A quick specifications comparison between the new Nikon 300mm f/4E PF ED VR lens and the previous 300mm f/4D IF-ED version:
| Nikkor 300mm f/4E PF ED VR | Nikkor 300mm f/4D IF-ED | |
 |  | |
| Focal Length | 300mm | 300mm |
| Maximum Aperture | f/4 | f/4 |
| Minimum Aperture | f/32 | f/32 |
| Format | FX/35mm | FX/35mm |
| Maximum Angle of View (DX-format) | 5°20′ | 5°20′ |
| Maximum Angle of View (FX-format) | 8°10′ | 8°10′ |
| Maximum Reproduction Ratio | 0.24x | 0.27x |
| Lens Elements | 16 | 10 |
| Lens Groups | 10 | 6 |
| Compatible Format(s) | FX DX | FX DX FX in DX Crop Mode 35mm Film |
| VR (Vibration Reduction) Image Stabilization | Yes | — |
| Diaphragm Blades | 9 | 9 |
| Nano Crystal Coat | Yes | — |
| ED Glass Elements | 1 | 2 |
| Aspherical Elements | 1 | — |
| Super Integrated Coating | Yes | Yes |
| AF-S (Silent Wave Motor) | Yes | Yes |
| Internal Focusing | Yes | Yes |
| Minimum Focus Distance | 4.6ft.(1.4m) | 4.8ft.(1.45m) |
| Focus Mode | Manual Manual/Auto Auto/Manual | Auto Manual Manual/Auto |
| Filter Size | 77mm | 77mm |
| Accepts Filter Type | Screw-on | Screw-on |
| Approx. Dimensions (Diameter x Length) | 3.5in.(89mm)x5.8in.(147.5mm)Based on CIPA Guideline | 3.5in.(90mm)x8.8in.(222.5mm) |
| Approx. Weight | 26.6oz.(755g) | 50.8oz.(1,440g) |
| Price | $1,999.95 | $1,369 |
| MTF Charts |  |  |
| Lens Design |  |  |
