Nikon 55-300mm VR Review
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Hi Nasim, Would it be fair to say that 70-300 vr is much sharper than 55-300 vr?
Amit, no, the sharpness is actually very comparable. Where the 70-300mm takes the lead is faster/more accurate focusing.
So, are you saying then, that if I were to go to say, a horse jumping show, I shouldn’t use this lens?
Even if it’s a sunny day, it’s not good for moving objects? Like, my dog running in the yard, jumping, playing, etc.
I purchased nikkor 55-200 VR in August 2007 for my D50 body. I was very satisfied with it’s sharpness at it’s 200mm tele end. It offered me some good photo of birds. For bird photography 200mm is not adequate. I used to crop the image by less than 1/2 of the diagonal length of the original image, but, still have full details and sharpness in the cropped image. So, by cropping the image I can get output like of 400mm lens from the 55-200 VR lens.
In July 2010 I purchased Nikkor 70-300 VR and expected to get similar clearity and sharpness at 300mm tele end. With out cropping the image is acceptably sharp. But, when cropped by 1/2 of the diagonal length, the image losses its sharpness. I purchased the 70-300 VR just before Nikon released their 55-300 VR. Now, I am very much confused, whether I spend a much more money behind a wrong lens. Whether 55-300VR provides better sharpness at 300mm than my 70-300VR. I am looking for side by side compare of the image quality of both the lens at their 300mm tele end.
Omio, thank you for your feedback!
I agree that 200mm is too short for most birds, but I would not necessarily say that cropping would get similar results as a 400mm lens… Sharpness depends on many factors, including AF performance, but in your case you might have a bad sample of the 70-300mm. I seriously doubt that the 55-300mm will be better @ 300mm when compared to the 70-300mm.
hi Nasim,
after months of looking and researching, I got my D90 today with 18-105mm kit and the 55-300mm VR as well. After going through the menu, I realize there is so much I have to learn about its various settings ! Totally overwhelming after my Fujifim S2000HD P&S ! But that’s good, that means I will be occupied for a few years :) and won’t be too envious of D7000 owners !
I hope the 55-300 meets my expectation.
Rahul, congratulations! Now is the time to learn and enhance your photography skills ;) Don’t worry too much about equipment – just learn how to use what you currently have.
Hi Nasim,
I’m planning to return the kit lens (18-105) that came with D7000 and buy some other lenses. I’m planning on getting 18-55, 35 f/1.8 & 55-300 lens. What do you think of the choice?
Regards,
Pradeep
hi Pradeep,
I read two reviews saying the 18-105 is better than the 18-55 lens. besides, it has a more versatile focal range when you have just one lens to shoot with. Nasim’s own review says the 70-300 has faster AF than 55-300, and slightly better optically. The 35mm f/1.8 should be nice, if only the 28mm and 35mm were a little cheaper as well, like the 50mm f/1.8.
Hi Nasim,
I just bought my D7100 body only, my friend lend me his 18-105mm and ought to return it to him the moment I acquire my own lens. What lens do I need? I love to take indoor pictures, mostly portait… and I also love to take moving subjects like birds flying… dog shows etc. I wish to buy 50mm f/1.4 and 55-300mm. Thank you!!!
Pradeep, I don’t think you will get much value from switching from 18-105mm to 18-55mm. If you can afford it, just get the 35mm f/1.8G in addition to your 18-105mm. If you need to cover the long range, you can also get the 55-300mm…
Pradeep,
Keep the 18-105 lens, it’s versatile enough in some cases where you’d curse the 18-55’s reach. I can say the 18-105’s extra reach is quite handy when you don’t have the longer lens or don’t have enough time to swap. With the 18-105 you can snap a bee visiting a flower and then turn and click an aircraft at low-ish altitude like I did (ok not in quick succession; there was 30 minute gap and I had my 55-300 with me but there wasn’t any time to get it on to snap the aircraft. The 55-300 is the least used lens so far ;) so pick what you shoot most, first. I wish I got the 24 or 35mm 1.8 before the 55-300 , that you can use only when you are sure you need the long reach.
Hi Rahul & Nasim,
Thanks for your comments & views.
I’ll keep the 18-105 lens and get 35mm lens for now. I’ll delay purchase of 55-300 and will get it after I learn more about DSLR photography (D7000 is my first DSLR).
How is the weight of 55-300mm? D7000 is quite heavy and with the 18-105 it almost weighs 1kg. When you are using 55-300mm on the camera, can you really carry it hanging around the neck?
Cheers,
Pradeep
Hi Pradeep,
I got the 35mm f/1.8g and its very sharp for me. I love having it around my d7000. most of the time it is the lens i used to coz its lighter and sharper. I only put my 18-105mm when i needed the extra long reach. thou i may say, 105mm is bit short at times, but it’s bearable for me. but i might pick the 55-300mm for more extra long reach.
just a question nasim, will it complement my 18-105mm?
thanks.
BTW, should wait for 35mm F1.4 or should I get the 35mm F1.8? Are there any significant advantages of f/1.4 over f/1.8?
Pradeep, yes, there are significant differences between 35mm f/1.4 and f/1.8. First of all, it is a huge price difference. Second, the 35mm works both on FX and DX. Third, it is a totally different class of a lens than the f/1.8…
Can you also suggest me a good flashlight (SB400 or SB600)? I’m not sure I understand their capabilities or even my need. Since I’m a newbie I’m not aware on how to use flash effectively. I was not able to get any good & simple to understand reviews to make a choice.
Pradeep, go for the SB-600 minimum.
thanks for such an in-depth review .Excellent :).I will definitely share this review of yours with my friends .
So ,is auto focus as bad as it was suggested by you and Ken rockwell ? I mean in comparison to new/old tamron/sigma 70-300mm .
I know AF of those 3rd party lenses is pretty bad ,but wanted to know how does this 55-300mm fare against them .
You are most welcome Abhinav!
I do not know how AF performance compares with the Tamron/Sigma 55-300mm lenses…it is probably going to be very comparable.
Now I am totally unsure which way to go. 70-300 or 55-300. I plan to buy the new D7000 with the packaged 18-105 which will be good for general use. I need the 300 reach for when I’m hiking and see an animal or bird or something far enough away to exceed the 105. Your reviews have pluses and minus for each of the lenses. The lighter weight appeals but slow focus is not good. Will the focus speed depend on camera used i.e. the D7000 vs whatever you used? I also shoot the overall landscape which doesn’t always need the long end. In Yellowstone I needed all the reach I could get for bears, wolves etc.
Allen, for wildlife and birds, go for the Nikon 70-300mm instead of 55-300mm – mainly because of more accurate/faster autofocus.
I have a Nikon D5200 and the kit 18-55, which is the zoom lens I can go for within $350.
Hello everybody !
I have a Nikkor 55 200 mm VR and i am very satisfied by this lens (quality, vr, AF) for shooting Funboards and surfers.
However it is a bit short to take pictures of fun boarders…
So i think to change it with a 55 300 mm vr because the sharpness seems to be the same than the 55 200mm..
