Nikon 70 300mm f 4 5 5 6G ED IF AF S VR Zoom Nikkor Lens for Nikon …
Nikon 70 300mm f 4 5 5 6G ED IF AF S VR Zoom Nikkor Lens for Nikon Digital SLR Cameras
High-power 4.3x Telephoto Zoom-Nikkor lens (Approximates the picture angle performance of a 105-450mm lens on 35mm SLR) / Uses 67mm Filters Non-Rotating front element provides for convenient use of circular polarizing filters and the Nikon Wireless Close-Up Speedlight System A Silent Wave Motor (SWM) enables fast and quiet autofocusing, along with quick switching between autofocus and manual operation (M/A and M) A nine-blade rounded diaphragm opening, out-of-focus elements appear more natural Accepts 67mm filter attachment size Focal length – 70-300mm (Approximates the picture angle performance of a 105-450mm 35mm SLR) Maximum aperture – f/4.5-5.6 Lens construction – 17 elements in 12 groups (with 2 ED glass elements) Picture angle – 34 degrees 20 feet- 8 degrees 10 feet (22 degrees 50 feet – 5 degrees 20 feet with Nikon DX format digital SLR cameras) Focal length – scale 70, 100, 135, 200, 300mm Unit Dimensions – (approx.) 3.1 x 5.6 in. (80 x 143.5mm); Weight – (approx.) 26.3 oz (745g) Included accessories – LC-67 67mm snap-on front lens cap, LF-1 rear lens cap, HB-36 bayonet hood, CL-1022 flexible lens pouch
User Ratings and Reviews
4 Stars Good compromise between performances, weight and costs
I had to do a long travel and I didn’t want to bring my Nikkor 80-200 AF-s 2.8 because of too heavy and too big size.
From Italy I ordered the 70-300 AF-s VR, asking the delivery to the hotel where I stayed in San Francisco. Perfect delivery and delivery time, so I have been able to enjoy the object.
Light tool, with good performances, above all if compared to his big brother 80-200 AF-s 2.8
The stabilizer, combined to the high Iso of my Nikon D700, helped me in a lot of critical situations so I have been able to catch good pictures.
5 Stars Fantastic with Nikon D40
After owning a Nikon D40 with a 55-200mm lens, a larger lens was the next step.
This lens is much larger and heavier than the 55-200mm Nikkor. I had read the
reviews on the lens and was aware of the near 300mm difficulties. By compensating
for these issues the lens can be a remarkable instrument. Once in focus,
photos taken at 300mm can show excellent resolution and color. I’ve found best
results with the autofocus when the focus is close to the optimum setting before using
autofocus. The magnification is astounding, as much as I would want. The vibration
reduction is very effective. A tripod hasn’t been needed for daylight photos. When carrying
the pair, I cradle the lens instead of holding by the camera. The lens was a demo from
Cameta Camera for $379 with free shipping. It was indistinguishable from new and has
given no problems. A great bargain for its capability. Always get a UV filter!
It’s cheap insurance.
5 Stars Glad I went for the 300
This is for my new D700. I will spare the technical jargon. Was thinking of the 70-200 f/2.8 but that thing is very huge and heavy. This seems like the perfect lens for the beach. Went there for a couple of hours with the dog and snapped about 200 pictures. Even though this is the first day using it, the 300mm really came in handy. I took many shots at 300mm and they came out great! It’s plastic but still feels substantial in your hand. Quality feels better that I expected. Focus is almost instant. I was concerned about the max 4.5 aperture but had no problems, had to turn down the ISO down to 400 as I had the aperture wide open most of the shots. I made full use of the 70-300 range as the dogs come and go very quickly. Took some pics of a friends dogs as well and they are tiny dogs. At 300mm I was able to get some good distance from the small dog, get an interesting perspective and background, shallow depth of field and sharp focus and filling the frame. Also got some good pics at 70mm for close ups. Point is that the 70-300 seems the perfect range when your going for casual wildlife photos.
This lens fits perfect in the Tamrac MX5378 lens case as long as you don’t have the hood on the lens. I shot many pictures into the sun had no flare at all. I guess the coatings really work so I don’t think I will carry the lens hood as I like to travel light. On the other hand…I just tried putting the lens in the case with the lens hood attached (reversed) and it still fits but is tight. Tamrac recommends the Pro100 lens case for this lens and that will be better if you like a loose fit. Problem is those cases are a lot larger and if you are using the Tamrac modular belt, then smaller is better I think.
My opinion, if you have an FX format camera you can’t go wrong with this lens. My three lenses I will most often use are:
70-300 (this lens) Hiking, beach, etc.
24-70 f/2.8 Walk around, candid, indoors without flash.
50 f/1.4G Indoors low light with no flash.
5 Stars Great lens; Great price.
Some of the reviews I’ve read about this lens say it doesn’t autofocus well, but I have not found that is a problem at all. This lens has worked great for me so far. The vibration reduction is definitely worth it. On my 18-105mm I couldn’t see the difference, but on this lens the difference is very obvious. It is definitely worth the extra money.
5 Stars Pro quality for bargain price…
This lens is tack sharp on my D90 all the way out to the corners at all aperature settings and focal lengths. On the D700 it’s a little soft zoomed all the way out to 300mm and @ f/5.6 but stop it down one stop and sharp all the way out to the corners. This lens isn’t meant to be a low light lens anyway so stopping it down shouldn’t be a problem. For the price this is one incredible lens. If you want pro performance and sharpness in low light situations pay the big bucks and get either the (now old) 70-200 f/2.8 or wait a couple months and get the brand new 70-200 f/2.8 with VRII. I will tell you in decent light or tripod situations this lens is just as sharp as the 70-200 f/2.8 (stopped down one stop from wide open) on my D700 and just as sharp at all aperatures on my D90. Pro quality for a bargain price for sure!