Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 300mm f/2.8G ED VR IIvsNikon AF-S NIKKOR 80-400mm f/4.5-5.6G ED VR
AF-S NIKKOR 300mm f/2.8G ED VR II
300mm / F2.8
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AF-S NIKKOR 80-400mm f/4.5-5.6G ED VR
80-400mm / F4.5-5.6
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Which to choose
When the AF-S NIKKOR 300mm f/2.8G ED VR II suits you better
- Brightness1.4 stops brighter — better in low light and blurs the background more
When the AF-S NIKKOR 80-400mm f/4.5-5.6G ED VR suits you better
- Weight1420g lighter, so easier to carry
- Close focusFocuses as close as 1.5m
- Zoom rangeCovers 80-400mm in a single lens
These points are derived mechanically from the numbers. How a lens actually renders does not show up in specifications, so look at samples before deciding.
Size compared
- AF-S NIKKOR 300mm f/2.8G ED VR II267.5mm long × 124mm diameter
- AF-S NIKKOR 80-400mm f/4.5-5.6G ED VR203mm long × 95.5mm diameter
Specifications compared
| Specification | Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 300mm f/2.8G ED VR II | Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 80-400mm f/4.5-5.6G ED VR | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Focal length (wide) | 300mm | 80mm | +220mm |
| Focal length (tele) | 300mm | 400mm | −100mm |
| Max aperture (wide) | F2.8 | F4.5 | 1.4 stops brighter |
| Max aperture (tele) | F2.8 | F5.6 | 2.0 stops brighter |
| Min focus distance | 2.2m | 1.5m | +0.70m |
| Max magnification | — | 0.17× | No data |
| Weight | 2.90kg | 1.48kg | +1420g |
| Length | 267.5mm | 203mm | +64.5mm |
| Diameter | 124mm | 95.5mm | +28.5mm |
| Filter size | 52mm | 77mm | −25mm |
| Released | 2009 | 2013 | −4year |
| Stabilization | Yes | Yes | — |
| Weather sealing | Yes | Yes | — |
| Macro | No | No | — |
| Autofocus | Yes | Yes | — |
The difference column reads as AF-S NIKKOR 300mm f/2.8G ED VR II relative to AF-S NIKKOR 80-400mm f/4.5-5.6G ED VR.The highlighted cell is the better side for that specification.
Check prices
AF-S NIKKOR 300mm f/2.8G ED VR II
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AF-S NIKKOR 80-400mm f/4.5-5.6G ED VR
ADLinks to Amazon, B&H Photo, Adorama, KEH Camera, MPB, eBay are affiliate links. We may earn a commission if you buy through them, at no extra cost to you.Links marked “Search results” go to that retailer’s search page for this lens name.Check price and availability on the retailer’s own site.
AF-S NIKKOR 300mm f/2.8G ED VR II in detailAF-S NIKKOR 80-400mm f/4.5-5.6G ED VR in detailAll F mount lenses