However i have a big doubt : Ken rockwell and few other people affirm that the AF is very “SLOW” (in comparison with the 70 300 vr nikkor) …!
But in comparison with my actual lens 55 200 would you say that the 55 300 mm vr AF is quite the same ? Or slower ?
If i buy it it is specially for long range (200 300 mm) because my 55 200 is limited and it is annoying to crop ma pictures everytime !
PY_Martinez, yes, the AF on the 55-300mm is indeed slower than on the 70-300mm. The AF performance on the 55-300mm is the same as on the 55-200mm, so by getting the 70-300mm, you would getter faster AF and better AF accuracy.
All is quiet correct as stated. How ever” please take in to account that the 55 – 200mm and the 55 – 300mm are for DX Cameras. This in turn means that on a 55 – 200mm will end up some what as a 80mm – 300mm. The 55 – 300mm as an 80 – 450mm Super Zoom. If you choose the 70 – 300mm FX Frame Lens on your CMO sensor DX Camera such as the D90 > Then you will end up with a 105 – 450mm.
A 105 is a tighter frame sacrifice for a faster focus.
My preference would be to have a broader frame coverage of 80mm on the 55 – 300mm DX instead of just 105mm.
Hi, I’m looking to purchase bigger zoom for my D90, the 70-300 f/4.5-5.6 VRII was recommended to me however this was before the release of the new 55-300 f4.5-5.6 VRII – is this the better option for me? Other lenses: 50mm f/1.8 and 18-105mm f/4.5-5.6. My aim is to put together a good versatile kit without having to carry too much.
Any advice greatly appreciated.
hi,
I have the same set – 50mm f/1.8D , 18-105 , and the 55-300. I do think I should have got the 70-300, because it supposedly has faster AF, but also because being an FX lens it should have greater usable aperture wide open on a DX body, and is already FX is you plan to upgrade to full frame later.
Michelle, go for the Nikon 70-300mm instead of 55-300mm if you want faster/more accurate autofocus.
And as Rahul pointed out, the Nikon 70-300mm will also work great on a full-frame (FX) body.
Hello Nasim and everybody !
Thank you for your answer; between 55 300 and 70 300mm it will be the 70 300 for me even if i found it ….Heavy ! in comparison with my 55 200 ! But at 400 euros in France, Brand new, in December, the price is very interesting !
Just a little doubt : I will use my new zoom only in sunny conditions (surf, funboard), at 1/1000, 1/1600 sec..
I hesitate between Nikon and third party lens (tamron/sigma 70 300) : only 150 euros !!! (I know there is no stabilisation…)
In term of QUALITY of the picture , I insist on Quality (sharpness) , and in real life situations, will the Nikkor give me a substantial better image ?
Please give me an objective judgement because on Imatest reviews the difference of sharpness seems to be very small… But maybe because this is tests from laboratories and not from “real life situation” ????
Sorry just to complete my post by telling you that i have a Nikon D 5000 (not a full frame !)
I can’t speak on Tamron vs Nikkors sharpness , having used only Nikkors, but if you shoot only at fast shutter speeds like 1/250s and faster or use a tripod, you can do without the VR. Thom Hogan recommends, at faster 1/500s & beyond which VR should be switched off always. So as you shoot at 1/1000 or faster anyway, you can do without VR.
I have not had a good experience with Sigma lenses in the past (bad sample variation), but their quality might have improved over the last few years. I personally only use Nikon lenses, because I like the quality and the value they give me. Their resale value also tends to stay high overtime compared to other brands.
Nothing wrong with using Tamron and Sigma lenses though!
I would not even consider a Sigma lens. They tend to be a softer looking performing Lens all around. Not my thing.
Nasim,
How about the VR of the 70-300, compared to the VR II of the 55-300? Assuming the 55-300 is better at VR, because it is a newer VR, is this enough to offset the advantage of better AF on the 70-300?
Tks.
Eric,
I consider faster/accurate AF much more important than VR, I supposed most photographers will agree.
VR is not 100% effective either, and at longer focals even more so. I’d pick the 70-300 ( I have the 55-300 but may switch to the 70-300 sometime later , have not used one to be really sure how noticeable the AF difference is between the two).
70-300 is also VRII
Please check this link
www.nikon.co.in/produ…ifications
Eric,
I had the 55 200 vr (1) and i have now the 70 300 vr (2) ….
What i can tell you is that the VR 2 of the 70 300 is better than the Vr1 of the 55 200 that’s sure.
For example the image moves the same way if you compare the 55 200 à 200 mm and the 70 300 vr2 at 300 mm. I would say the vr 2 of the 70 300 is excellent, and the old vr1 of the 55 200 is very good….
And the Vr of the 18 105 (i have it) is simply good …
About the quality of these two lenses and the speed of the AF i would say you should not see a significantly différence if you don’t test these lenses on a imatest mire !!!
Maybe for me the most différence in the réal world between 55 200, 55 300 or 70 300 is the weight and the size !!!
With the 70 300 you won’t take any pleasure to walk few hours with these lens ! When you use it à 300 mm you look like a paparazzi and for me it is really hard to take one hand picture maybe i should do some bodybuilding !
If i had to change my lens i thing i would prefer the 55 300 even if the quality or the af speed is 5 % less !
I ordered from this lense from canadian ” The Camera Store” today because of lighter weight and VRII…
btw I enjoyed your reviews and articles in general. Been in photography since I was young ( late 1970’s )
Prefer the Nikon ergonomics + menu system )))) So far I have Nikon D3100, used to have the D300s / sold due to financial reasons last year – miss the larger viewfinder & direct access buttons ((((( My main lense is AF-S 35 1.8 G as prefer low light photography
thanks Dan
With D3100……(18-55+55-300) or (18-105)
I have decided to buy D3100. I am getting three offers…
1) D3100+ 18-55 +55-200+Bag+ 4GB SD + Tripod =649euro
2) D3100+ 18-55 +55-300+Bag+ 4GB SD =699euro
2) D3100+ 18-105 +Bag+ 4GB SD =699 euro
Which one will be most useful ….I am beginner in DSLR…. Which one will be the cost effective too?
cancelled the 55-300mm DX lense as have second thoughts about it, seems 70-300 VR which is good for both DX and FX may be better choice due to better build quality and better autofocus….only question I have now is will I notice big difference between 55 or 70 being starting point of zoom? advice needed here
can someone explain lense breathing issue that the 55-300 does not have?
Dan, yes I would choose 70-300mm over 55-300mm too…and don’t worry about the focal length difference, you won’t miss 55mm too much.
You will have less Frame coverage” If you are happy with that > Great!
I would personally go with #2.
I think 2) D3100 +18-55 +55-300 + Bag + 4GB SD would be my choice
leave tripod for later date as if you get too inexpensive of a tripod you end up replacing it
the 18-105 overlaps the other 2 lenses, therefore not as useful
Hi
Can you explain this?
