Is the Nikon 300 PF the most portable lens for wildlife photography? (Review)
In this blog post, I will give you an in-depth review of the Nikon 300mm PF so that you can get all the information to decide if it is the right wildlife photography lens for you.
I will share some photos I have taken with the Nikon 300 PF, and compare it to other similar telephoto lenses for wildlife photography from Nikon. Most importantly, I will tell you why I think that this Nikon 300 PF ED VR is the best portable lens for wildlife photography, especially if you travel frequently.
Overview
While this professional Nikon lens was first launched in 2015 for $1999 USD, I bought it in 2020 for about $1200 USD. If you didn’t already know, I’m a huge fan of buying used Nikon gear. Before getting my hands on the Nikon 300mm PF VR, I used its predecessor, the incredible Nikon 300mm f/4 AF-S for quite a while, so I was excited to see what Nikon had in store with this upgrade. In fact, I wrote a review about the last 300mm f/4 here.
Since purchasing my lens, I have put it through its paces to shoot a variety of wildlife in a number of lighting conditions while staying local or travelling through Canada and Europe.
That’s why I’d like to help you decide if this is the right wildlife lens for you. In this blog, I will explain why the Nikon 300 PF is the best portal lens for wildlife photography.
Griffon vulture | Nikon D500 + 300 PF + 1.4x TC | ISO 640, 1/2000, f/5.6
Pros
Fast aperture
As wildlife photographers, we’re always looking for larger apertures to take photos at lower ISOs, in lower light, and with less noise.
Apart from that, a larger maximum aperture, like the Nikon 300 PF’s f/4 gives us a shallower depth of field to create larger and more pleasing bokeh (out-of-focus areas).
Weight
At 755g, the Nikon 300 PF has completely revolutionized the size of wildlife telephoto lenses.
It’s nearly half the weight of the Nikon 300mm f/4, which itself was a very light wildlife photography lens in comparison with more expensive options. However, when compared to the Nikon 300mm f/2.8G ED VR II (2900 g / 6.39 lb), the difference becomes even more dramatic!
This is by far the most hand-holdable wildlife photography lens I have ever used. With all of my other lenses, I have at some point used a tripod, but I have never with this one.
For me, it has completely revolutionized the way I shoot because I do not get tired while using it and it allows me to move more freely, which makes it easier to obtain more creative angles.
Note: For anyone interested, the reason why this lens is so small and light is because of the Phase Fresnel (PF) lens element, which also is supposed to reduce chromatic aberration and ghosting, as explained in this article on PetaPixel by Michael Zhang. As of writing this blog, only the Nikon 300 PF and Nikon 500 PF have this element. Nikon itself gets into the details here as well.
Iberian ibex | Nikon D500 + 300 PF + 1.4x TC | ISO 1800, 1/500, f/5.6
Price
In 2021, this lens can usually be found used for anywhere between 1200-1800 USD, depending on whether you want to get it on Amazon, eBay, or elsewhere.
I’ve listed the price as an advantage despite not being a cheap lens. Why? It combines many excellent qualities at a reasonable price and, depending on your budget, you can score some great deals like I did.
I’ve found it on the used market in Canada on Kijiji for as little as $1500 CAD. On eBay, it goes for $500 USD and $1,470 USD on Amazon.
If I were to buy this lens now, I would try to get the cheapest option possible while choosing the platform I felt safest on.
While you can score great deals on Kijiji and buying from private sellers, you do not have the same level of security as a larger company, such as 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’ reach can be extended by using the Nikon TC-14E II 1.4x teleconverter or the newer TC-14E III 1.4x, 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 especially with a lens this small!
(Just the thought of knowing that I have 420mm on a full-frame and 630mm on a crop sensor camera on such a tiny lens, makes me very happy!)
As wildlife photographers, there are many times when we want to get closer and having a lens that is compatible with a teleconverter is an excellent way to do so.
Rook | Nikon D7500 + 300 PF + 1.4x TC | ISO 2000, 1/2000, f/5.6
Fast, accurate autofocus
I cannot stress just how important having fast and accurate autofocus is in wildlife photography to keep up with fast- and even slow-moving subjects. In this regard, the Nikon 300 PF is no slouch whatsoever.
While its autofocus speed may only be marginally better than its predecessor, the accuracy has significantly improved and no longer hunts for autofocus like the 300mm f/4 AF-S.
To further improve the fantastic autofocus, I recommend setting the minimum focusing distance to 3 metres instead of “FULL,” and only switching it back when your animal is within that distance. This prevents your camera from running through its entire focusing range, saving you precious seconds (or in this case, milliseconds!) to get your shot.
