephoto lenses.
The ability to use it with a 1.4x teleconverter is also a huge bonus for those of us who want more reach when photographing birds. If you already have a Nikon mirrorless camera like the Nikon Z6, I would not overlook the 300mm AF-S. The Z series’ IBIS counteracts this lens’ main con: the lack of VR. If you are able to get your hands on one for under $800 CAD or $650 USD, I would say go for it. This lens will continue to serve you well into the future, longer than any camera will.
Wood duck drake | Nikon D700 + 300mm f/4 AF-S | ISO 1000, 1/1250, f/4.5
How do I use the 300mm AF-S? It all depends on what I am shooting. If I am taking photos of small or wary birds, I will at minimum use it on a DX body, like my D7500, and often also add the 1.4x teleconverter for extra reach (630mm).
If I am photographing larger animals or animals I can get close to (i.e. waterfowl at local ponds), I will use it on a full-frame body, like my D700 or Z6. Regardless, I prefer to have a low perspective to be able to get a shallow depth of field. For that reason, I lay down while I shoot (even if there are bird droppings or mud), which can offset the non-VR capabilities of this lens.
I always keep my shutter speed a bit higher than with my VR lenses to make sure I am maximizing my in-focus shots. If you are someone who loves to use tripods, then this lens would be perfect for you because of the incredible image quality. Just remember that the tripod foot is not the best, so you might have to buy a third-party one if it bothers you.
White-tailed doe | Nikon D7100 + 300mm f/4 AF-S | ISO 6400, 1/1000, f/4
Where to buy
If you are interested in purchasing the Nikon 300mm f/4 AF-S, there are several cheap, used options on Amazon for less than $800 USD. I have also found other options on eBay for as low as $470 USD. If you live in Canada, Kijiji is a great place to get even cheaper gear if you are willing to buy cameras and lenses without an intermediary service.