Lens Summary
Brand: Nikon
Also Known As: Nikon 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6E VR AF-P
Lens Type: Zoom Lens
Format: Full Frame / FX
Focus: Autofocus
Lens Mount: Nikon F
Release Date: 2017-07-11
MSRP Price: $749.99
Made in: Thailand
Production Status: In Production
Lens Description: Nikon proudly presents an update to its versatile full-frame 70-300mm tele zoom with improvements to image quality, autofocus, speed, VR image stabilization and more. The lens strikes an outstanding balance between size, zoom power and Vibration Reduction, making it a great choice for handheld photos and videos of sports, action, concerts, weddings, wildlife and more. Whether you shoot an FX or DX camera, the AF-P NIKKOR 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6E ED VR frees you to shoot on-the-go from nearly any distance.
Photography Life Review Summary: While traveling with the Nikon 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6E VR AF-P, the lens kept on surprising me with its impressive performance. In fact, on several occasions I told myself that I should just buy this little gem instead of having to carry heavier and larger 70-200mm lenses when needing to keep my camera bag as light as possible. After handling the previous-generation 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6G VR, I was anticipating to see a lot of compromises, especially at the long end of the zoom range, but the lens kept on delivering great results. In addition to the small size and lightweight build, I loved the quick and accurate AF-P autofocus motor; 4+ stop image stabilization was excellent, reducing the need to use a tripod; chromatic aberration and distortion were well under control. The only two annoyances were the pronounced vignetting at longer focal lengths (especially when shooting at or near infinity) and visible ghosting and flare when including very bright subjects in the scene - things I can certainly live with. In short, there is a lot to like about this lens. Read the full Nikon AF-P NIKKOR 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6E ED VR Review by Photography Life.
Nikon AF-P NIKKOR 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6E ED VR Specifications
| Lens Specifications | |
|---|---|
| * Supplied accessories may differ depending on country or area | |
| Lens Type | Zoom Lens |
| Focal Length | 70-300mm |
| Mount Type | Nikon F |
| Format | Full Frame / FX |
| Compatible Format(s) | Full Frame / APS-C |
| Compatible with Teleconverters | No |
| Zoom Ratio | 4.3x |
| Maximum Reproduction Ratio | 0.25x |
| Vibration Reduction (Image Stabilization) | Yes |
| Aperture Information | |
| Aperture Ring | No |
| Maximim Aperture | f/4.5-5.6 |
| Minimum Aperture | f/32-40 |
| Maximum Angle of View (APS-C or smaller format) | 22°50' |
| Minimum Angle of View (APS-C or smaller format) | 5°20' |
| Maximum Angle of View (Full frame or larger format) | 34°20' |
| Minimum Angle of View (Full frame or larger format) | 8°10' |
| Optical Information | |
| Lens Elements | 18 |
| Lens Groups | 14 |
| Diaphragm Blades | 9 (Rounded) |
| Extra-Low Dispersion Glass Elements | 1 |
| Super Integrated Coat (SIC) | Yes |
| Focus Information | |
| Focus | Autofocus |
| Built-in Focus Motor | Yes |
| Pulse Motor (AF-P) | Yes |
| Internal Focusing | Yes |
| Minimum Focus Distance | 3.94 ft. (1.2 m) |
| Electronic Diaphragm | Yes |
| Filter Information | |
| Filter Size | 67mm |
| Accepts Filter Type | Screw-on |
| Physical Characteristics | |
| Weather / Dust Sealing | Yes |
| Mount Material | Metal |
| Dimensions | 3.2 in. (80.5 mm) x 5.7 in. (146 mm) |
| Weight | 24 oz. (680 g) |
| Other Information | |
| Available in Colors | Black |
| Supplied Accessories | LC-67 Snap-on Front Lens Cap 67mm, LF-4 Rear Lens Cap, HB-82 Bayonet Lens Hood, CL-1022 Soft Lens Case |
Lens Construction
MTF Chart
Image Samples
The review Nasim wrote sold me on this lens which I bought today used in mint condition for $575 CAD . Two months ago I bought a Nikon AF-S 16-85mm for a D7000 I converted with an 850nm IR filter from Kolarivision . With the two lenses which are both light and very sharp and my D7500 I have a great kit for on the motorcycle and airplane trips (after covid-19 settles down) . Thanks Nasim , great work you put out.
Update : For the last week I’ve tried this lens on my infrared converted D7000 at all focal lengths between f/6.3 to f/11 . All photos turned out great with no hot spots . I use back button focus and take the shot right after and have had no problems with compatibility on the D7000 , of coarse using this lens on my D7500 is amazing for quiet ultra fast AF .
I had the previous af-s 70-300 on Nikon D7100. The image quality was excellent to me up until 200mm. After that, there is an obvious loss of resolution.
I used it later on a D810, where the pixel density (px/mm2) is a bit lower, so overall pixel sharpness looks a bit better until the extreme edge.
In the end, I decided that if I splurge on a new camera, it deserves a adequate tele lens as well.
The 70-300 AF-P is a very good tool (I cannot compare to any 70-200 2.8) but this lens, for it’s versatility (5.6 at 300mm) surprised me to how better it is from the previous one. I am satisfied with color rendering, sharpness. The autofocus is insanely fast and with the updated D810 Firmware
(where the D7100 also has a firmware updaste for AF-P lenses).
I can only recommend it, and thanks for Photographylife to review this stuff.
I am wondering how this new lens compares to the 70-200mm F4 as a travel landscape telephoto? Very few reviews of this new lens comparing it to others. I am considering it vs. the 70-200 on my D7500 with the expectation to also use it on a FX bodyin the future.
Hey Alan,
yes, that’s exactly the same idea as I have… Actually I do have a FX body (D750) but I think of the D7500 especially for travelling (much lighter :-)) So I am also considering the new AF-P 70-300 FX vs AF-S 70-200 f4 (maybe plus TC 1.4 III…). So if you or anyone can give a hint. how these two lenses compare as a landscape zoom – please let us know :-)
Regards,
Stefa
Stefan, our in-depth review of the lens has been published:
photographylife.com/revie…mm-vr-af-p
Thom Hogan did a review – it sounds a sound investment’ and the ergonomics are excellent
Alan, our in-depth review of the Nikon 70-300mm VR AF-P has been published:
photographylife.com/revie…mm-vr-af-p
I just received my FX version to pair with my D500. I prefer the more robust FX to the much lighter DX model (call me crazy) because I wanted the on-lens switches and metal mount. Also, I may return to a full frame body again and wanted the full frame option. I bought a new DX non-VR version (came from a friends’ kit) a month ago and was amazed at the speed and sharpness of these new lenses. What’s interesting is that the D500/FX AF-P 70-300 (450mm equivalent) weighs a half pound less than the Fuji X-T2 paired with the XF 50-140/2.0 Tele (approx 420mm equivalent). And it’s shorter! I’ll be using it on a trip through Montreal, Quebec City and the St Lawrence river in a few weeks. The Dx 16-80 will complete the Nikon kit and the Fuji X-T2 with a 16mm 1.4mm prime will be my night -time walkabout.
Is it competable with TC 1.4.
The specs above say NO TC’s.