“this lens is not plagued with a “lens breathing” issue and 300mm on the long side is truly like 300mm, not shorter.”
” When compared to the Nikon 28-300mm lens, the Nikon 55-300mm can give a much longer range to work with, since the Nikon 28-300mm has a “lens breathing” design that brings down the effective focal length of the 28-300mm to approximately 130mm when shooting at minimum focus distance of 1.5 meters @ 300mm. There is a huge difference between 130mm and 300mm when it comes to field of view, and having a longer range is quite important while trying to fill the frame with a nearby subject. ”
Can you explain this more? Guess I feel like a newbie asking this? feel stupid at moment((( as do not understand completely
Most likely can only afford D300s replacement in future, full frame out of my budget…
Having hard time deciding between 55-300mm DX only and the 70-300mm that is both DX & FX
Dan
The front element of the lens is responsible for focus, when it moves to focus, it also results in focal length changing. This happens in all lenses with front focusing element, but it seems more pronounced in this lens (I haven’t used it myself, but the same effect exists in some other lenses).
If you’re looking to shoot birds or fast moving objects, pick the 70-300 ; the 55-300 if your budget is tight. It has faster AF and being FX , it should be even sharper on DX than DX lenses !
Dan, with the 55-300mm and 70-300mm lenses, you get the true focal length. Other lenses like Nikon 28-300mm have a “lens breathing” feature, which decreases the Field of View when shooting subjects at a very close distance – that’s just the way lenses are designed. You are safe with either 55-300mm or 70-300mm lenses.
“… decreases the Field of View when shooting subjects at a very close distance ..”
Shouldn’t that read “increases” FoV ? i.e. less magnification
Else you contradict the original ” brings down the effective focal length “, no ?
2) D3100+ 18-55 +55-300+Bag+ 4GB SD =699euro
You can get the tripod later if you find it necessary ( needed for long exposures). The 55-300 will get better reach or magnification for shooting faraway objects. If you intend to shoot mainly people and not interested in bird/wildlife, skip the longer lenses ( 55-200 , 55-300 ) and spend more on faster lenses like Tamron 17-50mm f/2.8 instead of the 18-55mm kit lens + 55-300 .
Nasim
based on what you told me and explained, I have decided to get the 70-300mm when my local dealer has it in stock, he agreed to match prices from online dealers and price he offered is $65 more than the 55-300mm lense. I feel and agree the better auto focus + build quality is worth the little bit extra money.
Dan
Dan, I agree, the 70-300mm is worth the price difference.
Hi Nasim ,
I would like to know whether quality of photographs taken from 70-300 mm at 105 mm focal length would be better than the same photograph taken from 18-105 kit lense at 105 mm only.
-amar
Hi Dan,
Who is your local dealer?
JP
Hi Nasim, I’m on my way to London and I’m willing to buy a Tamron 18-200mm f/3.5-6.3 XR Di II Lens (Nikon AF) or a Tamron 18-270mm f3.5-6.3 VC PZD Lens (Nikon AF). What do you think about those lenses? Are these comparable to Nikon lenses? The first one is only ₤172,95.
Thanks, Eduardo.
Hi Nasim,
Do you have more pictures showing the difference of field of view between 200mm and 300mm? U already had a picture showing the comparison in page 3 (last image), but it would be great if you can put up a few more of 200mm vs. 300mm FOV. I’m using D3100 + 18-55mm + 35mm f1.8 + 16-85mm. I did try my friend’s 55-200mm the other day and it was pretty awesome when u can zoom in that far @200mm. Just trying to see how much further the extra 100mm can give me if i were to get 55-300mm next. :)
Other than that, thanks for the great reviews and guides from your website. It’s been helpful for beginner like me! (and I’ll still continue to drop by ur site in the future!)
Thanks!
Here you go: Nikon Focal Length Comparison
Thanks! Just what I needed.
Hello Nasim,
Thanks for in-depth explanation of this new item. Since I am new in photography world, I don’t understand much in difference between lenses. I am about to buy my first Nikon d3100 (thanks to your advises, you made my research less time consuming). However, I am confused about the choice of lenses for this camera. You recommended buying Nikon 35mm f/1.8 AF-S DX, and I thought what if I go with Nikon 55-200mm f/4-5.6G ED IF AF-S DX VR [Vibration Reduction] Nikkor Zoom Lens? They are at the same price.
I have to let you know that I would like to learn how to take good pictures of weird things (small weird-looking objects) as well as landscapes when I get a chance.
Can you please advise something on this difficult matter?
Thanks in advance!
Cheers,
—
Feruza
hi,
the 35mm f/1.8G and 55-300mm lenses are for very different purposes. The 35mm focal length is for shooting subjects relatively close by, such as people some 20 feet away. Generally speaking, 35mm is not so useful for landscapes, it’s close to the ideal field-of-view for people photography at close distances ( not necessarily portrait shots). The 55-300 lens is for shooting distance objects that appear small to the naked eye, but you would like a close up/magnified view of the subject which is far away, which can be anything from a magnified image of a flower at 10 feet , a flock of birds at 300 feet, or a fort atop ahill several kilometres away, or the moon ,which is much farther.
Have a look at this : photographylife.com/lens-…or-cameras
to get an idea of what focal length means in terms of field or angle of view, then decide which lens is more important to you , the 35mm or 55-300. Since they are non-overlapping focal lengths, in fact they both would be owned as part of a lens collection.
Also see these :
photographylife.com/equiv…ld-of-view
photographylife.com/telep…comparison
I posted these earlier , where’d it go ?
Also see these to get a good idea of how focal length relates to field of view.
photographylife.com/equiv…ld-of-view
photographylife.com/telep…comparison
Rahul,
Thanks a lot for the links!
Cheers,
Feruza
Hi Nasim
I have a Nikon D3000 camera. I was planning on buying the 55-300 ED VR II but when placing the order, the technician convinced me that the 55-200mm f/4-5.6G ED AF-S VR II DX is better due to the “conversion” (sensor conversion/cropping factor) in that the 55-300 looses wide angle and the 55 actual goes to 90-300. He stated that the 55-200 actual goes from 55-320mm, giving me better zoom. Supposedly the USA model works better (which is the one he sold me) and that the imported models are different. I’m not sure if I’m making any sense as I find this totally confusing. I contacted Nikon & they said that the 55-200 doesn’t have a VR II and that the 55-300 gives me better zoom, but the rep. was not too confident as she stated that if I had a FX camera, the zoom would go to 450mm.??? Being a novice, I’m not sure if I made the right choice. I thought the 55-300 gave me a better zoom. They would both cost the same ($269). I would appreciate any help you can give me to better understand. Thanks so much in advance for your help. Antoinette.
Antoinette, looks like either the sales person who made the recommendations, or you got confused (or both). Either way, I do not think it is appropriate for a sales rep to recommend a lens, especially if they do not know what they are talking about. Both Nikon 55-200mm and Nikon 55-300mm are DX lenses, which means that they will not work correctly on FX cameras (only half resolution). Also, there is no such thing as “USA” version is better than “Grey market”. The only difference between the two should be warranty. You should have gotten the Nikon 55-300mm lens, not 55-200mm.
