Nikon Zoom-NIKKOR 100~300mm 1:5.6 Ai-S Lens (100-300mm f/5.6)
Overall Rating:
This made-in-Japan lens was introduced in 1984 for SLR film cameras, such as the Nikon F3 and Nikon FA, and discontinued in 1998. Its most prominent feature is its constant aperture as it is zoomed. What's the most unappealing thing with this lens? It would have to be the lack of a tripod collar to improve handling.
The size of this lens is constant as it is zoomed, but not while it is focused. It is a parfocal design because it does not change focus as it is zoomed, but because of its push-pull zoom design, it is difficult to not change focus as it is zoomed.
This lens performs quite well at its "macro" distances, but it is nowhere near as sharp as a proper macro lens like the Nikon AF-S Micro-Nikkor 60mm f/2.8 G ED.
This lens exhibits color fringing across the frame, which is not unexpected given the fact that it does not have ED glass. The performance is fairly consistent throughout the zoom. It is a hair softer in the middle of the zoom and on the short end than on the long end. The corners suffer in the sharpness department. There is some barrel distortion at all focal lengths.
Color fringing detail at 3-to-1:
There is vignetting at all focal lengths.
Unfortunately, it is not great for infrared photography at any focal length.
The flaring and ghosting are problematic. This is due to the large number of elements and dated lens coatings.
Bokeh is not busy, but there is some LoCA.
Diffraction has begun by f/11. Shoot at f/8 for greatest sharpness.
Notice the heavy color fringing in the above images.
Using Teleconverters
This lens has a deeply recessed rear element allowing the use of teleconverters with protruding front elements.
The TC-14 exhibits the least vignetting. The other teleconverters exhibit some.
Some Notes
This is an Ai-S lens meaning it will work in program and shutter priority mode on some older model (film) cameras, such as the Nikon FA or Nikon F4. It takes 62mm filters and the front element does indeed turn as it is focused making use of a polarizer difficult. It has a macro function at f=100mm, but the focal length appears to shorten when focused to its minimum focusing distance of 0.71m. A reproduction ratio of 1:4.4 can be achieved. There is an infrared focus index for all focal lengths. The focus collar has a 120° (310° to macro) throw which is long for an Ai-S lenses as most Ai-S lenses have a very short focus collar throw. The long throw aids in critical focusing. It has nine diaphragm blades but the shape is no where near rounded.
This lens is on par with other Ai-S lenses of the period. The sharpness and contrast do not compare to a modern lens but its build quality is top notch and a joy to use. It probably matters less with manual focus lenses than with autofocus ones, but this lens does exhibit some focus breathing. Important: zoom creep is very common in these lenses.
- Focal length: 100-300mm
- Maximum aperture: f/5.6
- Minimum aperture: f/32
- Push-pull zoom
- ø62mm filter ring
- Lens construction: 14 elements in 10 groups
- Picture angle: 24°20' - 8°10'
- Distance scale: 2m/7ft (0.71m/2.3ft macro mode) to infinity with infrared focus index
- Macro mode at f=100mm: 0.71m/2.3ft - 1:4.4 (0.23×) reproduction ratio
- Weight: 930g/2.05lbs
- Dimensions: 74mm × 207mm
- Hood: HN-24
- Price: $421 (USD) (1985), $645 (USD) (1988), $645 (USD) (1990)
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