> I've just picked up a used (but mint)
> AF Nikkor 300/4
Are you amazed by it yet? I switched from a 300mm/f4.5
AIS and cannot believe how bad the pictures I took with
the old lens suddenly look.
> and I've got a question
> re filters . . . . is the presence of a
> filter in the holder integral to the
> optical design?
Yes it is. The manual says always have a filter in the holder.
> Second, on all my other lenses, I use
> a UV or skylight filter almost as an
> article of faith - not for optical
> purposes, but just as simple protection.
Nikon recommends the 82mm NC filter. It's just a coated
clear glass non-filter to protect the front element. I haven't
gotten one yet, and that big piece of naked green glass makes
me a bit nervous too.
> if I add a UV filter (82mm, I know, I
> know) to the front of the 300, will it
> degrade optical performance?
It's effect wouldn't be any different than that of a clear filter
of similar quality.
> Finally, if I want to go for one of
> those snazzy gear-driven internal 39mm
> circ polarizers, would the presence of
> a front UV filter muck things up?
I don't think so . . . . but I'm gonna just get an NC, put it on
the lens, and not worry about it.
-Don
