Nikon professional 300mm f/2.8 with first-gen in-lens AF motor, superb optics at lower cost than AF-S versions.
The Nikon AF-I Nikkor 300mm f/2.8 IF-ED is Nikon's first internally-motored 300mm super-telephoto, featuring a built-in autofocus motor that was the predecessor to the AF-S silent wave motor. The f/2.8 aperture at 300mm provides exceptional speed for sports and wildlife photography with professional-grade optics.
The AF-I designation indicates Nikon's first generation of in-lens autofocus motors, providing faster and more responsive focusing than the earlier body-driven screw-drive system. The ED glass controls chromatic aberration at 300mm, and the internal focusing design maintains balance during focus changes.
Build quality is Nikon professional standard with a robust magnesium alloy barrel, weather sealing, and a rotating tripod collar. The lens accepts Nikon teleconverters for extended reach to 420mm (1.4x) or 600mm (2x), and the focus limiter speeds AF acquisition.
The AF-I 300mm f/2.8 commands moderate used prices, sitting below the later AF-S versions that offer silent wave motor refinement. For professional sports and wildlife photographers who need 300mm f/2.8 speed at the best possible value, the AF-I version delivers excellent optics at lower cost.