Finding the best lens for your specific camera can be hard. There are a lot of factors to take into account such as the type of photograph you intend to use it for. Today we’ve compile a list of all the best Nikon D300 lenses for a variety of different tasks to help you make an informed purchasing decision.
The Nikon D300 is a 12.6 megapixel DSLR introduces in August 2007. With the ability to capture 7 frames per second, it offers high speed and high resolution. Its shutter speed ranges from 30s to 1/8000s. This camera is especially suited for action shots such as sports and wildlife. These purposes are further supported with 3 autofocus modes, 15 detection sensors and 11 focus points to help zero in on the most erratic of moving targets. This is displayed on a 3-inch VGA LCD monitor with 920k-dot resolution. These functions are further assisted by a scene recognition system that can detect up to 10 human faces in a shot and thumbnail display that can present up to 72 frames at a time. It weighs 825g and contains dual card slots for CompactFlash and SD memory cards. This lens segment will mainly be a deep dive into the mechanics of D300 connections for action shots. Make sure to also check out our article on the Best Nikon D5200 Lenses if you own a D5200 DSLR.
Nikon D300 Lens for Travel & Casual Photography
The Nikon D300 is complemented ideally by a few versatile everyday lenses. Here are some of the best:
Tamron 16-300mm f/3.5-6.3 Di II VC PZD Macro
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The Tamron 16-300mm features 16 glass elements in 12 groups and 7 diaphragm blades. It has a minimum focus distance of 0.39m and a maximum magnification of 0.34x.
Review
As an action centered camera, it is important to choose the right pick for an everyday lens for the Nikon D300. This option was strategically compared amongst the competition in order to accent the existing features in the D300 model in areas where it doesn’t perform the best. Distortions and color fringing are apparent in this model-especially at longer ranges-but the detection mechanics of the D300 helps offset this disadvantage.
Sigma 120-300mm ƒ/2.8 DG OS HSM
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The Sigma 120-300mm contains a 9 blade rounded diaphragm with 23 glass elements in 18 groups. Two fluoride low dispersion elements and one special low dispersion element contribute to the lens construction. As the premier product of the Sigma Sport’s line of lenses, the 12-300mm is suited to capture extremely fast objects such as airplanes and race cars. There are several features that aid this such challenging shots. It’s limited focus mechanism can work in unison with a rounded filter as well as a customizable autofocusing spectrum. The USB connection to the Sigma Optimization Pro software allows users to alter the autofocusing on this range at their discretion. It also features an advanced optical stabilization system with two separate modes to suit specific needs. OS mode 1 is intended for general photography. OS mode 2 is tailored to action shots. This lens is remarkably heavy at 3.9kg.
Review
The specifications on this lens basically speak for themselves. It’s versatile use has the reputation for excellence in low light photography. One negative aspect, though, of this lens is that it can be a bit counterintuitive to those familiar with the Nikon controls configuration. Many users have complained of missing shots due to focusing in the wrong direction. However, we’d like to think that users of the straightforward D300 with its that the high amount of focus points would not have such issues while using this lens. We recommend this composite option for the amateur photographer aspirant shopping for a single, dynamic lens investment.
Nikon D300 Lens for Action, Sports & Wildlife
The Nikon D300 truly leads other Nikon camera classes in its detection mechanisms for action packed shots. Therefore we include several lens options in this category. Check out:
Nikon 55-300mm f/4.5-5.6G ED VR
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This lens has a particularly great integration of vibration reduction for its range of 300mm. Also, it prevents chromatic aberration with its use of two extra low dispersion elements that allow for less contortions and air bubbles within the glass. This especially allows it to deliver sharp images at larger apertures. It includes a Silent Wave Monitor (AF-S) as well that makes its autofocus basically silent. It additionally focuses well at its minimum focusing distance of 1..4m. Also, its high refractive index gives high contrast and keeps the lens compact at levels of max aperture.
Review
One main reason for pairing the D300 with this lens is due to its low light ISO, especially compared to other Nikon models. With a low light ISO of 679, the D300 is greatly assisted by the performance of the Nikon 55-300mm in low light conditions. Also, the compact linkage between the two devices is a fitting handy accessory for the explorer seeking to use the lens’ macro-like capacity to capture movement nearby. These can be used in conjunction with the sports stop action settings for cool close ups.
Nikon 70-300mm ƒ/4.5-5.6 ED VR
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The Nikon 70-300mm is a high quality telephoto lens with a 4.3x zoom. It’s range extends to 105-450mm when attached to a DX camera such as the D300. It contains a 9 blade rounded diaphragm and 17 glass elements in 12 groups. Of these there are 2 extra dispersion glass elements. The autofocus switch is facilitated by the use of a silent wave monitor for easy transitions between manual and auto focus. Additionally, the use of lens mounted flash accessories and circular polarizing filters is provided by internal focusing with a non-rotating front element and consistent lens length. Further, its vibration reduction allows for a shutter speed that is 2.5 stops faster.
