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Samyang Reflex 300mm f6.3 UMC CS vs Nikon AF-S Nikkor 300mm f2.8G ED VR II

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Samyang 300mm f6.3

Telephoto Mirror Prime | Nikon F (DX)

Samyang Reflex 300mm f6.3 UMC CS
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Nikon 300mm f2.8G ED VR II

Telephoto Prime | Nikon F (FX)

Nikon AF-S Nikkor 300mm f2.8G ED VR II
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Samyang 300mm f6.3 vs Nikon 300mm f2.8G ED VR II Comparison Overview

Here we are comparing two lenses with different focal types: Samyang 300mm f6.3 for the F(DX) Mount is a Telephoto Mirror Prime lens with a 300mm focal range and a max aperture of F6.3 whereas the Nikon 300mm f2.8G ED VR II for the F(FX) Mount is a Telephoto Prime lens with a 300mm focal range and max aperture of F2.8.

We will start by looking briefly at the main specs of these two lenses, and in the next section, we will start analyzing them in more detail and listing the pros and cons of each lens.

Samyang 300mm f6.3 Key Specs

  • 300mm Focal Range
  • F6.3 Max Aperture
  • Filter Thread: 26mm
  • Max Format: APS-C / DX
  • Nikon F (DX) Mount
  • Weight: 260g.
  • Diameter: 65mm
  • Length: 74mm
  • Min Focus Distance: 1.1m

Nikon 300mm f2.8G ED VR II Key Specs

  • 300mm Focal Range
  • F2.8 Max Aperture
  • Image Stabilization
  • Weather-sealed
  • Filter Thread: 52mm
  • Max Format: 35mm FF
  • Nikon F (FX) Mount
  • Weight: 2900g.
  • Diameter: 124mm
  • Length: 268mm
  • Min Focus Distance: 2.3m

What type of photography are the Samyang 300mm f6.3 and Nikon 300mm f2.8G ED VR II lenses good for?

The type of photography that you are planning to use is an important decision factor. Here we have evaluated the Samyang 300mm f6.3 and the Nikon 300mm f2.8G ED VR II for their suitability to various photography scenarios:

Photography Type Samyang 300mm f6.3 Nikon 300mm f2.8G ED VR II
Bird/WildlifeExcellentGood
SportsExcellentExcellent
PortraitFairAverage
TravelPoorFair
StreetPoorFair
WeddingFairAverage
Walk AroundPoorFair
VloggingPoorPoor
LandscapePoorFair


Size and Weight Comparison

The size of a lens is an important deciding factor when comparing two lenses. Nikon 300mm f2.8G ED VR II is the longer of the two lenses at 268mm. The Samyang 300mm f6.3 with a length of 74mm, is 194mm shorter. Besides being longer, the Nikon 300mm f2.8G ED VR II also has a larger diameter of 124mm compared to the Samyang 300mm f6.3's 65mm diameter.

The weight of a lens is as important as its external dimensions, especially if you are planning to hand hold your camera and lens combination for longer periods. Samyang 300mm f6.3 weighs 260g, which means it is 2640g (91%) lighter than the Nikon 300mm f2.8G ED VR II which has a weight of 2900g.


Lens Mounts

The Samyang 300mm f6.3 has the Nikon F (DX) lens mount whereas the Nikon 300mm f2.8G ED VR II has the Nikon F (FX) lens mount. Some of the latest released cameras that are compatible with these mounts are Nikon D3500, Nikon D7500 and Nikon D5600 for the Nikon F (DX) Mount and Nikon D6, Nikon D780 and Nikon D3500 for the Nikon F (FX) Mount.

Samyang 300mm f6.3 is also available in Canon EF , Four Thirds and Sony Alpha mounts.

Focal Range

Both lenses have the same focal range of 300mm but while Samyang 300mm f6.3 has the fastest aperture of F6.3, the Nikon 300mm f2.8G ED VR II's widest aperture value is F2.8.

Reasons to choose Samyang Reflex 300mm f6.3 UMC CS over Nikon AF-S Nikkor 300mm f2.8G ED VR II

Weight 260g vs 2900g 2640g lighter
Diameter 65mm vs 124mm 59mm smaller in diameter
Length 74mm vs 268mm 194mm shorter
Filter Thread 26mm vs 52mm Smaller filters are cheaper and easier to find
Minimum Focus Distance 1.1m vs 2.3m can focus closer to the subject

Reasons to choose Nikon AF-S Nikkor 300mm f2.8G ED VR II over Samyang Reflex 300mm f6.3 UMC CS

Image Stabilization Yes vs No Sharper Images at longer shutter speeds
Max Aperture - Wide 2.8 vs 6.3 Wider aperture at wide end
Max Aperture - Tele 2.8 vs 6.3 Wider aperture at tele end
Diaphragm Blades 9 vs Potentially more rounded and smooth bokeh
Autofocus Yes vs No Easier, faster and more accurate focusing
Max Sensor Coverage 35mm FF vs APS-C / DX covers larger sensors
Weather Sealing Yes vs No safer to use under rain and dust

Common Strengths of Samyang Reflex 300mm f6.3 UMC CS and Nikon AF-S Nikkor 300mm f2.8G ED VR II
Distance Scale Yes vs Yes Distance Scale to assist focusing




**This post contains affiliate links, and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking through my links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Samyang 300mm f6.3 vs Nikon 300mm f2.8G ED VR II Specs Table

Detailed comparison of specifications
General
Brand Samyang Nikon
Lens Type Prime Prime
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Lens Type Telephoto Mirror Prime Telephoto Prime
Lens Mount Nikon F (DX) Nikon F (FX)
Max Format APS-C / DX 35mm FF
Focal Range 300mm 300mm
Image Stabilization No Yes
Colour - Black
Zoom Method No Zoom No Zoom
Power Zoom No No
Zoom Lock No No
Zoom Ratio 1.0X 1.0X
Aperture
Max Aperture F6.3 F2.8
Min Aperture F6.3 F22.0
Aperture Ring No No
Diaphragm Blades - 9
Optics
Optical Elements 8 11
Optical Groups 8 8
Focusing
Min Focus Distance 1.1m 2.3m
Max Magnification - -
Autofocus No Yes
AF Motor Type None Ultrasonic
Full Time Manual N/A Yes
Focus Method - Internal
Distance Scale Yes Yes
DoF Scale - Yes
Distance Scale Yes Yes
Focus Distance Limiter No No
Physical Specs
Weight 260g 2900g
Diameter 65mm 124mm
Length 74mm 268mm
Weather Sealing No Yes
Filter Thread 26mm 52mm
Filter Notes Rear-mounted 25.5mm filters -
Hood Supplied - Yes
Hood Code - HK-30
Tripod Collar No Yes
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