Nikon Nikkor 300mm f/4 PF Lens

Small, But Mighty

Build in 2015, the Nikon 300mm f/4 PF is a superb lens that is known for it's small size, light weight, and portability. This was Nikon's first release of a lens with Phase Fresnel (PF) element, and this special technology is what allows the lens to weigh in at only 26 ounces. Personally, this is the smallest and lightest telephoto that I own, and I never hesitate to bring it with me into the field when I need a telephoto on a weight budget.

The 300 PF has a maximum aperture of f/4, making this a fantastic option for nature photographers that like to shoot in lower-light situations. If f/4 still isn't enough, Nikon does make a 300 f/2.8 for the F-mount, but be warned - that lens weighs in at 6.4lbs and costs significantly more. The f/4 aperture is also ideal for creating nice bokeh and blurred-out backgrounds.

While 300mm is an ideal focal length for mammals and larger subjects, it may not be enough for photographers shooting small birds. With a high-resolution sensor, such as those on the D850, Z7 series, Z8, and Z9, DX-crop can still be utilized to achieve an effective 450 mm focal length.

The minimum focus distance of this lens is only 4.6 feet, making it one of my favorite ways to photography insects and macro-esque subjects. With it, I can stay far enough away from the subject as to not disturb it, which is always a challenge when shooting macro. The portability makes it easy to position myself comfortably for the shot, especially if I am chasing a flying insect around. I will typically only reach for a macro lens instead if I need to be very close to the subject for a 1:1 reproduction ratio.

In terms of image quality, this is one of the sharpest telephotos that I own. The level of detail that I have been able to capture is quite jaw-dropping. The 300 PF, in my opinion, is still a viable (and competitive) option for sports and wildlife photographers even 10+ years after its release, which is an incredible feat when considering that it's up against a whole lineup of stellar, modern, Z-mount glass.

Wild Turkey - Shot with the Nikon 300mm PF

Pros and Cons

Pro: Low-Light Shooting

Wildlife and sports are often shot in lower-light conditions. Shooting at f/4 provides ample opportunity for capturing images with lower noise in those situations. For even more light, consider paying the dollar and weight premium for an f/2.8 lens.

Pro: Minimum Focus Distance

The minimum focus distance allows for macro-like shots without requiring the shooter to be too close to the subject. I also reach for this lens when shooting portraits of birds that are not skittish around humans.

Pro: Lightweight and Portable

This is the lightest and smallest 300mm lens that Nikon has ever produced. This is the perfect option for situations where a small and portable telephoto is required. I pair mine with a Z8 for the ultimate lightweight wildlife setup.

Pro + Con: 300mm Focal Length

For shooters of wildlife from close-to-medium range, this is the perfect focal length and might be the ideal combination of size and aperture too. If small birds are your primary subject, you may find that 300mm is too short for your everyday needs.

Pro: Image Rendering

The 300 PF produces images with phenomenal sharpness and contrast. The maximum aperture allows for beautiful out-of-focus backgrounds and nice bokeh. The lens still competes with the excellent lenses in Nikon’s Z lineup.

Slight Con: FTZ Adapter

For those shooters on Nikon’s Z-series mirrorless lineup, one disadvantage of this lens (albeit a very minor one) is the requirement to use the FTZ adapter. Introducing an extra pair of mounts adds a tiny amount of additional complexity and work to your shooting equation. This is a very minor inconvenience, though.