On Mon, 23 Nov 1998 22:29:25 +0100, Filip Hajny wrote:

>Nikkor 100-300/5.6 AIS - anybody has any experience with
>this zoom lens? I'd like to get a zoom in this range and
>from my Internet research, this one lookes the best (I use a
>FE).

You have probably visited my Nikkor evaluation list,
on my web page under "I babble", no doubt...? ;-)

>I know it's not a speedy zoom, but I need it mostly for
>my world travels, that means usually in the summer, so there
>would be enough light. Is it possibly to use it without a
>tripod? What's the performance at 5.6? I have been offered a
>used one for about $500.

It is excellent "wide" open throughout its range - better
than the two later AF variants (though it is slower than
rating at its widest two stops...). It is remarkably low
in linear distortion (declining barrel to 135mm, then none
to 300mm - I have seen this in no other zoom!). It is large
and long, with no tripod mount - but it is easy to hand-hold.
I sold mine in favor of shorter zooms with a 1.4X converter...