Thanks Nasim, appreciate your help.
Hi Nasim,
I have recently purchased Nikon D3200+18-55…..could you please suggest whether i should whether i should go for Nikon 55-200 mm VR f/4-5.6G IF ED AF-S DX Zoom Lens (DX Format) or Nikon AF Zoom-Nikkor 70-300 mm f/4-5.6G (4.3x) Lens ….
Thanks & Warm Regards…
Hi Nasim,
I have recently purchased Nikon D3200+18-55…..for the upgrade,,,could you please suggest whether i should go for Nikon 55-200 mm VR f/4-5.6G IF ED AF-S DX Zoom Lens (DX Format) or Nikon AF Zoom-Nikkor 70-300 mm f/4-5.6G (4.3x) Lens ….
Thanks & Warm Regards…
I have a heavier and larger Lens. I leave that one at home for my pro work. I instead used to use a Nikon 55-200mm for my travels e.t.c. It did a pretty good job for a mere $179.00 Australian Dollars. I decided to sell it and go for the 55-300mm for the extra range on a DX making it a 75-450mm. It cost me just $300.00.
It does what I want it too and the quality is good enough for Me. You can’t go wrong with this one for $300.00 Bugs and it is much easier to carry with you too given it’s reasonable size.
planning on buying d7000. was wondering to get one with a kit lens 18-105mm or buy a body and get 55-300mm lens. bokeh is important to me. would like take closeups of my kids and some soccer games mostly. Your help greatly appreciated.
The 55-300 is not a replacement for the 18-105, they are complementary lenses and you’d need both lenses or their equivalent focal range sometime or the other.
Generally, bokeh gets better on longer focal length and higher aperture ( thus , expensive lenses). But before you set out to buy long focal range lenses, you need to factor in the shooting distance as well. If you’re shooting a soccer match from the spectator stand, 100mm+ is the suitable range ; but if you’re taking snaps from much closer like in a garden from 10-50 feet , then 35-85mm would be suitable range.
nasim
I want to buy a D5100 and need to reach 300mm, but also cover shorter distances. Would the kit 18-55 + 55-300m be good enough? How about a Tamron 18-270mm PZD for lighter travelling?
your comments will be highly appreciated.
Hi Nasim,
Hope you are keeing well. I am looking for a telephoto lens to add to my lenses for my Nikon D5000. I cant decide between the NIKON 55-200mm f4-5.6G ED AF-S DX NIKKOR Zoom Lens
(£ 160) and the Tamron 70-300mm F4/5.6 DI LD Macro (Nikon AF) (£100).
I am aware that the quality of a Nikkor lens is superior but the cheaper Tamron lens, combined with a longer focal length and macro capability is making me slightly confused.
I am basically looking for something that i can take to sporting events and photograph animals/birds with. Any suggestions from you would be most welcome and appreciated!
Good day,
I have a D5100 with 18-55, I am choosing between 55-200, 55-300, 18-105. I hope you guys can help me with this decision, You guys maybe wondering why I did not include the 70-300, it’s simple, bcoz i cant afford it. and I am no pro.
Thanks.
Go for the 55-300 , it has a longer reach than the 55-200. Skip the 18-105, it’s not a bad lens but since you already have the 18-55 kit lens, this one does not make sense to get (unless it replaces the 18-55 , it is not a substitute for the 55-200 or 55-300 , these two are long telephoto zooms)
Tnx for the fast reply Rahul, appreciate it very much… I’m gonna be getting a 2nd hand 6months old 55-300 that sells around $180-200. You think selling my 18-55 for $80 and buying a 2nd hand 8month old 18-105 for $120 a good move? Tnx again. Have a good one…. :)
hi,
for a $40 net difference, the 18-105 is the way to go. Some reviews rate the 18-55 as slightly better optically, I haven’t used/compared the two myself, but the increased focal range of the 18-105 is quite an asset when you don’t have time to switch lenses.
Tnx for the replies Rahul… I got the 70-300 VR. It’s an 8 months old lens and bought it for $460 and good news is it still has 1yr and 2months warranty with Nikon… it really is a fast lens… tnx for this thread… :)
Hi,
This feedback is great . . . I am enjoying the learning and advice.
I am upgrading all my equipment from the old D70 and very old 70-300 lens with a 28 – 85 lens. I like wildlife/sports/travel (backpacking) photography and these lenses have served me well (even tho heavy).
I am planning on purchasing the D5100 body – I was advised to to with the 18-55 and 55-300 which I am now interested with the 70-300 based on the discussion/advice above. Question now is which lens to complement the 70-300 with?
Your thoughts?
Hi,
I just wondering, for those sample picture you show for lens 55-300mm. what SLR body you used?
Rgds
Sandi, I used the Nikon D300.
Hi
I have gone through the reviews posted and please provide your suggestion on below combination. I am interested in wildlife photography (especially birdwatching).
1) Nikon D5100 + 18:55 Kit Lens + 55 : 300 mm
2) Nikon D510 + 18:55 Kit Lens + 55 : 300 mm
Which would be better for a fast moving object and which lense would give me more clarity @ 250 + mm
Being a beginner I have few more doubts about the camera;
1) Can I use these lenses without tripod?
Please advise.
Hi,
I have a Nikon D5100 with 18-55mm kit lens. I am torn between 55-300mm and 70-300mm. I understand that the AF on 70-300 mm is much faster which is what I am interested in since I like bird photography. My concern is whether I would miss the 55-70 mm gap in kit if I buy 70-300mm lens.
Also, could you please shed light on indoor and low light performance difference between 55-300mm and 70-300mm.
wich lens is better for portrait n for distant objects..
Hi all,
I am new to the this game, I got D3100 recently, after reading all the previous review I am intrested in the 70-300mm lens, but Nikon AF-S VR Zoom-Nikkor 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6G seems bit heavy for my budget still I could able to find another lens Nikon AF Zoom-Nikkor 70-300mm f/4-5.6G (4.3x) Lens which is really cheap, I would like to know what exactly the difference betweens these two guys in the real life at work, and its PROS and CONS.
Many thanks in advance,
Senthil.
Hi Nazim,
I’ve taking photo’s with 7.1 mp non SRL camera and I would like to get into the basic DSLR photographing before taking photos in relative’s wedding.
I have a choice between Nikon 3100/5100 or D90 with VR 18-105 mm or 55-300 mm and could you please recommend which is better camera and is it worth to spend more money get something better than D90? Where I can get decent priced Nikon cameras?
Thank you in advance.
Shawkat – Adelaide – Australia
Shawkat, I would get the D5100 with a kit lens and a 35mm f/1.8G lens from Nikon.
