Nikon F Nikkor-H 2.8/300mm *

An extremely rare Nikkor-H 300mm f/2.8, introduced in January 1972 as the world’s very first 300mm lens with a maximum aperture of f/2.8. Built exclusively for professional press use around the time of the Sapporo Winter Olympics, it was never included in Nikon’s regular catalogues and only about 80 units were produced. The lens employs special ED-type glass supplied by Schott, as Nikon’s own ED material was not yet ready, and was designed without an automatic diaphragm to optimise performance at full aperture. With its six-element construction delivering superb correction and coverage up to 6×6 cm format, this impressive 3 kg lens stands as a milestone in Nikon’s optical history and remains one of the rarest professional Nikkors ever made. The offered example shows the wear of years of professional use; one of the focus click stops is missing, and while the front element bears some scratches, the optics remain perfectly usable.