Nikon's compact 300mm f/4 telephoto — D-type with ED glass, a lightweight wildlife and sports lens.
The Nikon AF-S Nikkor 300mm f/4D IF-ED was released in 2000 as a professional telephoto prime for Nikon F-mount. Ten elements in 6 groups. Nine aperture blades. 77mm filter thread. At 1,440g. 1.45m MFD. No Vibration Reduction — the AF-S 300mm f/4E PF VR (2015) replaced it with VR and a phase Fresnel element.
The optical design uses 10 elements in 6 groups (ED glass). Nine aperture blades. The 77mm filter thread. At 1,440g the lens is substantial — notably heavy for an f/4 prime. Minimum focus distance of 1.45m. SWM for fast, quiet AF. No Vibration Reduction. f/4 maximum aperture. Full-frame coverage.
The 1,440g weight was a common criticism of the AF-S 300mm f/4D: at nearly 1.5kg, it approaches the weight of much faster lenses. The 2015 AF-S 300mm f/4E PF VR reduced weight to approximately 755g via Phase Fresnel optics — nearly half the weight with the addition of VR. For photographers who can accept the D version's weight and lack of VR, the used price is substantially lower.
On the used market the Nikon AF-S 300mm f/4D IF-ED is affordable as a vintage professional Nikon telephoto prime. Condition checks: SWM AF response, 77mm front element for marks. Heavy at 1,440g. No VR. Compatible with all Nikon F-mount FX and DX bodies.