Nikon 300 2.8 vs 200-400 sharpness

[Dan Herman]

Hi everyone.
Getting ready to step up to some better glass and am considering one of 3 lenses. Nikon 300 f4, 2.8, or 200-400, probably in that order due to money but can really afford any of them.
Currently shooting a D300 and a 80-400. My main concern is the quality of the 300's with a 1.4tc vs 200-400.
Read a review http://www.hickingbotham.com/reviews/nikon300200400.htm that showed 300 2.8 with a 1.4 considerably softer than the 200-400 @400.
Just looking for more than one person opinion
Thanks

[Richard Peters]

I don't know if this is going to be too much help, but I have some examples of the 200-400 with a 1.4x HERE which includes %100 crops. The reason I point you there is to see if you find these acceptable, if so you will find the 'naked' 200-400 very impressive indeed. I think the question of if it's sharper than another lens isn't as important as which type of lens is of more use to you. The 300s are VERY sharp lenses indeed but it was the other factors of the 200-400 that made me choose it...it's very sharp, very flexible (the close focus + crop of the D300 makes it great for close up) and the zoom is handy too. Sharpness isn't always the most important factor in lens choice IMO.

If you think you'd live with a TC on the 300 I'd seriously think about the 200-400.

Hope that is of some help?!

[Lance Peters]

Hi - I have them both - and in real world usuage (NOT Pixel peeping) I do not think there is very much difference at all.
Have used both the 1.4 and 1.7 on both lens - does slow the AF downa bit especially with the 1.7 and the 200-400.
I use the 300 to travel with when space is at a premium. The flexability of the zoom is handy - both great lenses IMHO :)

[Iain Clyne]

I've used the 300 with a 1.4 tc and in my view the image is good, af is a bit slower but not to bad.

[Alfred Forns]

Have use all three and won't be making a wrong choice.

The zoom and the 300 2.8 are large/heavy in comparison to the f 4.0 .. totally different lenses.

If you use the 200-400 with a crop factor camera it becomes a 300-600 which is a nice focal length. Sharpness wise I think the 2.8 has an edge particularly at infinity but you will be using converters all the time which slow down the lens ... but will be faster than any other with converter !!!

... btw sent PM please check !!!

[Dan Herman]

Thanks for the reply's. Probably can't go wrong with either one.
DH

[Pedro Serralheiro]

Mixed fealings...
I'll put the 300 f4 out of this. Being good it's not on par with the 300VR or the 200-400
I have had the 200-400 and never been happy with it, specially with TC's. Naked it was great but even with the 1.4 nothing went right.
I trade it to a 300VR and the night became day. My 300 VR is very, very sharp even with the 2.0 TC. More than happy with 1.4. I have lost the zoom flexibilty so latter I bought the 500VR
I do believe the TC is the weak link in any combo, and same work better than others. Try both lenses with TC's and choose the one you like the most.

[Fabs Forns]

Having used the three lenses, the 300/2.8 wins for me. You can hand hold it on occasion (I did all the time), it takes the 1.7X very well, which the other two don't work with it IMO. Very fast lens and tack sharp.