Lens question

Roadkill

Started to do some looking into buying a Nikkor 300mm f/4 IF-ED<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" /><o:p></o:p>

But in my quest I see such vast price differences on my net search. 1200.00 vs 535.00 now there has to be some reason. Is there something specific I should watch out for, Just doesn’t make sense to me.<o:p></o:p>

Scott_Quier

Roadkill wrote:

Started to do some looking into buying a Nikkor 300mm f/4 IF-ED But in my quest I see such vast price differences on my net search. 1200.00 vs 535.00 now there has to be some reason. Is there something specific I should watch out for, Just doesn’t make sense to me.

Unless you've previously done business with an on-line retailer, it makes good sense to vett them. One place to go is Reseller Ratings. Pop the name of the store into the control labeled "Enter Store Name" and click on the "Find Ratings and Reviews" button.

My personal standard - if they don't have at least a 7.0 (both in the last 6 months and lifetime) I move on to the next retailer.

There are a number of stores from which you can buy with confidence: B&H and [url="htt://www.adorama.com"]Adorama[/url] just to name a couple.

RJC1

You need to watch the relailer with the price that is to good to be true. I ordered a Canon 100-400 4.5 L telephoto from an online retailer for
$ 950.00 The info and the number with the picture on their site was the Canon lens. When I received the box, inside was a Sigma 150-400 worth about $750.00. He offered to let me keep it for $850.00 because the sales rep said that is what I ordered, with some dialog on my part I got the needed return Number and sent it back, but got stuck paying return postage. I ordered again through Amazon and got a good price. I will always order through a known retailer from now on.

DsrtVW

I bought the Nikon AF 300mm ED IF for 425.00 from a reputable local dealer that I trust and was able to put it on my camera and try it. It is a killer lens very sharp. For the money I am glad I got it.
The AF-S 300mm ED IF is the higher cost lens. That is why you are probably seeing the price differential.
You will need the AF-S if you want to use an Auto Focus Teleconverter.
Even though I do not agree with all Ken Rockwell has to say. He does document the 2 lenses well
The AF
http://www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/3004af.htm
The AF-S
http://www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/300f4afs.htm

Roadkill

I have wondered about the teleconverter. Thought about trying it with my AF-S 18-200, but years ago when I used them on my Nikon F they produced less than satisfactory results, plus loosing 2 stops. Have they improved over the years? Are they worth it?

ziggy53

Roadkill wrote:

I have wondered about the teleconverter. Thought about trying it with my AF-S 18-200, but years ago when I used them on my Nikon F they produced less than satisfactory results, plus loosing 2 stops. Have they improved over the years? Are they worth it?

Teleconverters are best used with prime lenses with longer focal lengths. I don't think they will even fit on the AF-S 18-200 without potential damage.

The 70-200mm (and 80-200mm) zooms are the possible exception and the Nikon TC-14E II is often recommended.