steelbird

It is about AF-S Nikkor 300mm f/2.8G ED-IF VR lens, not sure about AF1 tough.

Yes agree, checked with Nikon service here and they are saying they no more support any service for the lens.

Thanks for the important input, I didn't know about end of life for the 300mm VR1.

Yes the weight of 300mm and TC would certainly need a monopod to rest the gear. I too feel that having a zoom factor would be a plus when you are out in the field as you never know when may come up ...

The birds are not bold in my region as well, I guess that's the part of thr behavioural aspect. Thank you for listing down pros and major cons of the lens, would definitely help in decision making.

Thank you for the valuable inputs, as you said correctly even I am of a feeling that 300mm with/without TC would be insufficient for smaller birds and 500mm would be a right choice.

Absolutely stunning images you have got. Are there images captured handheld or mono/tripod.

I am contemplating buying one of used 300mm f2.8 VR1 with 1.4II converter or new 200-500mm. The lens would be used primarily for bird photography (occasionally small birds). I am little inclined ...