Nikon AF-I 300mm f/2.8 D ED

[Mr.Photo]

Got an email a couple weeks ago from KEH offering 20% off on select "overstock" items and while perusing through lenses came across this monster in "bargain" grade condition complete with the original Nikon case and all original accessories virtually unused. I have always dreamed of being able to one day own one of Nikon's famous "pro class" long telephoto lenses and I was able to snag this beast for less than $700 after the discount

One of the reasons for the low price is that these don't seem to sell as well as other variants of the 300mm 2.8 as the AF-I version is apparently known for focus motor issues, and Nikon no longer has parts for this lens as it was only made from 1992-1996 before it was replaced with the newer AF-S series lenses. However since Nikon has recently closed down all of it's Japanese manufacturing and moved everything to either Thailand or China, parts supplies for the older AF-S versions are also now getting in short supply. I figure that since this lens appears to have had very light usage and I won't be shooting the lens on a frequent basis, I'm hopeful the focus motor will continue to soldier on for some time.

Here's a couple shots of the lens itself and mounted on my D800, plus a few shots of my pups with it mounted on my D700. Anyone that thinks you need the latest and greatest to get the best photos is living a lie.

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