Nikon AF-S Nikkor 300mm f-4E PF ED VR Lens User Manual

June 5, 2024
Nikon

NIKKOR
AF-5 NIKKOR 300mm f/4E PF ED VR
Usre’s Manual

Before using this product, please carefully read both these instructions and the camera manual.
Note: When mounted on a DX-format digital single-lens reflex camera such as the D7100 or D5500, this lens has an angle of view of 5°20′ and a focal length equivalent to 450 mm (35 mm format). For your Safety
WARNINGS

  • Do not disassemble or modify. In the event of a malfunction, the product should be repaired only by a qualified technician. Should the product break open as the result of a fall or other accident, avoid touching exposed parts. Failure to observe these precautions could result in electric shock or another injury.
  • Turn the camera off immediately in the event of a malfunction. Should you notice smoke or an unusual smell coming from the equipment, immediately unplug the AC adapter and remove the camera battery, taking care to avoid burns. Continued operation could result in fire or injury. After removing the battery, take the equipment to a Nikon-authorized service center for inspection.
  • Keep dry. Do not expose the product to water or handle it with wet hands. Failure to observe this precaution could result in fire or electric shock.
  • Do not use in the presence of flammable gas. Operating the equipment at filling stations or in the presence of propane or other flammable gas or dust could result in an explosion or fire.
  • Do not look at the sun through the lens or the camera viewfinder. Viewing the sun or other bright light sources through the lens or viewfinder could cause permanent visual impairment.

CAUTIONS

  • Keep out of reach of children. Failure to observe this precaution could result in injury or product malfunction.
  • Do not focus sunlight through the lens. Sunlight focused through the lens could cause a fire. When shooting backlit subjects keep the sun well out of the frame; if the lens will not be used for an extended period, replace the lens caps and store them out of direct sunlight.
  • Do not overheat. Do not leave the product in locations exposed to extremely high temperatures, such as in an enclosed vehicle in direct sunlight, or wrap the product in a towel or handkerchief or otherwise cover the product while it is in use. Failure to observe these precautions could result in fire or product malfunction.

Notice for Customers in Canada
CAN ICES-3 B/ NVB-3 B

Parts of the Lens (Figure 1)

  1. Lens hood mounting mark
  2. Focus ring
  3. Focus distance indicator
  4. Focus distance mark
  5. Lens rotation index
  6. Lens mounting mark
  7. Rubber lens-mount gasket
  8. CPU contacts
  9. Focus-mode switch *Optional.
  10. Focus limit switch
  11. Vibration reduction switch
  12. Lens hood
  13. Lens hood lock mark
  14. Lens hood alignment mark
  15. Position indices 90º*
  16. Tripod collar ring*
  17. Tripod collar ring attachment knob*

Compatibility

This lens can be used with D4-series, D3-series, Df, D810, D800-series, D750, D700, D610, D600, D300-series, D7100, D7000, D5500, D5300, D5200, D5100, D5000, D3300, D3200, and D3100 cameras. For up-to-date information on compatible cameras, see our latest catalogs or visit the Nikon website for your area.

Focus

Supported focus modes are shown in the following table (for information on camera focus modes, see the camera manual).

Camera
focus mode| Lens focus mode
---|---
A/M| M/A| M
AF| Autofocus with
manual override
(AF priority)| Autofocus with
manual override
(manual priority)| Manual focus
with electronic
rangefinder
MF| Manual focus with electronic rangefinder

MIA and AIM Modes

  • M/A: Autofocus can be over-ridden by rotating the lens focus ring.
  • AIM: As above, except that the focus ring must be rotated farther before autofocus is over-ridden, preventing acci­ dental changes to focus caused by unintended operation
    of the focus ring.
  1. Slide the lens focus-mode switch to A/M or M/A.
  2. Focus.
    If desired, autofocus can be over-ridden by rotating the lens focus ring while the shutter-release button is pressed halfway (or, if the camera is equipped with an AF-ON button, while the AF-ON button is pressed). To refocus using autofocus, press the shutter-release button halfway or press the AF-ON button again.

The Focus Limit Switch
This switch determines the focus distance limits for autofocus.

  • FULL: Select this option to use the entire focus range.

  • oo-3 m: If your subject will always be at a distance of at least 3m (9.9 ft), select this option for faster focusing.