Sharpness
Lens sharpness is another key factor for wildlife photography (and one that people love to argue about!).
This new version of the Nikon 300mm f/4 AF-S is incredibly sharp and produces excellent results, especially wide open.
(For more information about sharpness testing for the Nikon 300 PF, check out this article by Nasim Mansurov from Photography Life.)
In sum, this is a professional grade lens with superb image quality that has not let me down.
Note: Lens sharpness is important to wildlife photography, but often your technique is far more important. Whether you have good hand holding or tripod technique can play a big part in getting sharp results, often more than a lens does!
Mute swan | Nikon D7500 + 300 PF + 1.4x TC | ISO 100, 1/2000, f/5.6
Excellent reach on a crop sensor (DX) body
Who doesn’t love more reach?
If you don’t have a teleconverter handy, shooting the Nikon 300 PF on a crop sensor, like the Nikon D500 I use, can be an excellent way to get more reach. This way, you effectively increase go from 300mm to 450mm because of the 1.5x crop factor!
If you do have a teleconverter handy AND a DX camera, then you have an incredible 1.4x in an incredibly compact package!
More reach is often better, especially if you’re getting more than 600mm in focal length at a fraction of the weight and cost of the Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 600mm f/4E FL ED VR (3810 g/8 lb 6.4 oz. and $13,000 USD)!
Minimum focus distance
The Nikon 300 PF’s minimum focusing distance really sets it apart from other super-telephoto lenses. This lens focuses up to 1.4 m/4.60 ft from your subject! Compared to the Nikon 300mm f/2.8 VR II (8'/2.2m), which is considered a good lens for close focusing, the Nikon 300 PF blows it out of the water!
Being able to focus closer gets more of your subject in the frame and I truly believe that the Nikon 300 PF doubles as a semi-macro lens.
Cons
Lack of tripod collar
This is a very, very minor con. As a lens that is meant to be portable and handheld most of the time, the tripod collar is almost unnecessary. That said, you can purchase a third-party tripod collar, like this one.
However, the lens is so light that if you wanted to, you could simply put your camera on the tripod without the need to get one.
If you’re concerned about how to carry the camera when not actively shooting, I usually just hold it by the barrel in one hand and it works great.
Despite the lack of the tripod collar, this has not been a barrier to my photography at all.
Focal length
Albeit a minor concern, depending on your shooting style, 300mm may feel a little short for you if you cannot get as close as you would like.
Personally, I felt more limited on a full-frame camera if I could not approach a subject.
For that reason, I almost exclusively shoot this lens with the TC-14E III 1.4x regardless if I am using an FX or DX body.
As I said in my review of the Nikon 300mm f/4 AF-S, if you know that you can get close enough to your subject, 300mm is perfectly fine. But if you are taking photos of small subjects or ones that you cannot approach, then you may find yourself limited by this focal length.
Mallard drake | Nikon D7500 + 300 PF + 1.4x TC | ISO 2200, 1/1000, f/5.6
Vibration reduction
The vibration reduction was a little disappointing. It’s a huge upgrade over the last lens (because it had none), but it still lags quite a bit behind its competitors.
I find myself opting for a faster shutter speed than I would with other lenses or shooting longer bursts to ensure I get a sharp image if I am at 1/250 without the teleconverter or 1/500 with it.
Of the three disadvantages, I would say this is the most annoying one, but not something that you cannot workaround, especially with some support, like leaning against a tree if you’re standing or laying on the ground.
Here’s a summary of my pros and cons for the Nikon 300 PF.
In sum, all photography gear has its pros and cons. Learning to produce quality work you are proud of despite the disadvantages of a lens will help you become a much better photographer. If you focus more on becoming an expert with your gear, you will be one step closer to reaching your potential.
Osprey | Nikon D500 + 300 PF + 1.4x TC | ISO 720, 1/2000, f/5.6
Competitors
Since I started wildlife photography, I have used several lenses that I would consider to be competitors of the Nikon 300 PF in terms of focal length, use, and price range. So, what are the pros and cons of each when compared to this lens?
Nikon 300mm f/4 AF-S vs Nikon 300 PF
Pros
Cheaper: The Nikon 300mm f/4 AF-S is less than half the price of a Nikon 300 PF.
Sharper mid-frame and corners: The older lens produces better results than the 300 PF.
Cons
Heavier: 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.
Slower, less accurate autofocus: The Nikon 300mm f/4 AF-S’ autofocus is slightly slower and noticeably less accurate than the Nikon 300 PF’s.
