Nikon Nikkor 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6G ED-IF AF-S VR Telephoto Zoom Lens Deals: Compare, Review & Buy on PriceGrabber.com

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Product Details

Description:

High-power 4.3x Telephoto Zoom-Nikkor lens Vibration Reduction minimizes the effects of camera shake allowing photographers to shoot handheld at as many as 4 shutter speeds slower than would otherwise be possible, assuring dramatically sharper images Two Nikon Extra-Low Dispersion glass elements deliver superior optical performance for both digital and 35mm photography. ED glass minimizes chromatic aberrations, contributing to superb contrast and resolution performance Internal Focus provides fast and quiet auto focusing without changing the length of the lens, retaining subject-working distance through the focus range Focus as close as 4.9 ft throughout entire zoom range Non-Rotating front element provides for convenient use of circular polarizing filters and the Nikon Wireless Close-Up Speedlight System A Silent Wave Motor enables fast and quiet autofocusing, along with quick switching between autofocus and manual operation A nine-blade rounded diaphragm opening, out-of-focus elements appear more natural

Quick Glance

Camera Mount: Nikon Digital SLR Cameras

Lens Type: Telephoto Zoom

Max Focal Length: 300 mm

Max Aperture: f/ 4.5 (Wide), f/ 5.6 (Tele)

Summary

Product Title: Nikon Nikkor 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6G ED-IF AF-S VR Telephoto Zoom Lens

Manufacturer: Nikon

Lowest Price: $369.95 from Photo4Less.com

Power Score: 4.5 | 20 Reviews

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Product Reviews (14)

Impressive optics in a reasonable package

Strengths: VR, very sharp

Weakness: None that I didn't anticipate

I would honesly give the lens more of a 4.5 rating. I use this lens on my Nikon D50. After a recent trip left me wanting something in the telephoto range, I started looking hard at this lens. I also considered the 80-200 2.8 D 2-ring and the high 70-200mm 2.8 VR AFS. Factors that pushed me toward this lens over the others (and perhaps help you in deciding as well) are:

- size and weight - after feeling all 3 at a camera store (B&H), this lens weighs around half of the others and is more compact when stored at its smallest focal length (the other two are obviously bigger due to them being 2.8 constant apertures with a constant length and metal body)
- price - 1/3 the cost of the 70-200, though only a few hundred less than the 80-200
- technology - wanted VR in a telephoto to help with distance and AFS for faster, quieter focusing (and not rely on the weaker D50 motor)
- what I'm using it for - wanted something to travel with and handhold outdoors. If I shot more sports, I probably would have chose the 80-200. If more indoor events (like shows or concerts), possibly the 70-200.

Altogether, I opted for a lens that is half the weight and 1/3 the price of the more "pro" glass. And given that I shoot more on the wide end, I'd rather save my money for a 17-55 2.8 that would see more use.

Onto the lens. Sharpness (as with most Nikon consumer lenses these days) is superb. Focus is usually quick and accurate and VR works extremely well. One of the things that sold me was how the sales person at B&H was able to snap a tack sharp picture of a customer on the other side of the store at 300mm and 1/4" using a D200 (handheld). The few shots I've taken since receiving this lens confirms this ability. The lens comes with a nice large, deep hood, which I'll probably use all the time and save the cost of buying a protective filter. The bokeh is very good. The only real thing that I'm not so crazy about is the way the zoom ring feels (at least on my sample). It isn't as smooth as the other two lenses mentioned, giving the lens a somewhat "cheap" feel (some believe the zoom was tightened up due to complaints of lens creep on the 18-200). Fortunately, the focus ring is much better. Overall image quality is very good, but not to the level of the higher end glass (obviously need to justify the price). The lens is great as long as you shoot within its limits, thus making it a great value.

Overall, it's a fantastic lens in terms of image quality and price. Some may be more interested in the recently announced 55-200 VR, which will be smaller, lighter, and cheaper. But those who are like me (starting from the 18-70mm kit lens and already have 67mm filters) will probably appreciate things like a metal lens mount, the ability to have full-time manual focus over-ride, and the overall feel of the lens more. Final note for anyone new to these lenses, VR will only compensate for your movements, not the movements of what you're shooting. Given the small variable aperture of this lens, if you're planning to shoot anything indoors or fast moving, you'd be better off getting one of the 2.8 aperture zooms.. or better yet, buy a prime (which sacrifices flexibility for low light ability, quality, and size - small price to pay to get a shot you can use).

By jme1223 - Mar 15, 2007

Excellent buy!

Strengths: 70-300mm range, sharp, little to no color fringing, VR makes the shots rock-steady, VR II so it also has Active VR, compact and light compared to pro lenses, price is great

Weakness: VR sometimes takes a second or two to kick in and really stop the shake, but most of the time it stops camera shake instantly.

I am using this on my D80. It was bought refurbished, as was my camera, from Adorama. Although is was refurbished, I swear it looks and operates like a brand-new lens. Awesome. The VR is spectacular. I have taken shots of the moon, hand-held, at 300mm (450mm on a digital SLR), with sharp-as-a-tack results. Granted I have to use the camera's menu to increase sharpness a little, it still gives...
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By sgtdisturbed47 - Oct 27, 2007

Best Choice 70-300 for Nikon

Strengths: VR really works.Very good optical performance. Reasonably light weight. Silent focus.

Weakness: Not a fast lens. VR won't help with moving subjects.

Right now, this is the best 70-300 lens available for Nikon. The VR works very well and as advertised by Nikon. Focusing is fast, accurate, and quiet, but can hunt in low light. The image quality is very good. At 300mm, it's best to go down a stop or two for the best results. IMO, it's priced more reasonably than the 18-200VR. If you already have the 18-70 or 18-135 kit lens, this is a great...
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By Robaire - Feb 2, 2007

Love My New Nikon 70-300mm Lens

Strengths: Great reach with 300mm,(450mm 35mm SLR),nice hood and carrying pouch comes with it. Great auto-focus. Solid build.

Weakness: None so far !

I've only had this lens a couple of days and I'm already loving it !! Great for birds, landscapes, portraits, and sports. Vibration Reduction works like a charm !! This lens gives me all the length I need right now, since I've got about 5 other Nikon lenses. The feel of the lens is also very sturdy and well made. Mine is USA, so I also got the Nikon 5 year warranty. For the price, it can't be...
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By topcat84 - Mar 14, 2007

Amazing Telezoom Lens

Strengths: Good VR, nice bokeh, light weight

Weakness: Auto Focus

Nikon 70-300mm VR is an amazing lens. Its VR works very well, even gives you a decent picture under dim light. The Bokeh is very nice and I try to use whenever I can. I think it is a little expensive, but over time it will pay for itself. The most annoying problem that I have seem with this lens is that if you shooting something against a blank or mono color background, it will take forever to...
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By zubairps - Dec 27, 2006

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