AF-S VR Nikkor 300/2.8G IF-ED (Nano)

[Andy]

Originally Posted by AJDH

I used mine yesterday when the Red Arrows visited. The strap was used for the first time as I had to walk about 1/2 mile to get to the vantage point. The strap may look a bit flimsy where it attaches but it's very strong material. I'd say the two small screws holding the metal attachment loops to the lens are more flimsy.

Excellent shots in the gallery, Adrian. You really nailed the Arrows.

When I mentioned the strap, the Nikon strap is certainly strong enough but it is just a standard strap. Do yourself a big favour and buy an Optech strap, it'll be the best £20 you've spent on camera gear... they are padded stretchy neoprene and make whatever you carry feel almost half the weight.

Although my Op/tech strap is rated to 7kg, the lower webbing didn't inspire confidence, so I snipped and changed for far wider (off an old Nikon strap for the 600/4)

cheers,
Andy

[Subzero]

Good "arra's and sparra",
AJDH, -Very vivid colours and striking images of the Red Arrows, you did well.
Aching arms! Three in no. "shreaded wheats for breakfast" are mandatory.
Andy, - Very sharp, good colours and contrast, you must be well chuffed with this walk about lens.You would be very hard pressed to see the difference in this image and one taken with a prime 500mm.
regards Subzero.

[Canis Vulpes]

Originally Posted by AJDH

Following the aircraft was a piece of cake, much easier than following birds. The active focus worked a treat, keeping everything in focus both panning and head-on. I'd set the ISO to 400 in order to catch the action but I think I could have gone down to 200 without problems. About half way through the show my arms started to ache a little but with a few exercises I think this won't be a problem. Thanks to Avi and Andy for the suggestions that the lens would be long enough for the aircraft, in fact it proved perfect.

The lens is approx 500g lighter than 200-400VR which is very difficult to hand hold, partly due to length but also weight. I have negotiated discount from a supplier for 300mm f2.8 VR but came out of the sale as I figured it would be difficult to hand hold ALL day. Red Arrow's displays are usually 20 minutes or so. I am an office worker who does little exercise and perhaps the weight combined with D2X may be too much for my pen pushing physique!

Seriously how long do you think this lens combined with D2X could be realistically handheld?

[Andy]

Originally Posted by Stephen Fox

The lens is approx 500g lighter than 200-400VR which is very difficult to hand hold, partly due to length but also weight. I have negotiated discount from a supplier for 300mm f2.8 VR but came out of the sale as I figured it would be difficult to hand hold ALL day. Red Arrow's displays are usually 20 minutes or so. I am an office worker who does little exercise and perhaps the weight combined with D2X may be too much for my pen pushing physique!

Seriously how long do you think this lens combined with D2X could be realistically handheld?

I wouldn't want to hold a d50 + 50mm up to my eye for 20 mins without a break, let alone a 300/2.8 Having the camera up to your eye for anything over 5 mins is rather specialised, I can imagine professional coverage of certain sports would require your eye up to the viewfinder almost constantly, and it seems air displays as well. With this requirement, you're into monopod/tripod territory... so you may as well stick to the 200-400mm

I can do 5 mins up to the eye with my 300/2.8. (just tried it ), but even having a break of 20 seconds every now and again makes a huge difference.

[Canis Vulpes]

Hmmm, No I dont want to glue to camera to my face (Although a Nikon imprint may be cool) I expect to handhold all day but with lots and lots of little breaks. Only when a decent pass presents itself I will hold the camera.

Imagine approach to Heathrow aeroplane every 2 minutes but trying to acquire an image but last 40 seconds.

Is this type of activity possible handheld with this lens?

[Andy]

Originally Posted by Stephen Fox

Hmmm, No I dont want to glue to camera to my face (Although a Nikon imprint may be cool) I expect to handhold all day but with lots and lots of little breaks. Only when a decent pass presents itself I will hold the camera.

Imagine approach to Heathrow aeroplane every 2 minutes but trying to acquire an image but last 40 seconds.

Is this type of activity possible handheld with this lens?

Personally, I could happily shoot from Hatton Cross for hours and get the majority, if not all, incoming aircraft with the 300/2.8 (though you'd want less than 300mm there

I still think your 200-400mm is the ideal lens for your own needs... but you'd look the part (or a part with a 300/2.8 + D2x aound your neck whilst operating the 200-400 with another D2x on a tripod

[AJDH]

I used mine during the recent Red Arrows display in Saudi Arabia. It was about half way through the display that I got some aching in my upper arms. Just taking the weight off the camera and lens relieved it and I was able to carry on for the second half. The lens was not constantly up to my eye during the display, there were plenty of opportunities to rest.

[Canis Vulpes]

Well, I have taken the plunge and I am now a proud owner of a 300 f2.8 VR. I had a free hour today and visited said supplier and took a good look and feel of the lens equipped with a D2x. I felt at the time handholding was going to be easy but back home fooling around I have my doubts. The lens is as sharp as Nikon's finest (during brief testing) i.e. 70-200 f2.8VR, 28-70 f.8 and 17-35 f2.8. I'll perform a more in depth test in due course.

The best attribute of the lens is size, a physically short lens is easy to pan and handhold therefore much easier to operate. As stated before a smaller lens is more portable and thus more usable.

I look forward to the next airshow when I hope to report 100% handholding success with lots of quality 'keepers' - I also stopped by for some shredded wheat as I think I am going to need three for breakfast until then!...and after

[Andy]

I'm afraid a nasty shoulder injury has stopped me from picking up a camera for the last 4 days, and it's unlikely i will be holding one for a while yet.

I feel your panic from here ... but you can relax, my injury wasn't related to camera/lens.

I'm sure you'll find it lighter in use as you use it more... and your muscles will tone up a bit. No one will be kicking sand in your face down at the beach

[Don Hoey]

Originally Posted by Stephen Fox

Well, I have taken the plunge and I am now a proud owner of a 300 f2.8 VR.

And that is why I call you NIKON Foxy Bob.

Don