Less sharp in the centre frame: In the centre, the Nikon 300mm f/4 AF-S loses out to its younger sibling, as can be observed in these graphs.
Nikon 200-500 vs Nikon 300 PF
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. According to Nikon, you can get up to 4.5 stops of image stabilization. Personally, I have gotten sharp shots down to 1/60 and I would even say that it is better than my Nikon 300mm f/2.8 VR II, which is a much more expensive lens.
Focal range: The ability to zoom out further and in closer, gives the Nikon 200-500 an advantage over the 300 PF. This flexibility allows you to get totally different shots by using only your zoom ring.
Price: The Nikon 200-500 is $600 USD cheaper when you buy it brand new. Even on the used market, it can be found for $1,048 USD, nearly $400 USD less than the Nikon 300 PF.
Cons
Aperture: The f/5.6 aperture lets in one less stop of light compared to the 300mm PF.
Weight: This lens weighs 2300 g (5.07 lb) compared to the 300mm PF’s 755 g (1.66 lbs). That’s more than 3 times heavier!
Lens hood: The lens hood tends to fall off randomly from time to time, whereas the Nikon 300 PF’s is sturdy and I have never had to worry about it.
Autofocus: The autofocus is noticeably slower than all others mentioned on this list, although it is very accurate.
Nikon 300mm f/2.8G VR II vs Nikon 300 PF
Note: Before reading, you should know that the Nikon 300mm f/2.8 VR is one of Nikon’s top lenses. As such, it is without a doubt a class above the Nikon 300 PF in terms of performance, which is reflected in its price ($5,499.95 new). However, I wanted to provide you with my personal experience to give you some valuable information to best inform your personal use.
Pros
Aperture: With a maximum aperture of 2.8, the Nikon 300mm f/2.8 VR II lets in double the amount of light, allowing you to keep your ISO lower and produce more pleasing bokeh.
Autofocus: The AF speed and accuracy is much better than on the Nikon 300 PF and is the best I have used to date.
Sharpness: Often regarded as the standard for sharpness, this lens is the sharpest I have ever used and beats out the Nikon 300 PF.
VR: The Nikon 300mm f/2.8 VR II has excellent vibration reduction that leaves the Nikon 300 PF in the dust.
Teleconverter compatibility: While both lenses can take a 1.4x teleconverter well, the Nikon 300mm f/2.8 VR II takes all three (1.4x, 1.7x, and 2x) incredibly well, producing usable images at all levels.
Cons
More expensive: Of all the competitors, the Nikon 300mm f/2.8 VR II is by far the most expensive. Brand new from Nikon, it can be found for $6,899, while you can get it used for around $4,500.
Weight: This lens weighs 2900 g (6.39 lbs), which is nearly 4 times heavier than the Nikon 300 PF and exceeds the Nikon 200-500.
Great blue heron | Nikon D700 + 300 PF + 1.4x TC | ISO 1400, 1/1000, f/5.6
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 should it be necessary. 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 of the bunch. It can be found on Amazon for as little as $239 USD.
Weight: Weighing in at 745 g (1.64 lb), the 70-300 is the lightest lens on this list. Although only slightly lighter than the 300 PF, it could be a useful alternative if you want a cheap, ultra-portable lens.
Cons
Sharpness: As a consumer-grade lens, the 70-300 is much less sharp than the 300 PF. 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 mount and weather sealing of the 300 PF. While this makes it more affordable, it is 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.
Conclusion
The Nikon 300 PF is the best portable lens for wildlife photography.
It perfectly combines incredible autofocus, sharpness, and focal length in a super-light package that you can take with you absolutely anywhere.
In addition, if you use it bare, you get a wide f/4 aperture. This lets you shoot for longer and in lower light.
If you use a teleconverter, you can extend your reach to 420mm (and to 630mm if you use a DX camera, too!).
While it is more pricey than a Nikon 300mm f/4 AF-S or Nikon 200-500, it is sharper and lighter than both, making it an excellent choice for people who are always on the go or cannot carry heavy loads.
Take care of this lens and it will last you for a very long time, making your initial investment worth it. It will also give you the opportunity to sell it later to get some money back.
If you want to know about my relationship with my Nikon 300 PF, I have no plans to sell it and I use it very often. My photography style involves a lot of walking, hiking, and I travel a few times a year, which makes this lens the perfect companion.
And that’s why I consider the Nikon 300 PF the best portable lens for wildlife photography.
Where to buy
If you are interested in purchasing the Nikon 300 PF new or used for as low as $1,300 USD, Amazon is a great place to start (in fact, I buy a lot of my gear from there).
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.