Lens Lab
    Nikon Nikkor 100-300 mm f/ 5.6 Ai-S
    Nikon Nikkor 100-300 mm f/ 5.6 Ai-S

    Nikon Nikkor 100-300 mm f/ 5.6 Ai-S

    100–300mm · f/5.6

    Overview

    The Nikon Nikkor 100-300mm f/5.6 Ai-S is a manual-focus zoom lens produced from 1984 to 1998, noted for its constant f/5.6 aperture and simple 14-element design. It offers unusually sharp images with low distortion and chromatic aberration. Build quality is high, but handling is awkward due to its weight (930g), front-heavy balance, and long focus throw; the push-pull zoom allows single-handed operation. It suits budget-minded birders or travel photographers who can work without autofocus and fast apertures.