Introduced during the summer of 1964 the 300mm f4.5 was an entirely newly designed lens in the Nikon F series.

Version 1 (shown): Onset serial number 304501 June 1964; non AI; large prominent brushed chrome grip ring; 5/5 (elements/groups); ridged aperture set ring.



Version 2: Introduced January 1969. Similar to version 1 but goes to 6/5 lens formula and add approximately 4oz. Lens formula indicated by "H" designation.

Version 3: Onset serial number 480001 March 1975. Cosmetics change to Nikon's "new look" illustrated in Version 5 discussion.

Version 3ED: Onset serial number 173101 1975. As version 3 but external design incorporates thin gold ring on forward barrel indicating Nikon's Extra low Dispersion glass. Focus mark for infrared offset since it is no longer relevant.

Version 4: Onset serial number 510001 1977; AI conversion.

Version 4ED: Onset serial number 190001 1977. As version 4 but incorporates ED glass in optical formula.

Version 5 (shown): AIS Optical formula remains 6/5 but is changed significantly. Minimum f-stop is now f32 and rotating tripod ring is now removable.