Used Nikon 300mm F/2.8 IF ED AF Lens w/TC301, CT303- Excellent

The Used Nikon 300mm F/2.8 IF-ED AF Lens w/TC301, CT303 is a classic professional super-telephoto prime designed for photographers who need speed, reach, and strong optical performance. With its bright f/2.8 maximum aperture, this lens is especially well suited for field sports, wildlife, motorsports, stage work, and selective-compression portraiture where subject isolation and low-light capability are essential. Nikon’s IF (Internal Focusing) design keeps the lens handling more balanced during focusing, while ED glass helps control color fringing and maintain high image quality.

This package includes the Nikon TC-301 teleconverter and CT-303 hard case, making it especially attractive for photographers who want both added focal length flexibility and a purpose-built transport solution. On a compatible Nikon F-mount body, the 300mm focal length delivers the classic perspective prized for distant subjects, while the included teleconverter can extend shooting possibilities for even tighter framing.

Compatible With

• Nikon F-mount 35mm SLR cameras with autofocus support for screw-drive AF lenses
• Nikon digital SLR cameras with Nikon F mount and in-body focus motor, including popular models such as the Nikon D850, D810, D800 series, D780, D750, D700, D500, D300 series, D200, D100, D90, D7500, D7200, D7100, D7000, and Df
• Compatible Nikon F-mount film bodies including models such as F6, F5, F100, N90s, and similar autofocus Nikon F bodies
• With the included TC-301 teleconverter, compatibility may vary depending on body and metering/focus support

Condition

This item is rated in Excellent condition, meaning it shows almost no signs of prior use and is estimated to be in 90-95% of its original condition. Lens housing wear should be minimal, glass should remain very clean, and the mount should show only light signs of normal attachment. As a used item, it is warrantied for 180 days under the terms of the manufacturer’s original warranty coverage as provided by the seller.

Fast f/2.8 Aperture for Professional Work

A 300mm f/2.8 lens has long been one of the most respected tools in professional photography. The bright f/2.8 aperture allows faster shutter speeds in lower light, improves subject separation, and supports a brighter viewfinder experience on compatible optical viewfinder cameras. For indoor sports, sideline action, wildlife at dawn or dusk, and performance photography, this large aperture remains one of the lens’s defining advantages.

IF-ED Optical Design Benefits

Nikon’s IF-ED designation highlights two important design traits. Internal Focusing means focusing takes place within the lens, helping preserve overall balance and making operation more practical on monopods or tripods. ED (Extra-low Dispersion) glass helps suppress chromatic aberration, improving edge definition and color accuracy in high-contrast scenes. Together, these features contribute to the lens’s longstanding reputation for strong sharpness and dependable professional imaging performance.

Autofocus and Handling

This is an AF Nikon F-mount lens from Nikon’s screw-drive autofocus era. On compatible Nikon bodies with an in-camera focus motor, autofocus operation is available. The lens also supports manual focus control for photographers who prefer precise adjustment, especially in static wildlife, long-distance subjects, or controlled sports positions. The built-in tripod collar improves balance when mounted and is especially valuable for long sessions with monopods, gimbals, or heavy-duty support systems.

Included TC-301 Teleconverter

The included Nikon TC-301 teleconverter adds extra reach, making this package more versatile for photographers who need tighter framing without changing lenses. Teleconverters are especially useful for birding, outdoor field sports, aviation, and distant nature subjects. Because teleconverter performance and autofocus behavior can vary by camera body and shooting conditions, experienced users will appreciate having the option available when additional magnification is needed.

Best Uses

This lens excels in scenarios where long reach and high subject isolation matter most. It is a natural fit for outdoor sports from the sidelines, larger wildlife subjects, equestrian events, air shows, and candid long-lens portraiture. On Nikon DX-format bodies, the field of view becomes even narrower, which can be advantageous when photographing distant action or wildlife without physically moving closer.

Classic Nikon Super-Telephoto Heritage

Nikon’s 300mm f/2.8 lenses have a long and respected place in photographic history. For decades, they have been favored by agency photographers, sports shooters, and wildlife specialists who needed a balance of reach, speed, and optical consistency. Earlier IF-ED and AF generations remain appreciated for their durable build quality, distinctive rendering, and compatibility with a wide range of Nikon F-mount film and digital cameras.

How It Compares

Compared with slower 300mm or 400mm telephoto options, a 300mm f/2.8 provides a substantial advantage in light gathering and background separation. Compared with modern stabilized super-telephoto lenses, this classic model does not offer image stabilization, but it remains appealing for photographers who value Nikon’s traditional pro-lens construction, optical character, and strong performance on compatible bodies. It can also be a compelling choice for those building a Nikon F-mount sports or wildlife kit at a more accessible price point than current-generation equivalents.

Recommended Accessories

To get the most from this lens, consider pairing it with a sturdy monopod for field sports, a heavy-duty tripod with a gimbal head for wildlife work, and a compatible Nikon F-mount DSLR body with an internal focus motor. Extra rear gelatin filters, a padded long-lens case, rain protection, and a quick-release plate can also improve usability in demanding shooting environments. Fast memory cards and high-capacity camera batteries are recommended for action-oriented assignments.

Usage Tips

For best results, use a monopod or tripod when possible, especially during long events or when working with the teleconverter. Keep shutter speeds high for motion-critical subjects, and use careful technique when handholding due to the lens’s size and weight. For wildlife and sports, pre-focusing on an expected action zone can improve keeper rate. On digital bodies, fine-tuning autofocus performance and using continuous AF modes can further enhance tracking success.