Nikon 300mm f2.8 versions?

<p>I have spent a while searching online and I've been left slightly confused.<br>

The older original VR version of the 300mm f2.8, seems to have two types of images associated with it. On the golden/brass name plate, one has the Nano "N" and the other has the "ED" symbol instead. Both show the red VR mark. I understood that both VR and VR II versions have the Nano coating, but what about the VR with only "ED", and not "N" on the plate? A quick search for images of Nikkor 300mm F2.8 AF-S VR ED on Google with show what I mean.<br>

Thanks guys. (and gals)</p>

<p>This serial number chart might be of a little help.</p>

<p>http://www.photosynthesis.co.nz/nikon/serialno.html#300</p>

<p> </p>

<p>Update...<br>

I actually think some second-hand sites are using images of the newer model while describing the older model. On reflection, the VR marks may not be red.<br>

I would still like clarification on whether all VR models of the 300mm f 2.8 have the Nano lens coating.</p>

<p>There are two versions of the Nikon 300mm/f2.8 AF-S VR. The first version was introduced back in 2004 with older VR technology. The current version was introduced on December 10 last year: <a href="00VDYx">http://www.photo.net/nikon-camera-forum/00VDYx</a></p>

<p>The new version has what Nikon calls VR2, improved VR. Both vesions have nano coating, although that terms was not widely used back in 2004 when version 1 was introduced. Nikon started heavily advertising nano coating in August 2007 when they introduced a bunch of high-end lenses along with the original D3 and D300. Current lenses with nano coating have a black-on-gold N symbol to emphasis that feature.</p>

<p>These are the Nikon USA pages on the two versions. However, for whatever reason, they are listing the older version as VR II as well:</p>

<ul>

<li>Older VR vesion: <a href="http://www.nikonusa.com/Find-Your-Nikon/Product/Camera-Lenses/2154/AF-S-VR-II-NIKKOR-300mm-f%252F2.8G-IF-ED.html#tab-ProductDetail.ProductTabs.Overview">http://www.nikonusa.com/Find-Your-Nikon/Product/Camera-Lenses/2154/AF-S-VR-II-NIKKOR-300mm-f%252F2.8G-IF-ED.html#tab-ProductDetail.ProductTabs.Overview</a></li>

<li>Current new VR version: <a href="http://www.nikonusa.com/Find-Your-Nikon/Product/Camera-Lenses/2186/AF-S-NIKKOR-300mm-f%252F2.8G-ED-VR-II.html">http://www.nikonusa.com/Find-Your-Nikon/Product/Camera-Lenses/2186/AF-S-NIKKOR-300mm-f%252F2.8G-ED-VR-II.html</a></li>

</ul>

<p>I have searched and found lenses with the older red VR symbol (ie not gold), one with "N" and the other "ED".<br>

<a href="http://bebefore.com/nikon-300mm-f-2-8g-ed-if-af-s-vr-nikkor/"></a></p>

<div></div>

<p>Thank you Shun.<br>

My understanding was, as you say, both versions have the Nano coating. My confusion was caused by finding two cosmetically different VR I lenses.<br>

I understand there are VR I and VR II versions, but my question referred to what seem to be two versions of the older VR I lens as shown above.</p>

<p>Paul, you are showing images of the old version. It looks like Nikon changed the plate on the barrel. As I said, Nikon started advertising about nano coating in 2007 and apparently they added the N symbol to version 1 later on.</p>

<p>The new version features the M/A as well as A/M switch so that there are 3 settings on the AF/MF selection switch: <a href="http://www.nikonusa.com/Assets/Camera-Lenses/2186-AF-S-NIKKOR-300mm-f2.6G-ED-VR-II-Super-Telephoto/Views/2186_AFS-300-ED-VR-II_front.png">http://www.nikonusa.com/Assets/Camera-Lenses/2186-AF-S-NIKKOR-300mm-f2.6G-ED-VR-II-Super-Telephoto/Views/2186_AFS-300-ED-VR-II_front.png</a><br>

The old version only has two settings: M/A (auto focus w/ manual override) and M (manual). That should be the easiest way to tell them apart.</p>

<p>Thanks again Shun, but the reason I have shown the images of the older version, is because I am looking at locating and buying a used copy. My original post and subsequent questions all concern the old VR I version. I know how to tell versions I and II apart. That is not my problem. Perhaps I did not make my post clear enough?<br />To clarify, all I want to know is whether the lower lens in the picture above definitely has Nano?</p>

<p>Paul, again, please read this Nikon USA page for the older version: <a href="http://www.nikonusa.com/Find-Your-Nikon/Product/Camera-Lenses/2154/AF-S-VR-II-NIKKOR-300mm-f%252F2.8G-IF-ED.html#tab-ProductDetail.ProductTabs.Overview">http://www.nikonusa.com/Find-Your-Nikon/Product/Camera-Lenses/2154/AF-S-VR-II-NIKKOR-300mm-f%252F2.8G-IF-ED.html#tab-ProductDetail.ProductTabs.Overview</a><br />That page has the same lens image as your second one for the older version and it lists that the lens has nano coating.</p>

<p>When the new version was announced last December, I checked with Nikon USA and they confirmed that the old version also has nano coating. As far as I know, Nikon never changed the optical formula; in fact, versions 1 and 2 have the same optics. The main difference is VR vs. the improved VR2 (and the new A/M switch setting). My guess is that since Nikon started advertising nano coating, they changed the plate on the barrel on the older version.</p>

<p>Paul, this press release from September 16, 2004 on DPReview.com should clear up your remaining doubts: <a href="http://www.dpreview.com/news/0409/04091604nikkor300mmvr.asp">http://www.dpreview.com/news/0409/04091604nikkor300mmvr.asp</a><br>

Nano coating was explicitely mentioned even back in 2004.</p>

<p>Thanks Shun. I have looked again at the link you posted and that has clarified matters. Thank you.<br>

Here in the UK, Nikon's top lenses are very expensive, so I can save a lot of money getting a mint older version. I'm thinking of adding the 1.7 teleconverter to the deal, so I get a 300mm and a 510mm for an awful lot less than a new 500mm f4 VR. If what I hear is true, the latest 2X converter works very well with the 300mm as well. I know the use of the teleconverter will give a slightly degraded image, but the 300mm with a converter will be easier to handle, and I can't afford a 300mm and a 500mm<br>

I have given up on the Sigma 150-500 :(</p>

<p>I have started a new thread referring to my comments above.</p>