Hi…I didn’t want to buy a kit lenses, but I’ve got the d5100 with the 18-55 and the 55-300 for $900!! I believe it is a good deal (I hope so). I wanted to buy the 50 mm 1.8G…I want to take children & familiy portraits…and in the near future I want to buy a FX….so Should I sell the 55-300 that came with kit and buy the 50mm 1.8 and a flash? Money matters at this point but I don’t want to waste money in things that I won;t be able to use in the future….Additionally, I ahve 2 old nikon lenses (28-80 & 70-300) that won’t use with my D5100…..what is you advise???? thank you….
Claudia, I would personally get the 50mm f/1.8G and sell the 55-300mm lens.
Claudia, I am looking at purchasing the same kit you got and $900 is a great price. Would you min sharing where you purchased your camera. Many thanks
Hi,
I bought it from Costco, it was the last one they had in stock at that moment. Honestly, I would not buy it from them at regular price (it was $400 off) , mi camera had a shaking (difficult to explain) when I took picture, but they gave me a new one, it has the same problem but It is not big deal. It was a great deal, the camera, the two lenses (which I would not buy them again), a bag, 100 prints, memory card, warranty. By the way, I got the 50mm 1.8 and I love it, I never use the kit lenses, it is cold here so I needed a very fast lens.
Hello Nasim
I saw your answers in this forum , need your help and experience ,
I just bought D5100 , will lense 70-300 work with this dx formcaera well
regards
MM
Yes, it will.
Sir, I am new to the photography field, but extremely interested in Wild Life, Sports/action photography. I would like to purchase Nikon D7000 DSLR & Lenses
(1)Nikon 18-55mm F/3.5-5.6G AF-S DX VR NIkor lens
(2)Nikon AF-S DX Nikor 55-300 mm F/4.5-5.6G ED VR lens OR Nikon 70-300mm F/4.5-5.6G ED-IF AF-S VR.
Kindly guide me whether the both lenses are compatible to the Nikon D7000 Camera. For my interest which lenses mentioned above are good. I shall be very much obliged for kind guidance .
Yes, both lenses are compatible with the D7000.
Hi there, I’ve been planning to get a new lens, it’s between 50mm or 55-300.. Please help me to decide..Thanks
Dianne, that depends on what you are looking for. The 50mm is a portrait lens, while the 55-300mm is a telephoto lens…
i have a nikon D3100 dslr… i want to buy a lens around 300 mm
so which should i prefer? Nikkor 55-300 vr or Nikkor 70-300
plz suggest… i am new to photography so plz help
Really impressed with the questions as well as with the answers. Thank you every one .
Im playing with D90 + KIt 18-105 right now . Wish to go for 35mm 1.8 + 55-300 mm since my budget does not allow me 50mm 1.4 + 70-300 Vr .
Since Im not a professional hope the above selected two could help me to move almost all the ends with moderate results.
What do you think ?
Nizam . Got 50mm 1.8 after considering your comments . Its great and cheap . Thanks
plz reply
suggest the better one or of another company
Nasim – thank you so much for this review, it’s outstanding. My youngest son (24) has a Nikon D5100 (18-55 & 55-300), I followed suit last week and purchased the exact same setup and couldn’t be happier. I went adventuring yesterday and 98% of my 300 zoomed bird shots were blurry. I was using the lens in your review with AF/VR turned ON and was told using the “S” setting would have better suited my shots along with somewhere around 1/250 and maybe tweaking the ISO a little as well. That said I was told the following on a photography forum I joined couple weeks back:
(copied from a reply on my thread about bird zoomed photos with the 55-300mm lens you’ve reviewed)
“1/125 is to slow , the bird on the right seems to be flapping his wings and therefore it’s blurry, if VR is off, the speed is to slow for shooting at 300mm
For the birds, or for shooting using the telephoto I’ll suggest you use shooter priority, instead of full auto, select speeds that are 2 x (focal length), if 300mm use 1/600 or higher
if using VR this rule does not apply as VR compensates most of the camera shake, but you still need at least 1/250 in case the birds are moving” (end-quote).
I’m grilling through the D5100 manual and the lens manual to grasp as much intel as possible because I’m going out again today photo-hunting for Hawks.
In closing I really do appreciate this review and have forwarded this link to my Son. He’s had his D5100 for about 3 months now and told me his bird pics were blurry at first too, so I know it’s the user and not the lens/camera for certain.
Hi, I need your expert advise please. I have a Nikon D3000. Would like to buy a zoom lens for this camera. Would like to take pictures of children, children activities (sport, musical, dance etc) and birds & other creatures. Which lens would be better for the above activities. Nikon 55-200mm, or 55-300. Thank you for all advise. I m very much a amatuer
Nasim, I need some advice on a lens purchase. I currently have a d90 with the kit lens, 18-105mm. I am looking into taking action shots at local sporting events, mostly basketball and football games. I am looking at purchasing a zoom lens and am being overwhelmed by all the choices. I would like to stay around the $1000 range probably no more than $1500 but if less great. What would you suggest?
HI. FEW WEEKS AGO I BROUGHT A NIKON D5100 WITH 18-55MM VR LENS. BUT FOUND THAT IT’S NOT GOOD ENOUGH FOR LONG DISTANCE PHOTOGRAPHY OR ANY WILDLIFE PHOTOGRAPHY. I AM PLANNING TO BUY A 55-300MM LENS. WOULD IT BE BETTER FOR ME ?
Go for 70-300mm VR . It would bring you a better results with your DX body. A solid Lens for around $600
Dear Nasim,
Being a wild life enthusiast and a avid photographer, i had managed to get my hands on a D3100 (18-55mm lens) and then i decided that with a few bucks, i had to get the 55-300mm lens and i did.What a shot? but then i have got a long way to go and appreciate some tips on taking a good wild life shot. How to adjust the colour (ISO), aperture etc to get that perfect shot. Thanks
Mohan
Good thread and very useful.
But still one question in the thread was not answered,
D7000 has faster focus technology compare to the any other NIKON models.
(1) Nikon AF-S DX Nikor 55-300 mm F/4.5-5.6G ED VR lens
(2) Nikon 70-300mm F/4.5-5.6G ED-IF AF-S VR
So, fast focus not an issue while consideration on choosing one of the lenses. Focal length we are not missing anyting.
which has better glass and better performer – sharper/ color wise?
thanks
I just bought a 5100 kit, which came with the 55-300mm VR. I own a D50 with a Nikkor 70-300 AF. My question is what would I be giving up if I just bought the 5100 body and used my own AF lens (besides vibration reduction). I’m an amature, and don’t really understand AF vs VR. My apologies that this is a ery naive question.
Thanks.
Hi Nasim N All
my first comment to the blog, really thanks for all the guys here for the sharing good experiences.
Dear Nsim
need your advise , I bought D5100 with 18-55 kit, I need to go for expansion of focal length as ia m more interested for wild life photography , pls advise will 70-300 lense will be good for 5100 body, what should i do i that case to bridge the gas of 55 to 70 mm.
really looking forward for you advise.
regards to all
MM
Hi, thanks so much for the detail review on the 55-300 lens. I had one question. Can you tell how this lens is compatible with the Nikon Teleconverters available in Market?
