Nikon 300mm F2.8 AF-S thoughts on lens...

I have a Sigma 120-300 2.8 version from 2010 - version before the current one - I am looking at Nikon's first AF-S 300mm lens before AF-SII and VR editions - anyone have one of these and what do you think - would it be worth a trade or sell of my sigma based on Sharpness of files?

thanks, John

I have had the first generation 300mm/f2.8 AF-S since 1998. It is still excellent. However, I cannot compare it against the Sigma 120-300.

Could you elaborate on what you find lacking in your photos made with the Sigma? Are you using it with a DX or FX camera, converters? Is the problem slow AF, high levels of CA, unsatisfactory sharpness? Perhaps it needs adjustment, have you tried in camera focus adjustment (if you camera supports it)? Like Shun, I have not tried the Sigma, so I cannot comment on it. however, I can say that I would be really surprised if an AF-S 300/2.8 would disappoint in terms of sharpness given proper support and technique.

 

For what is is worth, little has changed with the optics in the latest iterations of Nikons 300/2.8 - all are considered excellent. The only advice is to stay away from the AF-I lenses as their AF motors can no longer be repaired.

I have the first AF-S version. Rendition of people is especially nice and the lens seems very sharp. No problem using at 2.8 on a D810, but I usually run it at 3.2. AF is fast and I have not had to input AF fine tune in any body I have used it on. I can't imagine using the lens for any period of time without a monopod, so I would not pay a lot more for VR. Edited October 9, 2017 by robert_bouknight|1

To John the OP, I think the question boils down to whether you can afford to lose the ability to zoom, from 120mm to 250mm or so. If you mainly use it at 300mm, the first generation f2.8 AF-S is still a fine lens and is not that expensive. (I think it is now in the $1500 range, used??)

 

Do you have some 70-200mm/f2.8 to cover the shorter range?

 

I also agree with Robert that hand holding the 300mm/f2.8 for more than a few minutes is not very realistic, at least for me.

I don't own the 300/2.8 but have used one many times and think it is excellent. That and the 80-200/2.8 both have a certain quality to my eye. If you can keep what you have for its zoom capability and add the 300 I'd recommend that. You won't regret having that lens.

 

Rick H.