Nikon AF-S 300 f/4 focusing problems

[Evgeny Kuzmenko]

Hi everyone,

I initially posted my question on dpreview.com but did not get much useful information. I am posting it here since I think you guys are much more experienced in telephoto lenses.

I received my long-awaited Nikkor AF-S 300 f/4 and had a chance to test it last weekend.

Optically, the lens is perfect. But, I have some strange autofocus issues. I have an impression that the lens tends to "like" focusing closer rather than farther. That is, if before the focus is acquired the lens is focused farther than the subject, the focus locks perfectly. But otherwise, when the lens is initially focused closer, the focus is much less reliable, as the lens usually starts to focus even closer and will not focus on the subject after that at all. Moreover, in this case the lens usually focuses up to the minimal distance and then tries to focus even closer, so I can hear some whistle.

Another point is that the focus limiter does not solve this problem and does not seem to work at all. I.e., even when I turn it on, the lens will focus up to the minimal distance and will not stop at 3 meters (like my 70-200/2.8 would do).

I googled the subject but did not find reports on similar issues. Did anyone experience similar problems? I have Nikon d300 if that matters.
Otherwise, I like the lens very much. A photo from my weekend test:


PS. sorry for my English.

[Sarah Jessup]

I have owned that lens for years, and it should work just like your 70-200. The focus limiter should work. I think you should have Nikon check it out. It should be a joy to use.
Sarah

[Evgeny Kuzmenko]

Thanks for the reply Sarah. I think I should try the lens with another camera and a similar lens on my camera. Maybe the issue is specific to my particular camera-lens combination. But most likely the lens is with a defect. It's very good optically though and I can live with this issue.

[Dan Brown]

Hi Ivgeny. I don't own this lens but have no doubt about it's quality from what others have said. As for the limiter switch, I would definitely get this fixed if I were you! For BIF, you will want to be able to limit the focus searching. You will miss a bunch of shots while it is trying to lock on!!

[Evgeny Kuzmenko]

Dan, I agree, I know what I loose. Unfortunately, the lens was bought by my friend and imported to Russia for me. So, I can't deal with BH photo on this directly. I buy all my lens through Internet and this is the first time I have a problem.

[ericbowles]

I've got a D300 and 300 f/4 lens. The 300 f/4 lens does have some minor issues with AF if the subject is extremely out of focus. Sometimes there is hunting but it seems that the more frequent result is to simply do nothing - the camera refuses to focus until you give it some "help" with manual focus adjustment or by refocusing on something else close to the same plane. This is something that happens infrequently - and not just in low light. For what it's worth, my 600 f/4 has the same issue.

If I understand the issue you are having, this is an occasional problem. My suggestion is to learn how your lens and camera perform best and adapt your use as needed.

[Evgeny Kuzmenko]

I've got a D300 and 300 f/4 lens. The 300 f/4 lens does have some minor issues with AF if the subject is extremely out of focus. Sometimes there is hunting but it seems that the more frequent result is to simply do nothing - the camera refuses to focus until you give it some "help" with manual focus adjustment or by refocusing on something else close to the same plane. This is something that happens infrequently - and not just in low light. For what it's worth, my 600 f/4 has the same issue.

If I understand the issue you are having, this is an occasional problem. My suggestion is to learn how your lens and camera perform best and adapt your use as needed.

Thanks for the reply.

I understand what you mean - I have the same occasional issues with my 70-200/2.8 (1st version). But on 300 f/4 the problem is regular, as I described above. How does the focus limiter on your lens work? If it is on, the lens would simply not focus closer than 3 meters, right?

[ericbowles]

The focus limiter works as you describe - it simply limits close focus which reduces the impact of hunting when it occurs.

[Evgeny Kuzmenko]

Update on my last year post - the lens was defective and sent to B&H for repair. Now it works as it should. I also have an exclusive silver ring at the lens barrel instead of the gold one now :)