I want to get a Nikon D5100 16.2MP DSLR Camera Kit with 55-200mm VR Zoom Lens, so I wonder if I can get different lens for D5100, and which one is the best fit?
First of all, thanks a lot for this presentation!
I’ve been looking for this kind of detailed explanation on French websites, and to be honnest, I didn’t find anything, which is weird since the 55-300 seems to be pretty good at the end.
Anyway, I just bought mine for 150Euros, I’ll have it on Sunday evening, I just can’t wait to give it a try!
I’ll will share your test!
Thanks again!
hi nasim sir
can u sugges me which lense has propre zooming systeam for my nikon d5100 is nikon 55-200mm or nikon 70-300mm i am confused for that so pls reply me as soon as possible.
thanks
Hi, I recently purchased a D5100 with a kit of 18-55mm, also purchased a 35mm F1.8G and now I’m looking to buy a telephoto lens. I was considering the 70-300mm when I learned that it does not have a tripod collar mount. Being 745 grams I am afraid It’s too heavy for my D5100 body being all plastic and my main concern is can I carry it or mount my D5100 on the tripod with this lens?
I do own a 20 year old Nikon 75-300mm, It’s all metal and weighs 900 grams (it has tripod collar). Unfortunately I don’t have auto-focus with this lens. But buying a new lens and carrying around on the hand and not being able to hang it on a strap or neck is a no go. Please tell me if this would be a problem, I don’t wanna damage my camera?
Thanks for the nice community, helping the people in need
Sir, I am interested in Nikon D7000 DSLR. Kindly intimate the most suitable lenses for -1)wild life, 2) Action,3) landscape 4) Portrait photography which can be the best replacements to the kit lens, or is there any single lens which can serve all the purposes mentioned above?. Kindly reply..
i am biginer of photograpy.i have nikon 5100 camera with 18-55vr lense.
i want to improve picture quility
can it be acheave by taking more quity lense loke 18-105 vr like lense?
?lense will effect the pictue quility?
Hi Nasim
I’m new at photography and I just purchased a Nikon D5100 with the kit lens 18-55 mm, I also got a 55-300 Lens, I’m gonna start shooting or should I say practicing with what I have pretty soon. My question is regarding AF , you said you can’t override AF with 55-300 lens does this that I have to switch it to M every time I try to focus on distant subjects or can I just point the lens and it will focus by it self?
Can someone post some images(links etc) of portraits using 55-300?
Hello Nasim,
Another newbie to photography from Australia. I’m commencing a photography course at end of this month and after much research have decided to purchase a second hand Nikon D90 and compile a lens kit of 2-3 quality lenses for not too much more than the cost of a brand new camera with the standard kit if possible. Would you be able to make some recommendations for lenses?
Possible combinations I’m contemplating:
OPTION 1: OPTION 2:
1.Tamron 18-270mm 3.5-6.3- $565.98 AU Tamron 17-50mm 2.8 VC – $455.98 (or 24-70mm)
2.Nikon 35mm f1.8 – $237.97 AU Nikon 55-300 mm 4.5-5.6 VR – $340
3…..?? Nikon 35mm f1.8 – $237.97
There’s a 60mm macro and a 10-24mm wideangle on the wishlist too, depending on the combination, one of these could become the third lense or maybe that’s just overkill for now.
Anyway, any recommendations or new and different combinations would be greatly appreciated!
God Bless
Sharon
Sorry, the formatting for the Options didn’t come through clearly. I will re-write:
Option 1: Tamron 18-270mm 3.5-6.3- $565.98 AU , Nikon 35mm f1.8 – $237.97 AU , ……??
Option 2:Tamron 17-50mm 2.8 VC – $455.98 (or 24-70mm), Nikon 55-300 mm 4.5-5.6 VR – $340,
Nikon 35mm f1.8 – $237.97
I look forward to hearing from you.
By the way, given the choice is it preferable to purchase the 35mm f1.8 or the 50mm f1.8 ?
Hi Nasim,
I am from India. I follow your reviews regularly and read your tutorials. They have been of great help to me. Thanks a lot!
I have bought a Nikon D90 recently and got the kit lense 18-105mm. I have taken a 35mm/1.8G prime also. Now I want to have a good zoom lense. I am confused whether to buy 55-300mm or 70-300. I am a beginner. I read that D90 being a DX format camera, I can get upto 450 mm zoom with the 70-300mm lense. However, I will lose on aperture (maximum f/7 I can get). Please help me on this. I am inclined to 70-300 but am worried whether f/7 can give me satisfactory bokeh while, say, shooting birds etc.
Debasish, you do not lose aperture going to a DX camera. At 300mm either lens will still be f/5.6.
My wife owns both the 55-300mm and the 70-300mm. Three of us (her, me, and a friend) did some testing between the two lenses on a D90, a D7000, and a D200 and we all came to the same conclusion; the 55-300mm is slower to focus but latches on better than the 70-300mm. Nasim believes the 70-300mm autofocuses more accurately but we’ve all found it to be much more prone to hunting.
The upshot is that I shoot birds in flight a lot so prefer the speed of the 70-300mm even if it misses sometimes. My wife doesn’t do that much flight photography so she prefers the lighter weight (1/2 lb less) and fewer AF hunting issues. Either way I doubt you’ll be disappointed. They’re both nice lenses.
Many thanks PAG, it really removed my confusion. Now I am planning to purchase 55-300 since my wallet permits this and I can afford a polariser filter and a Bag with the differential amount.
However, I still think 70-300 could have been better. I have 18-105 kit lense and I could have fit all my filters to both 18-105 and 70-300 (both 67 mm).
One great disadvantage of 55-300 is that there is no manual override in AF. But as a beginner with thin wallet I think I have to compromise there!
Hi Nasim,
I’ve been shooting with a D3100 for over a year now. After problems with a Tamron 70-300 lens I bought the Nikon 55-300 and like it. And also use the Nikon 18-55 a lot mainly for landscapes.
Recently bought a used Nikon 55-200 for $125US and used it on a camping trip. I really liked the smaller size and image quality. But for some reason I don’t find the 200-300 reach difference a big deal.
I do like to shoot birds. Guess I’ll have to work on comparing the two. I was thinking of selling the 55-300 but after finding this thread I may just keep both! Or I could sell both and buy the 70-300 or 18-200. Any thoughts?
Thanks for your advice and for your many knowledgable readers questions and answers.
Patrick
Hi
I have just bought my first DSLR D5100 with 18-55… The range is quite limited. Need help in choosing the rightlens … wheather to go for 18-105 or 55-200…
Request for suggestions
I bought D5100 as well, few months ago, with 18-105. If you really want to catch distant objects then you will probably need two lenses, one which you have already, for close shots, and 55-300 for distance.
If you prefer having just one lens, then 18-105 would be good solution
‘the only stupid question is the one you don’t ask’
well here is an exception, my question, i have the lens, i bought a lens filter, protector. it did not fit, so what size filter protector should i get?
