Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 300mm f/4E PF ED VR Nano Lens

The AF-S NIKKOR 300mm f/4E PF ED VR marries innovative optical technology with superb design, offering you unrivalled performance in the world’s lightest 300mm autofocus (AF) lens. Built with Nikon’s proprietary Phase Fresnel (PF) lens, this telephoto innovation enables your images to stand out with new levels of sharpness and clarity with virtually no chromatic aberration of ghosting. Fit it to your FX-format DSLR to fully leverage its pro-level optical proficiency and capture effortlessly stunning images.

The Power Of A Phase Fresnel Lens In A Revolutionary 300mm

The innovative design of the AF-S NIKKOR 300mm f/4E PF ED VR cleverly offers a compact, lightweight body that you can carry wherever you go. With the Phase Fresnel (PF) lens element, singular Extra-low Dispersion (ED) glass element, and Nano Crystal Coating working in tandem, you can now spend less time adjusting your images and more time shooting sharp images with virtually no chromatic aberration and ghosting. The fluorine coating also effectively repels dust, water droplets, grease, and dirt, making it ideal for shooting in any environment. For minimal disturbance as you shoot, you can rely on the Silent Wave Motor (SWM), which drives the optics elements to enable high-speed autofocusing that’s extremely accurate and quiet.

About The Pf (Phase Fresnel) Lens

The PF (Phase Fresnel) lens, developed by Nikon, effectively compensates chromatic aberration utilizing the photo diffraction phenomenon*. It provides superior chromatic aberration compensation performance when combined with a normal glass lens. Compared to many general camera lenses that employ an optical system using the photorefractive phenomenon, a remarkably compact and lightweight body can be attained with less number of lens elements. A general interchangeable lens forms an image on an imaging plane, using the photorefractive phenomenon. The degree of light refraction differs depending on the color (wavelength), and image formation is performed in the order of blue (B), green (G), and red (R) starting with the portion near the lens (see the diagram below). The color deviation referred to as chromatic aberration induces color bleeding, resulting in a deterioration of observed or captured images. With PF (Phase Fresnel) lenses, on the other hand, image formation is performed in the order of red (R), green (G), and blue (B) starting with the portion near the lens (see the diagram below). By combining the PF (Phase Fresnel) lens with a refractive lens, chromatic aberration can be effectively compensated. 

* Diffraction phenomenon: Light has characteristics as a waveform. When a waveform faces an obstacle, it attempts to go around and behind it, and this characteristic is referred to as diffraction. Diffraction causes chromatic dispersion in the reverse order of refraction.

"Pf Flare Control" Included In Capture Nx-D

Due to the characteristics of a PF (Phase Fresnel) lens that utilizes the photo diffraction phenomenon, when there is a strong light source within the frame or when light enters the lens from outside of the frame, ring-shaped colored flare may occur according to shooting conditions. This phenomenon can be minimized with “PF Flare Control” included in Capture NX-D. See the comparison images below: original image (above), PF Flare Control applied (below). Refer to the software manual for more information. Capture NX-D is available from our website. Please download and use the latest version.

Sharp, Clear Images In Any Shooting Situation

With a maximum aperture of f/4 that creates artistic images with bokeh, the AF-S NIKKOR 300mm f/4E PF ED VR shoots beautifully, even in low light situations. It also puts more auto-exposure control right in your hands, as its electromagnetic diaphragm mechanism offers consistent exposure in high-speed shooting situations. Photographing adrenaline-pumping moments is further enhanced by Vibration Reduction (VR), which reduces the need for a tripod and minimises shake, while providing an effect equivalent to a shutter speed 4.5 stops faster (in NORMAL mode). For capturing subjects such as athletes who are moving swiftly and unpredictably, switch to SPORT VR mode for a remarkably responsive photography experience.

Vibration Reduction (Vr) With An Effect Of 4.5 Stops

Image blur caused by camera shake is effectively reduced by the built-in Vibration Reduction function that provides an effect equivalent to a shutter speed 4.5 stops faster (in NORMAL mode; based on CIPA Standard*). SPORT mode, particularly effective when shooting sports, for example, in which subjects are radically moving, is adopted following the AF-S NIKKOR 400mm f/2.8E FL ED VR.

* When attached to an FX-format digital SLR camera.