where there’s smoke there’s forum fire
Hi,
I'm planning to buy the Nikon 300 f4 lens in the near future but I'm doubting about whether or not I should wait for the VR version, especially since I've heard several rumors that new Nikon lenses are on the way (Christmas or PMA). PMA (February) is quite a few months away but I think I'll be beating myself up if a VR version gets introduced then..
Any suggestions/ideas about what I should do anyone?
Thx!
That's a pretty decent investment, so your cation is warranted. If you were American, my advice would be to go ahead and get it. Even if a new lens comes out, the old lens will probably hold its value better than the dollar.
As I understand it, the Netherlands is holding up rather well economically speaking, so inflation isn't the same threat to you as it is to us stateside.
That said, the specialized lenses don't drop very much in value. I don't see any of the old 70-200's out there on e-bay selling at a steep discount. If Nikon does update the 300 f4, it probably won't be a huge production run. So you may have to wait months before you can actually get one.
I say get it, enjoy it, and if an updated version comes out sell it and get the update. You'll probably only lose 20% tops.
Doubt we'll see anything before Christmas. More likely PMA. If you can wait until then, then wait, but judging from your last post on this same subject you already stated you couldn't wait so just get the lens and enjoy it already.
there's no good time to buy a lens, as either there will be some new lens coming shortly or the just released lens will cost more than the previous generation, so as Niko wrote don't hesitate and if You have plans to use it right now go and get it
Besides that, that lens is awesome as-is.
Totally would recommend it.
Willis brings up a good point that even if this lens gets replaced/upgraded it will be sold in limited numbers and it will be hard to find. Besides even if it's announced in February it'll be a few more months (may?) before it actually starts shipping.
How well (I know this wasn't part of the original question) does any incarnation of VR work well on tripods?
No not really
Some lenses need VR turned off when mounted on a tripod, but that's mostly older ones.
I do not notice a huge difference between it being on or off, quite honestly i don't notice any at all. however, one must remember that those lenses with VR II, if your on a tripod, don't set the VR mode to Tripod, as unlogical as it is, if you do that you need your tripod head locked in.
It must be set to Normal if you're doing any panning at all.
So, essentially, is VR worth waiting for, if you're shooting on a tripod, then no.
+1 to the guy with all the fetishes
demi - have to disagree with You, I think VR is worth waiting, as there are situations where You can't use tripod, and to achieve the same flexibility as in handholding (ok, most of the flexibility) You need to get a gimbal head for Your tripod, means at least $300 bucks more
I faced a similar dilemma with buying the 200/4 micro. It's one of the older lenses in the catalog and clearly ready for a redesign/update. My decision was made easier because macro and VR don't matter, otherwise, I think I'd wait. Unless the lens will make you money.
I don´t need VR, I plan to shoot handheld @ 1/500s or faster.
monopod, the original vr, still use it.
People were saying the VR version of this lens was coming soon over two years ago just before got mine. I can honestly say that I'm glad to have not waited.
Sure, but VR is rather reassuring when you are looking through the viewfinder.
VR is not as required in such long lenses as the N coating, as it gives a crispier, more contrast image
Since I haven't used any nano coated lenses, I cannot comment on that, but the 300mm F4 is already produces contrasty, sharp images, but I wouldn't complain if they made it better.
PB PM said:
Since I haven't used any nano coated lenses, I cannot comment on that, but the 300mm F4 is already produces contrasty, sharp images, but I wouldn't complain if they made it better.
I've noticed with the 105mm AF-S micro Nikkor that some of my higher ISO shots come out crisper. Perhaps it's because it's a darn expensive lens and I expect more from it and probably because it's also my first VR lens.
Man, lenses are expensive.
@NSX - and maybe it's because Your hand shakes too much, and what You see on Your lower iso pictures is motion blur instead of lack of sharpness, have You though about this?
So this thread started over a year ago and then Godless commented (below) - is there something new or did this just get started up again?
Has someone heard about VR in this lens coming out anytime? I haven't seen or heard anything.
Godless said:
I don´t need VR, I plan to shoot handheld @ 1/500s or faster.
I haven't heard anything new lately, but there always rumblings on the net that a VR version with nano coatings is coming soon. Being a 10 year old lens, it must be coming up for an update soon, after all, the AF-S 300mm F4D IF-ED was released with the D1!
Interestingly, I saw last weekthe picture and Price (Brazilian Reais +- 4.400,00) for a 300mm F4 with VR and nano coating.
P.S.: The store man showed me it in the Nikon Brasil site for resellers...
Good news. I think the have only a problem with production schedules
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