Nasim
Congrats on creating this great web site. I have a very basic question on the zoom lens, i recently purchased a Nikon 55-300 and have been trying to take some photographs of birds. Can you provide some guidance about the distance from the object when the zoom would be effective to get a good image size ( for e.g when photographing birds)
thanks
rampi
I recently bought the Nikkor 55-300mm lens. I have found the photos are not very sharp at all when photographed at 300 mm. Any suggestions as to how to get better photos at a distance? Thanks.
Thank you.
Exactly the kind of information I was looking for.
Dear Sir,
I have company provided 18-5 5 lens for Nikon d3100. I am intertested in nature/wildlife/landscape photography and planning to buy 55-300 or 55-200 lens. Can you please suggest me one and little features and info. Help would be greatly apprecaited. Thanks in advance.
Hi ,
This lens cots $294.85 in 42nd street photo whereas $396.95 in B&H. Why is this so? Both of them say that the lens is brand new.
Thankx,
Anirban
Hi Nasim,
I brought this lens around a year back and using it with my Nikon D3100. How-ever I noticed “blurring” at center-weighted photos – esp. birds which I tried to capture. This lens gives good results in 55-200 region but in spite of having VR, the sharpness falls drastically around 300 range. Would it be a limitation of the camera or could it be some issue with the lens? If required I can share sample images with you.
I have recently purchased a 55-300 mm lens for my D5100 camera,, I have shot Hockey,,waterfowl,,& other Wildlife with this lens & have found it to perform very nice for my needs.. I am amazed at the Details I can capture under the proper lighting & Look forward to using my new 55-300 lens for years to come .I have had some focus issues ,but I attribute them to my lack of experience with both my D5100 & my Lens… I feel it was worth the cost… I bought both Camera & lens at the same time getting a half price deal on the 55-300mm lens…Very Pleased ~Rick~
Hi,
I am regular reader of your blog and you are really doing great job. keep it up.
I am amateur protographer and recently purchased my first DSLR (Nikon D5100 with 18-55mm kit lens), looking for zoom lens.
I am confused between following two lenses:
1) Nikkor 55-300 mm VR
2) Nikkor 70-300 mm VR
have gone through your review about both lenses, It seems, Image Quality is almost same in both lenses. price and FX-DX vs only DX are deciding factors as per my understanding.
so If I am not looking to upgrade my DSLR to FX DSLR in next 2-3 years, then Nikkor 55-300 would be better choice for me?
Is there any other factors which i need to consider?
Regards,
Deepak
Hi Deepak,
Having a FX lens in DX body means you use only the “sweet-spot” of the lens, you can get rid of some vignetting and some loss of sharpness at the edges. But the main difference is the auto-focus system which is way better and faster in 70-300 than in 55-300. Also the VR supports panning and an additional normal/active setting which helps you a lot when photographing from a moving object like a car etc.
The price difference was the only thing that I wanted to buy a 55-300. It was nearly $250 difference. But when I tried both lenses then decided for 70-300. Having it for more that a year now, I wonder how handicapped I would’ve been with 55-300 and it’s slow auto-focus system. If you are photographing sports and birds, wild animals, you are better of with 70-300. But do try them first before buying. Try to photograph kids running around or pets on the street and you’ll see the difference.
Ercan,
Thanks for your valuable comment, I have decided to go with 70-300.
Hi Nasim,
I have a D3100+18-55+50mm 1.8D. Want to get into wildlife/bird photography. I would also want to consider sports & action photography. Which zoom lens would be the best choice? Is 70-300mm compatible with D3100? Budget is a contraint for me but I wouldn’t mind shelling out a few more for a firly good lens which i can hold on to even if I plan to upgrade my camera body.
Please suggest.
Hi Gaurav,
I purchased 55-300 VR last year & using it on D3100. While shots at around 20 meters are good ( anything within this range – the lens performs fabulous) but there are issues for objects away than 20 meters. 70-300 is also compatible with D3100 – but hardly any difference in photos. I suggest you can go for 55-300. I have used it for bird photography & got some really good results. But on the same side, you must consider the camera limitations as the manual focus is not so good & lens usually takes time to focus for a long distance shot. On the second thoughts – try considering Sigma or Tamron 70-300 as both of these lens deliver more sharp results in 300 range than Nikon 55-300
Hi Manoj,
Sorry for the delay in my reply. What about the time taken to focus, isn’t the 70-300 faster than 55-300. A must have for panning & sports shots. And what about image quality at 300mm?
Thanks,
Gaurav R
Hi Gaurav
I agree – 70-300 is faster than 55-300 for sure. But I am not too happy about the photos taken at 300 mm. I got a little “blur” for the objects – some how the camera fails to focus appropriately. How-ever this is true for photos taken at a far away distance. But as mentioned earlier, this lens performs superb within 20-50 meter range. If you are interested in sports shots, I would rather suggest you to go for 70-300 but keeping in mind – 55-300 gives a superb range to capture shots.
hey iam using a nikon d3100…so which prime lens is more apt for me…35 mm or 50 mm ???
Hello Nasim, Thanks for this review.
Which teleconverter can you recommend for use with this lens? (for wildlife photography)
Nikon? Kenko? other?
x1.4? x2?
I enjoy your website very much
Thank you
Amir
Amir, Nikon teleconverters are not compatible with this lens. You might be able to get a third party teleconverter, but I would not recommend it, as it will hurt image quality pretty badly…
I am looking for my first dslr and have finally decided on buying the Nikon D5200. This camera comes with a bundle: 18-55 mm and 55-300 mm VR Lenses
Do u think these lenses are pretty good lenses for $1,049 w/ camera?
or should i just buy body alone and buy lenses separately.
if so any suggestions on which lenses because i have no clue anymore. Just that i am new to the DSLR world so i would not like to spend too much money at one time.
I am looking to buy the 55-300mm lens .But I read on the web that as the lens doesn’t have Internal focusing ,use of filters will be difficult.Is it so ?
I have another query, since I am a novice when it comes to photography learning the tricks , can you guide me for which lens should I be buying a CPL (hoya hd)
1. 18-55mm/35 mm prime (52 mm thread)
0r
2. 55-300mm lens (58mm thread)
Hi All,
would like some advice…currently upgraded from a D40 to a D7000.
bought a 35 mm f1.8 to pair it with the D7000, loving it.
with the D40, have the stock lens and 55-300 mm (which i do like)
but…would like to get an everyday lens, up and about, vacation, soccer, camping etc and not worry about changing lenses.
so..prudent to trade in the D40 with its stock lens and 55-300 and get the 18-200 VRII (new or used whichever fits the budget)…or go with sigma or tamron..if budget is tight?
that will leave me with d7000 + 35mm f1.8 + 18-200 VRII
advice pls…would really appreciate it.
hey, I just brought 55 200 lense and trying to see how it works in Wildlife photography. next week hoping to give very god review of the lense with details on how it works for me. cheers
Hello ! I want to buy a Nikon AF 55-300 VR lens for my Nikon d 3200. Can you pl guide for this lens about it’s performance/ results or backdrops. Thanks
Hello,
When you say “The Nikon 55-300mm VR lens is only designed to work on Nikon DX (cropped) sensors and has an equivalent field of view of approximately 82.5mm-450mm (in 35mm equivalent)”, what it means? I have the Nikon 55-300mm VR, but I want upgrade to Nikkor 300mm f/4 (that corresponds to 450 mm in my Nikon D3100). So the Nikkor 300mm f/4 have the same focal length that the Nikon 55-300mm VR in my camera?
