Nikon's previous AF 300mm f/4 was a classic - stellar optical quality and built like a tank. The new AF-S version is just as good optically - it gives the much more expensive 300mm f/2.8 VR a good run for its money in that department, and of course it's much smaller and lighter. One interesting feature is its ability to focus as close as 1.45m away, closer than most telephoto lenses, which allows it to be used almost as a Macro lens.

This lens can be used with a Nikon Teleconverter, with virtually no loss of image quality. The TC-14E makes it a 420mm f/5.6 lens, and the TC-17E makes it a 510mm f/6-ish lens; both combinations will retain autofocus on all compatible cameras. The TC-20E makes it a 600mm f/8 lens, which needs to be focussed manually.