All to briefly I owned the Nikon 300mm f2.8 VR lens, read about my thoughts on the review page (just click the title above)
AN AMAZING LENS!! Superb results with TC-14E 1.4x and TC-17E 1.7x teleconverters
No regrets buying this over the Nikon 200-400mm VR.
Nikon 80-400mm VR lens. Not the fastest AF in the world but faster on the D2x than previous Nikon cameras.
Optically, even for a zoom lens, I feel this lens is up there with the best. The Nikon D2x is extremely good at revealing inadequacies in a lens, and the 80-400mm passes the test.
The Kenko Pro300 1.4x teleconverter does work with this lens, giving acceptable AF (in good light) and the VR still works. Nikon teleconverters do not work with this lens, as they are designed for AFS type lenses (internal focus motors in the lens) Nikon Teleconverter Page
Previous Camera:
The Nikon D2x, a 12.8mp camera utilising an APS-C sized sensor, that gives a 1.5x crop to images taken with a standard 35mm film designed lens. I was extremely pleased with the Nikon D2x after a year of ownership. Nikon D2x Review
Other Lenses that I have owned:
The Nikkor AF-S 600mm f4 lens, my results indicate a significant step up in quality from my previous lens, the Sigma 500mm f4.5 EX HSM. The extra 100mm and a f4 rating may seem insignificant but it really makes far more difference than one can imagine.
The focal length with my Nikon TC14-E 1.4x teleconverter is now around 850mm and this figure is further increased by the camera's built-in 1.5x crop factor, giving 1275 mm at f5.6 (rapid and reliable autofocus as well). The Sigma 500mm f4.5 would yield effectively 1050mm ... so a gain of 225mm or there-abouts. I would gain further focal length advantage over a 500mm lens using the Nikon TC17-E teleconverter
Long Lens Gimbal type head. More than a poor man's Wimberley
After 12 months use, I still rate this as an amazing bargain that really does produce the results. A hidden gem in the Manfrotto range.
Unbiased experts help you find the best Nikon digital camera based on the types of photos you shoot, your budget, and desired features.
Lots of new DSLR Cameras & Nikon Long VR Primes announced
Canon announce
Canon EOS 1Ds MkIII 21.1 million pixels (full frame) 5fps and many of the benefits of the Canon 1D MkIII (this is the one for me!!)
Canon EOS 40D 10.1 million pixels 1.6x crop. 6.5fps and many of the features of the EOS 1D MkIII. Looks to be a great little camera for the bird photographer
LATEST: Canon EOS 1D MkIII now in my possession, and no AF issues at all. A bit light on pixels vs 1Ds MkII even with 1.3x crop but well over 1 stop better at high ISO settings, and faster than you can imagine at everything it does.
Nikon announce
Nikon D3 12.1 million pixel full frame (new Nikon FX format). Lots of excellent features but for the bird photographer, you do wonder about 12mp at full frame.
Nikon D300 12.3 million pixels at 1.5x crop (familiar Nikon DX format). A new 3 inch monitor
Nikon super telephoto VR prime lenses finally announced.
AF-S 400mm f/2.8G ED VR
AF-S 500mm f/4G ED VR
AF-S 600mm f/4G ED VR
So current equipment that I use.
Canon EOS 1Ds MkII and Canon EOS 1D MkIII . I did try 2 examples of the Canon 30D, to have as a temporary camera until the newer version of the 1Ds MkII arrives, but both had some focus issues.
Canon EF600mm f4 L I.S. USM
Canon EF300mm f2.8 L I.S. USM
The Canon EF 600mm f4 L I.S. USM has been everything
I had hoped and then some. Feeling a new sense of freedom
and relaxation when out using it. Stopping down to f11 and
using shutter speeds of 1/125 on static subjects now opens
Have now replaced my much loved Nikkor 300mm f2.8 VR with
the Canon equivilant, the Canon EF 300mm f2.8 L I.S. USM.
Very pleased with the early results in combination with the
Canon EFII 2x teleconverter.
Recently received this improved version of the fabled original Wimberley head.
As can be imagined, it is very impressive and a big improvement with the
weight and size reduction