Review
This lens provides great value for sports, nature and wildlife shots. It is convenient to handle with a large zoom ring for easy transitions across its range. Though at the further end, where apertures reach its max of f/5.6, it can be difficult to establish focus in low light environments. And though the lens performs well for lower DSLRs at the longer ranges, its image sharpness decreases a bit around 300mm. It is important to note the two different vibration reduction modes on this lens-normal and active. Normal mode is for typical, stationary handheld photography. Active mode is for shooting from a moving platform such as a vehicle. For tripod shots vibration reduction should be completely turned off. It finds additional value in the quality of its bokeh and is almost on par with some of the pro lenses. Thus this is a great option for action packed photography with a touch of sensationalism.
Nikon 80-400mm ƒ/4.5-5.6G ED VR
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The Nikon 80-400mm features 9 rounded diaphragm blades and 20 lens elements in 12 groups. This includes one super extra dispersion element and 4 extra dispersion elements. It’s range is equivalent to 120-600mm when attached to a DX camera such as the D300. The vibration reduction claims 4 stops improvement at throughout the range to an impressive 400mm. It’s silent wave monitor additionally ensures a quiet and fast autofocus. There is a close focus range of 1.74m in autofocus. For manual focus, this is a bit closer at 1.5m. This is obviously a heavy duty lens as it weighs in at 2.72kg.
Review
Though this lens is appropriate for versatile use of the highest quality, its function in-sync with the detection faculties of the Nikon D300 is perhaps the best arrangement for action packed photography. For example, the distortions due to pincushion zoom possible by this lens at 200-300mm would be greatly minimized due to the due the 10 focus points of the D300. Additionally, the 3 autofocus modes could be tested for the proper fit given different sets of conditions. These modes also come in handy as the lens is known to buffer a bit when the autofocus is continuously activated. Having different options in this regard is invaluable in field conditions where securing the perfect action shot is oftentimes an extended act of patience.
Nikon 200-500mm ƒ/5.6E ED VR
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As the first handheld lens option to reach 500mm, the Nikon 200-500mm was presented by Nikon in 2015 as a good value option to compete with the longer range telephoto lenses available by Tamron and Sigma. It’s range of the 200-500mm extends to 105-450mm when attached to a DX camera such as the D300. It features 19 glass elements in 12 groups with a total of 3 extra dispersion elements. The vibration reduction has shutter speeds of up to 4.5 stops slower as well as a unique SPORT VR (vibration reduction) mode that provides a continuous shooting frame system with release time lag. The electromagnetic diaphragm greatly aids action packed capture with more precise exposures throughout the high speed bursts. It is a heavy duty option as it weighs in at 2kg.
Review
Though the optical performance may not be on the exact level of the 80-400mm, the longer range and SPORT VR mode surely makes this a tremendous fit onto the D300 for a serious amateur photographer. For about $1000 less, most photographers could meet all of their goals for action shots with this lens. This lens truly stands out from the competing 150-600mm lenses as it is provides the option of a 1.4x teleconverter. For about $400, one could purchase one to extend their range out to about 700mm. We’d say that is unquestionable value, considering its leading optical performance in the class. But what is the catch? One drawback would be consistency across samples. Many users have citied lackluster sharpness performance. We’d say it’s worth a shot though!
Sigma 150-600mm f/5-6.3 DG OS HSM
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This f/5-6.3 masterpiece has 9 diaphragm blades with a minimum aperture of f/22. It effectively blocks chromatic aberrations due to the infusion of 2 low dispersion and 3 special low dispersion glass elements. Further, its sharpness is consistent, even in the corners at maximum width. Its heavy weight is worth mentioning as it weighs in at 2,860g. Although it is a hefty piece, it is dust proof and splash-proof and the lens repels oil and water. Another really cool and unique feature of this lens is its state of the art Sigma USB Dock. This provides focus alteration, full time manual functions and firmware updates by connecting it with the “Sigma Optimization Pro” software.
Review
Ergonomically and mechanically the Sigma 150-600mm is an ideal fit for the Nikon D300. For tremendous sports and wildlife shots, set up a tripod with this piece of work and have some fun. Also, using the autofocusing software seems like an interesting challenge and quest in customization. One drawback is that the Sigma Optimization Pro USB dock is not included in the package, while it is needed for the appropriate levels of image quality. We also suggested this lens for the D7000. But at about 30% more weight on the D300, it is a better fit. Also, the flash sync port is a feature to consider when judging this match. Other models like the D7000 that lack it may be limited when doing more serious professional shots.