alan_wilder1

<p>Pre-firmware fix @1/160</p><div></div>

<p>Post firmware fix @1/100</p><div></div>

<p>Having returned my first 300/4 PF VR for refund that demonstrated insufficient VR compensation at speeds like 1/160 sec, I recently took delivery on a later version with the firmware fix (after ser. # after 205101). The problem has improved by about 50% but not completely corrected. In fairness to Nikon, they stated: "Depending upon the way the camera is held when shooting, or the shooting conditions, images may be blurred even after this lens firmware is updated". As with the first lens, VR was a better performer at speeds like 1/25 or 1/40 than say 1/100-1/180. Sample VR images as follows. Here is the first lens @1/100 before the "firmware fix".</p><div></div>

<p>At 1/100, VR did improve sharpnesss somewhat compared to turned off but it wasn't entirely free of image degrading vibration. Thus, to get tack sharp imaging, a tripod would be required at 1/100. If I shot at a higher speed like 1/400 or slower speed of 1/60 the vibration would cease to be a factor with use of VR. I'm thinking that the VR is overcompensting a little causing unintended image "jiggle" at the speeds in question.</p>

<p>I just took delivery of this lens and sadly had to return it during my dealers 1 week "no questions asked" full refund policy.<br /> Pros: sharp, compact, lightweight, excellent VR from 1/20-1/100 sec.<br /> <br /> Cons: fair to poor VR 1/125-1/250 sec., visible degredation due to image vibration reducing fine detail by about 30-40%.<br> All tests were done handheld on my D750 with no deliberate shake on my part and I waited to make sure the VR "settled" in the finder. AF fine tuning was performed prior to any testing. The VR offers diminishing returns as the shutter speed approaches 1/FL, thus pretty much worthless at medium speeds from 1/125-1/250. It's not a big deal except that's a useful shutter range where you'd really expect no VR issue. My 70-200/4 VR Nikkor exhibited no issues in this area providing tack sharp images down to 1/20 sec and minimal to no blur from vibration at higher speeds through 1/FL. I don't know if the image shake is due to reduced VR at the speeds in question or if actually induced by an overactive VR mechanism. I can post sample images later if interested as I have no access to them from this computer.</p>

<p>Well, after sending it back a second time to Nikon, they replaced the silent wave motor and still <strong>no better</strong> on my D750 for AF operation! <strong>But</strong> on their third attempt, they finally got around to replacing the DC/DC converter and it did the trick! Pefect even with a TC-14E II. Good thing it was under repair warranty and they paid for shipping. Looks like the DC/DC converter is the key. Too bad it took so long to fix it. Maybe they should read photo.net!</p>

<p>It doesn't matter whether a lens is "D" or not regarding AF fine tune. "D" designation AF lenses confers distance information to the camera for more accurate exposure, particularly with respect to use of speedlight units. A pre-D AF Nikkor can still take advantage of AF fine tuning.</p>

<p>I use to own a Nikkor 500/4 P and while it's a fantastic lens, my understanding is that the AF fine tuning feature only works of AF lenses (possibly only AF-S). The P lens series whether a 500/4 P or 45/2.8 P (one I still own) are basically MF lenses "chipped" for all possible AE options. The fix in your case is to have the body checked/adjusted to make certain the AF sensor plane, digital sensor plane and focus screen plane all match to factory spec.</p>

<p>Just received my camera back from Nikon Service (Melville, NY) for correction of the issue. Mine was an early body that had the problem. The fix was perfect, free and the problem is now gone when comparing pre to post test shots. The repair was extensive ( S classification) involving replacement of the front of the camera among other things replaced and adjusted. If I had to pay out of pocket, I'm sure it be quite high. They also updated the firmware. <strong>Great job Nikon for addressing and correcting this issue!</strong></p>

<p>Hey Shun, I tried my D750 with a clean used very late 300/4 AFS (ser. # US 327xxx) and it worked <strong>flawlessly</strong> alone or with either TC-E unit. My lens and converter combinations worked fine with the D610, D800 and D810. I just received the lens back from Nikon service (Melville) but <strong>no improvement</strong> in AF despite repair work on the bayonet, encoder, main FPC and lens FPC. It worked fine by itself on the dealers D750, but not with my extenders attached to their D750. In a few days when I get home, I'll reset all my camera settings to default to see if that helps as suggested by Nikon tech support. The only good news is the warranty is for 6 months so if nothing else works, I'll have to end both camera and lens to Nikon for another look.</p>

<p>Thanks Dieter, I saw that. I'll see if I can get an answer from Nikon too. Hate to give up my D750 if it's really just a lens issue.</p>

<p>It does flicker with the TC-14E II and 300/4 combination but does not flicker with just the 300/4 mounted on the D750.</p>

<p>It is an earlier version, ser. # US 2075xx. No flashing of the top LCD with the 300/4 mounted. There is no AF operation either with or without a TC-14E II. No problem using my 600/4 AF-S (1st version) or 70-200/4 AF-S with or without the converter. Interestingly, If I slightly dismount the 300/4 AF-S position from it's normal clicked-in position and then turn it back to properly click-in, the lens will autofocus but this is short lived because when I then turn the camera off and then back on, it again fails to autofocus. I would think if it's a lens CPU/contact issue, it wouldn't work on other Nikon AF digital cameras.</p>

<p>All my other AF-S and AF-D lenses correctly auto-focus on my new D750 and when I checked this lens on a D610 or D810, it focused fine. Couldn't find another D750 to try out but will do it in 2 days at the dealer that I purchased the lens a few weeks ago. Any ideas on what's going on? Firmware or software issue with the lens or body?</p>