  • Depth of Field
    If the camera offers a depth-of-field preview (stop-down), the depth of field can be previewed in the viewfinder.
    Note: Note that the focus distance indicator is intended only as a guide and may not accurately show the distance to the subject and ma~ due to depth of field or other factors, not show oo when the camera is focused on a distant object.

  • Aperture
    Aperture is adjusted using camera controls. The frame rate may drop at some apertures.

  • Built-in Flash Units
    When using the built-in flash-on cameras equipped with a built-in flash unit, remove the lens hood to prevent vignetting (shadows created where the end of the lens obscures the built-in flash).

  • Vibration Reduction (VR)
    Vibration reduction (VR) reduces blur caused by camera shake, allowing shutter speeds up to 4.5 stops slower than would otherwise be the case, increasing the range of shutter speeds available. The effects of VR on shutter speed are measured in a NORMAL mode according to Camera and Imaging Products Association (CIPA) standards; FX-format lenses are measured us­ ing FX-format digital cameras, OX-format lenses using OX-format cameras. Zoom lenses are measured at maximum zoom.

Using the Vibration Reduction Switch

  • Select OFF to turn vibration reduction off.

  • Select NORMAL for enhanced vibration reduction when photographing stationary subjects. Vibration reduction takes effect when the shutter-release button is pressed
    halfway.

  • Select SPORT when photographing athletes and other sub­ jects that are moving rapidly and unpredictably. Vibration reduction takes effect when the shutter-release button is pressed halfway.

Using Vibration Reduction: Notes

  • When using vibration reduction, press the shutter-release button halfway and wait for the image in the viewfinder to stabilize before pressing the shutter-release button the rest of the way down.
  • When vibration reduction is active, the image in the viewfinder may be blurred after the shutter is released. This does not indicate a malfunction.
  • SPORT is recommended for panning shots, although NORMAL is also supported.
  • In NORMAL and SPORT modes, vibration reduction applies only to motion that is not part of a pan (if the camera is panned horizontally, for example, vibration reduction will be applied only to vertical shake).
  • Do not turn the camera off or remove the lens while vibration reduction is in effect. If the power to the lens is cut while vibration reduction is on, the lens may rattle when shaken. This is not a malfunction and can be corrected by reattaching the lens and turning the camera on.
  • If the camera is equipped with a built-in flash, vibration reduction will be disabled while the flash charges.
  • NORMAL and SPORT vibration reduction can reduce blur when the camera is mounted on a tripod. OFF may however produce better results in some cases depending on the type of tripod and on shooting conditions.
  • NORMAL and SPORT are recommended if the camera is mounted on a monopod.

The Lens Hood
The lens hoods protect the lens and block stray light that would otherwise cause flare or ghosting.

Attaching the Hood

Align the lens hood mounting mark (e) with the lens hood alignment mark (r) and then rotate the hood (8) until the e mark is aligned with the lens hood lock mark (-0 ).
When attaching or removing the hood, hold it near the r symbol on its base and avoid gripping it too tightly. Vignetting may occur if the hood is not correctly attached.
The hood can be reversed and mounted on the lens when not in use. When the hood is reversed, it can be attached and removed by rotating it while holding it near the lock mark (-0).

The Optional RT-1 Tripod Collar Ring

Loosen the tripod collar ring attachment knob to rotate the camera to the desired position and orient the display horizontally or vertically. Note that your hand may come into contact with the tripod if you rotate the camera while holding it by the handgrip. Depending on how the camera or tripod is attached, the camera shake may be reduced by attaching the tripod to the camera tripod socket.

CAUTION
Fully tighten the tripod collar ring attachment knob when attaching the tripod collar ring. Failure to observe this precaution could result in the tripod col­ lar ring becoming detached from the lens, causing injury.

Attaching the Tripod Collar Ring (Figure 2)

  1.  Loosen the tripod collar ring attachment knob (Q).

  2. Open the ring.
    Pull the attachment knob toward you (8) and open the ring (C)).

  3. Place the lens in the ring (8).

  4. Close the ring.
    Pull the attachment knob toward you (0) and close the ring (0).
    Do not use excessive force, as your hand could be caught in the ring.

  5. Tighten the attachment knob (8).

Positioning the Camera {Figure 3)
Loosen the attachment knob 8), adjust the position indices to the desired vertical or horizontal orientation (9), and then tighten the attachment knob (10).