FX lenses are designed for larger sensors. APS-C sensors in DX formats are smaller and so the lens has to focus on a smaller area, thus decreasing the angle of view. Your focal length remains the same but you get a narrower view and you feel that your focal length has increased. For Nikon, FX lenses “increase” the focal length by 1.5x.
DX lenses are made for APS-C sensors, if you use it on a FX format, there will be vignetting as the circle of image is entirely contained withing the sensor and the edges are left out.
Misinformation. Fx lenses are no different than dx lenses on a dx camera body. Your effective focal length will be 1.5x the actual focal length of the lens regardless of whether it’s an fx or dx lens (narrower angle of view, more magnification, shallower perspective)
Correct about dx lenses being useless on an fx camera though
Hi I’ve a Nikon d3100 with 18-55mm lens and I’m planning to buy a lens. I would like to go for wildlife photography as well and I may not be able to spend more on another lens I near future. that means I would want a lens which would be useful for me for a couple of years to come.
could you suggest me among the following lens:
Nikon AF Zoom-Nikkor 70-300mm f/4-5.6G (4.3x) Lens
Nikon AF-S DX Nikkor 55-300 mm f/4.5-5.6G ED VR Lens
Nikon AF-S DX VR Zoom-Nikkor 55-200 mm f/4-5.6G IF-ED Lens
Nikon AF-S VR Zoom-Nikkor 70-300 mm f/4.5-5.6G IF-ED (4.3x) Lens
Hi Nasim,
Let me at the outset Congratulate you on the fabulous work you have been doing through this superb website. It has become my one stop site for getting all the information.
For amateur photographers like me its a boon. Thanks Nasim!!
Nasim I need your suggestion on this –
I have become very confused b/w 55-300 or the 70-300mm. I own a DX body (Nikon D5100).
Currently for zoom shots I use my brother’s Tamron 55-200 Di II lens which don’t autofocus on the Nikon D5100. I don’t mind Manual Focus but it should be fast and even in Auto Focus the lens should not hunt too much.
I prefer to do Landscape shots, birds shooting and definitely prefer extra 100mm zoom.
Image quality is of paramount importance. What I cannot decide is whether to go for heavier lens 70-300mm on lighter body D5100 or 55-300mm will suffice. How effective will Manual Override in such scenarios? Pls guide. Thanks.
Hi Nasim,
I am found of bird photography, No the thing is i have Nikon D3100 and i have Nikon AF 70-33mm lens.
But I tried bird photography with this lens with Manual Focus and 200-300mm focal length and always i end up with disaster and with very soft pictures with no details.
Is this because of the manual focusing what i do or the lens itself is capable of this kind of photos.
What do you suggest? Should i concentrate on the settings i use or do you suggest any other lens. I have very narro budget.
Pls suggest. Thanks
hi nasim,me sukalyan. going to by d5200….interested in clicking birds….how far and how nice can i click with a nikkor 70-300 lens…pls ans.
Hi Sir Nasim, I have purchased the Nikon D5300 with the 18-55mm lens and planning on buying my second lens.. Having the Nikon 55-300mm lens compared to the Tamron 70-300mm macro lens… which would be the better lens for my camera sir?….
Thank you Sir.
Guys I have a nikon d3100 and 18-55mm kit lens now I am planning for a bigger reach
I am tight on budget so cannot take the 70-300mm nikkor lens but I am confused between the
Nikkor 55-300 dx lens and a tamron 70-300fx lens what should I buy and how will it work on a d3100 dx body plz need u comments on this.
For all those fretting about this that and the other—geez….just get the one that you can afford and go and shoot.
For what it’s worth I have the D7000, 18-55 VR and 55-300 & 35 f1.8 for a small light cheap travel kit.
I leave my D3s, D700, 16-35 f4, 28-70f2.8, 70-200 f2.8 VR2, & 300mm f4 at home.
And I bring home great pics.
The 55-300 is the better option against all of the above mentioned choices – 70mm on crop does/can restrict you somewhat, and the 200mm is shorter but it’s also 100 quid cheaper so if that matters then get that.
Seriously folks stop fretting and go shoot….
Hi Naseem,
How does the 55-300mm VR compared to 70-300mm VR on sharpness. I do have heard that 70-300 focus faster but I am more concerned about the sharpness.
Hi naseem,
I am from Sri lanka. I own d3200 with Kit lens and 55-300 all nikkor lenses. Recently I was planning to get 18-300 nikkor, but after reading the reviews I am now bit hesitant to buy the same. Can you please advise me on this matter and what’s u r opinion on getting a bigger zoom lens. Thank you
what do you think about AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-140mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR
I think it’s a good walk around lens. I have the 18-105 and I like that lens. It takes nice pictures and the 18-140 has a better reach.
I want to know whether there is any ratio between lens’s focal length in mm and actual subject’s distance from sensor in meter/feet ?
hie Nasim,
I want to pursue photography as mah profession. Mah classes going to start in november for it. But am actually confused as to which lens i should go for with nikon d5300 (18-55mm lens). should i go for 55 -300mm or 70-300mm lens. and also suggest me on nikonD5300….as i want to start my photography wid dis cam…would it be better to start with nikon d5300???? i’m really confused as i don’t have much knowledge about it….so please suggest me on cam and lens too..
Hi, I am an amatuer Phtographer. I want to buy 55-200 mm lens as have very mimited budget , though I wish i coukd buy 70 -300mm after reading reviews here.
If you could please let me know what is a differnce bewteen Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 55-200MM F/4-5.6G ED VR II and Nikon 55-200mm f/4-5.6G AF-S VR DX IF-ED Telephoto Zoom Lens for Nikon Digital SLR Camera (Black)? Diffrence between AF-S DX and AF-S DX IF-Ed Teleport Zoom lens ?
Thanks for this very very useful blog.
which lens is good for CANDID photography, EVENT photography, FASHION photography
I have Nikon D3200 is it best to buy Nikon 55-300mm for zoom shot….
I have nikon d5200..with kit lens of 18-55mm..now I want to upgrade with a telephoto zoom lens..so I want to know which 1 is better between af-s 55-300 and af-p 70-300 overall for nikon d5200?? please help me out..I m in big confusion to choose..
I use the Nikkor 55-300mm for long distance observations.
Read more below:
mkrgeo-blog.com/nikon…-it-worth/