Nikon 300mm f/2
The Nikon 300mm f/2 ED IF Ai-S is a manual-focus super-telephoto prime built for the Nikon F mount, featuring extra-low dispersion glass and internal focusing. Produced in small numbers during the Ai-S era, it was designed for professional sports, wildlife and low-light news photography where its extremely fast f/2 aperture set it apart from contemporaries.
With only a single confirmed UK auction result on file, price discovery is thin: a copy hammered at £3,400 in November 2025, which gives both the high and low of the recorded range and serves as the only median reference point heading into 2026. Because that figure is a saleroom hammer result rather than a dealer asking price, today's retail value of a clean example will typically sit higher once commission, warranty and refurbishment are factored in. Condition, completeness of the trunk case and tripod collar, and clean ED glass are what this lens sells for at the top of its band.
Variants
Select a variant to filter the sales history below.
| Variant | Years | Edition | Sales | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ED IF Ai-S | — | — | 1 | £3,400 – £3,400 |
| Nikkor IF-ED Ai-S | — | — | 1 | £16,000 – £16,000 |
| Nikkor IF-ED F | — | — | 0 | — |
Sales History
Prices shown are UK auction hammer results — the wholesale level achieved in the saleroom. Neither buyer’s nor seller’s commission is included. Dealer and retail asking prices are typically higher.
Prices updated: November 2025
| Date | Price | Source | Variant | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nov 2025 | £3,400 | Special Auction Services | ED IF Ai-S | |
|
Auction: Fine Photographica & Cameras Auction (Lot 190) Title: A Nikon Nikkor ED IF 300mm f/2 Ai-S Lens
Description:
A Nikon Nikkor ED IF 300mm f/2 Ai-S Lens, serial no 182153, 1983-1985, serial numbers for this lens start at 182141 this lens is number 12 in an |
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| Jan 2023 | USD 16,000 | pedia_sales_tamarkin | Nikkor IF-ED Ai-S | |
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Auction: 2023 Auction Results (Lot 250) Title: Nikon 300mm ED IF f2 lens Nr. 182496
Description:
Nikon 300mm ED IF f2 lens Nr. 182496 |
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| Mar 2014 | EUR 12,000 | Leitz Auction | — | |
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Auction: Leitz Auction 25 (Lot AI_25_30146) Title: Nikon 2/300mm ED-IF
Description:
very rare 300mm lens in very fine condition with clean lenses, HE-1 hood, tele converter TC-14C no.283266, cap and original metal case Estimate: EUR 8,000 - EUR 10,000 |
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Frequently asked questions
How much does a Nikon 300mm f/2 ED IF Ai-S sell for at UK auction?
The one verified UK hammer price on record is £3,400 from November 2025; this is a wholesale saleroom result and excludes buyer's premium.
What is a Nikon 300mm f/2 ED IF Ai-S worth today?
Based on the limited data available in 2026, expect auction-level value around the £3,400 mark for a complete, clean copy, with retail prices from specialist dealers running higher.
Why is this lens so rare and expensive?
Nikon produced the 300mm f/2 ED IF in very small numbers as a specialist professional optic, and its fast f/2 aperture combined with ED glass keeps demand strong relative to supply.
What should I check before buying one?
Prioritise clean ED glass with no fungus or haze, dry aperture blades, smooth focus action, and the presence of the original tripod collar and trunk case, all of which influence the price a buyer will pay.