Hands-ons

• http://www.dpreview.com/articles/7991174313/nikon-introduces-lightweight-fx-300mm-f-4-and-updated-dx-55-200mm-f-4-5-5-6-ed-zoom

About Phase Fresnel

The PF (Phase Fresnel) lens, developed by Nikon, effectively compensates chromatic aberration utilizing the photo diffraction phenomenon*. It provides superior chromatic aberration compensation performance when combined with a normal glass lens. Compared to many general camera lenses that employ an optical system using the photorefractive phenomenon, a remarkably compact and lightweight body can be attained with less number of lens elements.

A general interchangeable lens forms an image on an imaging plane, using the photorefractive phenomenon. The degree of light refraction differs depending on the color (wavelength), and image formation is performed in the order of blue (B), green (G), and red (R) starting with the portion near the lens (see the diagram below). The color deviation referred to as chromatic aberration induces color bleeding, resulting in a deterioration of observed or captured images.

With PF (Phase Fresnel) lenses, on the other hand, image formation is performed in the order of red (R), green (G), and blue (B) starting with the portion near the lens (see the diagram below). By combining the PF (Phase Fresnel) lens with a refractive lens, chromatic aberration can be effectively compensated.

Due to the characteristics of a PF (Phase Fresnel) lens that utilizes the photo diffraction phenomenon, when there is a strong light source within the frame or when light enters the lens from outside of the frame, ring-shaped colored flare may occur according to shooting conditions. This phenomenon can be minimized with “PF Flare Control” included in Capture NX-D (see the comparison images below). Refer to the software manual for more information.

Chromatic aberration compensation with the PF (Phase Fresnel) lens

Hands on photos

• http://www.ephotozine.com/article/nikon-af-s-nikkor-300mm-f-4e-pf-ed-vr-lens-hands-on-preview-26765
• http://www.photographyblog.com/news/nikon_af_s_nikkor_300mm_f_4e_pf_ed_vr_hands_on_photos/

Nikon have created a compact, portable lens, that is a decent upgrade over its predecessor. Sharpness is excellent across the frame from maximum aperture, vibration reduction system is effective, focusing is fast and the lens is small and light enough to carry around all day.

http://www.ephotozine.com/article/nikon-af-s-nikkor-300mm-f-4e-pf-ed-vr-lens-review-27097

We have confirmed that when the AF-S NIKKOR 300mm f/4E PF ED VR lens is used with the D800, D800E, D810 or D810A, images captured at shutter speeds of around 1/125 s with the VR function enabled (NORMAL or SPORT) sometimes exhibit noticeable blur.

To address the occurrence of this, we are offering a service for updating your AF-S NIKKOR 300mm f/4E PF ED VR firmware.

When cameras other than the D800, D800E, D810, or D810A are used, this firmware update is not needed.

Users of the D800, D800E, D810, or D810A who are concerned about this issue may take or send their lens to a Nikon authorized service center, where your lens firmware will be updated free of charge.

When sending your AF-S Nikkor 300mm f/4 E PF ED VR lens to a Nikon authorized service center, the user must pay the cost of shipping to the service center, and Nikon will pay for return shipping.

Firmware for lenses with a serial number of 205101 or later has already been updated

http://www.focus-numerique.com/test-2214/objectif-NIKON-AFS-NIKKOR-300MMF4-E-PF-ED-flash-test-8.html

In stack at http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00RUBKAS4/

https://www.dpreview.com/samples/5551097745/gallery-update-nikon-300mm-f-4e-pf-ed-vr