Lens Summary
Brand: Nikon
Also Known As: Nikon 28-300mm f/3.5-5.6G VR
Lens Type: Zoom Lens
Format: Full Frame / FX
Focus: Autofocus
Lens Mount: Nikon F
Release Date: 2010-08-19
MSRP Price: $1049.95
Made in: Thailand
Infrared Rating: Good
Production Status: In Production
Lens Description: An ideal lens for FX-format D-SLRs, featuring a 10.7X zoom, close focus to 18” at every focal length and VR II image stabilization
Photography Life Review Summary: The Nikon 28-300mm is a mixed bag of feelings for me. Maybe because I was never a fan of the Nikon 18-200mm in first place. There are only a few things that I like about it, such as its build and the 77mm filter thread (which proved to be very convenient to use my polarizing and ND filters without having to mess with adapter rings) but other than that, I was not impressed with its performance when compared to other Nikon lenses. Read the full Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 28-300mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR Review by Photography Life.
Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 28-300mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR Specifications
| Lens Specifications | |
|---|---|
| * Supplied accessories may differ depending on country or area | |
| Lens Type | Zoom Lens |
| Focal Length | 28-300mm |
| Mount Type | Nikon F |
| Format | Full Frame / FX |
| Compatible Format(s) | FX/35mm |
| Compatible with Teleconverters | No |
| Zoom Ratio | 10.7x |
| Maximum Reproduction Ratio | 0.32x |
| Vibration Reduction (Image Stabilization) | Yes |
| Aperture Information | |
| Aperture Ring | No |
| Maximim Aperture | f/3.5 |
| Minimum Aperture | f/22 |
| Maximum Angle of View (APS-C or smaller format) | 53° |
| Minimum Angle of View (APS-C or smaller format) | 5°20' |
| Maximum Angle of View (Full frame or larger format) | 74° |
| Minimum Angle of View (Full frame or larger format) | 8°10' |
| Optical Information | |
| Lens Elements | 19 |
| Lens Groups | 14 |
| Diaphragm Blades | 9 |
| Extra-Low Dispersion Glass Elements | 2 |
| Aspherical Elements | 3 |
| Super Integrated Coat (SIC) | Yes |
| Focus Information | |
| Focus | Autofocus |
| Built-in Focus Motor | Yes |
| Silent Wave Motor (SWM) | Yes |
| Internal Focusing | Yes |
| Minimum Focus Distance | 1.6 ft. (0.5m)1.6 ft. (0.5m) throughout entire zoom range |
| Focus Mode Switch | Auto, Manual |
| G-type | Yes |
| Distance Information | Yes |
| Filter Information | |
| Filter Size | 77mm |
| Accepts Filter Type | Screw-on |
| Physical Characteristics | |
| Weather / Dust Sealing | No |
| Mount Material | Metal |
| Dimensions | (Approx.) 3.26x4.5 in. (Diameter x Length), 83x114.5mm (Diameter x Length) |
| Weight | (Approx.) 28.2 oz. (800g) |
| Other Information | |
| Available in Colors | Black |
| Supplied Accessories | HB-50 Bayonet Lens Hood, LC-77 Snap-on Front Lens Cap, LF-1 Rear Lens Cap, CL-L1120 Soft Case |
Lens Construction
MTF Chart
Image Samples
I used this lens exclusively on a three week trip to Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands and later won runner up place in the Galapagos Conservation Trusts photography competition and two of my photographs were published in their annual calendar 2021. Camera was D800e. Reading this review and others I must have a superlative copy of this lens otherwise I would not be able to take such photographs just as my Wife is a great cook and has a superlative cooker.
I thought I had to post another review of that lens with a D4.
I have been shooting with that lens for three consecutive days mainly wildlife and landscape and I have to revise my judgement. I think the VR is helping a lot here and it is a very versatile lens which works well on that camera. Paired with my 14-24 F2.8G and my 50mm F1.4G I took 300+ shots with very satisfying results without the need for a tripod.
With the camera colours on the D4 set to Vivid, I got nice results with surprising colours and high level of sharpness.
I would say that in my opinion that lens works better with the D4 rather than the D800, which could make sense as the D800 with 36Mp can reveal more optical defects than the 16Mp D4.
Another lens in my arsenal, practical but lot’s of distortion and visible chromatic aberration. I use my 24-70 F2.8 a lot more, picture quality is superior I think, especially when using a D800 which really shine with the best lenses.