Removing the Tripod Collar Ring (Figure 4)

  1. Loosen the attachment knob (11).
  2. Remove the ring. Pulling the attachment knob toward you (12), open (13)) and remove the lens (14).

Lens Care

  • The lens returns to maximum aperture when removed from the camera.
    To protect the interior of the lens, store it out of direct sunlight or replace the lens caps.

  • Do not pick up or hold the lens or camera using only the lens hood.

  • Keep the CPU contacts clean.

  • Bright light sources in the frame may result in pictures with ring-shaped, circular, or other forms of flare, which can be reduced using Capture NX-D; for more information, see the software manual. Capture NX-D is available from the Nikon website. Be sure to keep your software up to date. Cus­ tomers without Internet access are invited to contact a Nikon-authorized service center for assistance.

  • Should the rubber lens-mount gasket be damaged, cease use immedi­ Italy, and take the lens to a Nikon-authorized service center for repair.

  • Use a blower to remove dust and lint from the lens surfaces.

  • The fluorine-coated front element can be cleaned simply by wiping it with a dry cloth. Fingerprints and other stains can be removed using a soft, clean cotton cloth or lens cleaning tissue; clean from the center out­ wards using a circular motion, taking care not to leave smears or touch the glass surface with your fingers. To remove stubborn stains, wipe gently using a soft cloth dampened with a small amount of distilled water, etha­ nol, or lens cleaner. Drop-shaped stains on the water- and oil-repellent
    the fluorine-coated elements can be removed with a dry cloth.

  • To remove smudges and fingerprints from the rear lens element (the ele­ ment at the mount end of the lens), apply a small amount of ethanol or lens cleaner to a soft, clean cotton cloth or lens-cleaning tissue and clean from the center outwards using a circular motion, taking care not to leave smears or touch the glass with your fingers.

  • Never use organic solvents such as paint thinner or benzene to clean the lens.

  • The lens hood or NC filters can be used to protect the front lens element.

  • Attach the front and rear caps before placing the lens in its flexible pouch.

  • If the lens will not be used for an extended period, store it in a cool, dry location to prevent mold and rust. Do not store in direct sunlight or with naphtha or camphor moth balls.

  • Keep the lens dry. Rusting of the internal mechanism can cause irrepa­ able damage.

  • Leaving the lens in extremely hot locations could damage or warp parts made from reinforced plastic.

Supplied Accessories

  • 77 mm snap-on Front Lens Cap LC-77
  • Bayonet Hood HB-73
  • Rear Lens Cap LF-4
  • Lens Case CL-M3
  • Compatible Accessories
  • 77 mm screw-on filters
  • Tripod collar ring RT-1
  • AF-1/AF-S Teleconverters TC-14E ffC-14E II ffC-14E lllffC-17E II ffC-20E I
    TC -20E II ffC -20E Ill
  • Autofocus is available only with single-servo AF (AF-S) and then only when the lens is mounted on a camera that supports f/8.

Specifications

Type Type E AF-S lens with built-in CPU and F mount
Focal length 300 mm
Maximum aperture f/4
Lens construction 16 elements in 10 groups (including 1 ED lens element, 1 PF

(Phase Fresnel) lens element, and lens elements with Nano-Crystal or fluorine coatings)
Angle of view| •Nikon FX-format D-SLR cameras: 8° 10′
•Nikon DX-format D-SLR cameras: 5° 20′
Distance information| Output to camera
Focusing| Nikon Internal Focusing (IF) System with autofocus controlled by Silent Wave Motor and separate focus ring for manual focus
Vibration reduction| Lens shift using voice coil motors (VCMs)
Focus distance indicator| 1.4 m —00
Minimum focus distance| 1.4 m (4.60ft) from the focal plane
Diaphragm blades| 9 (rounded diaphragm opening)
Diaphragm| Automatic electronic aperture control
Aperture range| f/4 — 32
Metering| Full-aperture
Focus limit switch| Two positions: FULL (00-1.4m) and 00-3 m
Filter-attachment size| 77 mm (P = 0.75 mm)
Dimensions| Approx. 89 mm maximum diameter x 147.5 mm (distance from camera lens mount flange)
Weight| Approx. 755 g (1.71b)

Nikon reserves the right to change the nations of the hardware described in this manual at any time and without prior notice.

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