The AF-S VR Zoom-NIKKOR 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6G IF-ED Telephoto Zoom Lens from Nikon is a high-performance telephoto zoom lens that has been designed to meet the demands of both digital and 35mm format SLR users. It offers a 4.3x zoom with a range of 70-300mm (equivalent 105-450mm on a DX Nikon D-SLR) and features ED (Extra-low Dispersion) glass elements that ensure superior optical performance.
This lens incorporates Nikon's second-generation vibration reduction system (VR II) that allows flexible hand-held shooting by stabilizing the image to the equivalent extent of using a shutter speed that is four stops faster when compared with a conventional lens. The SWM (Silent Wave Motor) and IF (Internal Focusing) ensure fast and quiet focusing action, and the nine-blade rounded diaphragm makes out-of-focus elements blend smoothly to produce natural-looking, harmonious backgrounds.
| Performance | |
|---|---|
| Focal Length | 70 - 300 mm |
| Aperture |
Maximum: f/4.5 - 5.6 Minimum: f/32 - 40 |
| Camera Mount Type | Nikon F |
| Format Compatibility |
Nikon FX/35mm Film Nikon DX |
| Angle of View |
34° - 8° DX Picture Angle: 22° - 5° |
| Minimum Focus Distance | 4.92' (1.5 m) |
| Magnification | 0.25x |
| Maximum Reproduction Ratio | 1:4 |
| Groups/Elements | 12/17 |
| Diaphragm Blades | 9 |
| Features | |
|---|---|
| Image Stabilization | Yes |
| Autofocus | Yes |
| Tripod Collar | No |
| Physical | |
|---|---|
| Filter Thread | 67 mm |
| Dimensions (DxL) | Approx. 3.1 x 5.6" (7.87 x 14.22 cm) |
| Weight | 1.64 lb (745 g) |
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
by PowerReviewsPros
Cons
Best Uses
Most Liked Positive Review
Fantastic pictures with this lens!
Waited over a year to buy, could not make up my mind between 70-300, 18-200 or 28-300. Went with the 70-300 just can't beat it for the price. Have ...Read complete review
Waited over a year to buy, could not make up my mind between 70-300, 18-200 or 28-300. Went with the 70-300 just can't beat it for the price. Have the 18-105 and feel these two cover most of my needs. The 70-300 has a fast auto focus, and takes very sharp pictures. The Vr is the best, without a tripod you can get some excellent, clear pictures. More than pleased with this lens!
VS
Most Liked Negative Review
Very Disapointing
I bought this lens along with Tamron's new 70-300mm VC for more reach to shoot birds and other wildlife after hearing such good things about it. I shot test charts with a tripod at...Read complete review
I bought this lens along with Tamron's new 70-300mm VC for more reach to shoot birds and other wildlife after hearing such good things about it. I shot test charts with a tripod at various apertures and focal lengths and also took both lenses into the field. I fully expected the Nikon to be better. But I was wrong. It was noticeably softer than the Tamron especially at the longer focal lengths. The difference was so obvious (even at 33%, much less 100%) that I wondered whether I just got a bad lens so I got another new Nikon and repeated the tests. Same result. I had expected some softness, but not this much. All of my other lenses are Nikon so I really hesitated, but in the end I returned both of the Nikons and have been incredibly pleased with the Tamron since.
REVIEWS
Reviewed by 882 customers
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Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Nikon AF-S VR Zoom-NIKKOR 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6G IF-ED Telephoto Zoom Lens:
I was quite surprised after viewing the first several photos from the 70-300 lens. IMHO they were tack sharp, and the lens performed great in low light. Don't be fooled by the 2 k $$ hype in glass.... This one will do just fine for most of us.... Great lens..
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Nikon AF-S VR Zoom-NIKKOR 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6G IF-ED Telephoto Zoom Lens:
Great lens for use with landscape and wildlife shots. Very fast focusing and the M/A feature is great, especially for wildlife shots. It is a tad heavy but not objectionably so. I have it paired with the 18-70 Nikon lens and they share filters and it works well with my D7100.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Nikon AF-S VR Zoom-NIKKOR 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6G IF-ED Telephoto Zoom Lens:
Good lens for the money; better available but cost much more.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Nikon AF-S VR Zoom-NIKKOR 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6G IF-ED Telephoto Zoom Lens:
I bought this lens to use with my Nikon D7000 for taking pictures of my daughter's soccer games while sitting in the bleachers.
The lens has exceeded my expectations in the fact that I can get good close ups and action shots while sitting at the top of the bleachers at a high school field. When I can get to field level I can get really tight action shots and more journalistic style shots (e.g. the soccer at a players feet).
The only detractor is the zoom action is not real smooth if I'm trying to quickly open or tighten a shot during the action and the auto focus is a little slow to catch up. Low light action shots can present some issues as well but I'm learning the nuances of dealing with that.
However, in the end, it's a great lens that I've been very happy and pleased with for the purposes I bought it for and ones I'm discovering.
I would definitely recommend this lens.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Nikon AF-S VR Zoom-NIKKOR 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6G IF-ED Telephoto Zoom Lens:
I have really enjoyed using this lens. I work with volume sports leagues and this lens has proven itself with ease of use, quick focusing, and sharpness throughout frame. Only downside for me is I was hoping for it to be a little more compact in size. Great lens choice for such a large range of focal lengths.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Nikon AF-S VR Zoom-NIKKOR 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6G IF-ED Telephoto Zoom Lens:
I upgraded to this lense and noticed the difference immediately. I use the 70-300mm for shooting sports and landscapes. Love the sharpness, speed and quiteness of the lense.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Nikon AF-S VR Zoom-NIKKOR 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6G IF-ED Telephoto Zoom Lens:
Amazing range with a DX crop, i wouldn´t have bought it without the bundle withe D7100, but i´m really happy with it.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Nikon AF-S VR Zoom-NIKKOR 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6G IF-ED Telephoto Zoom Lens:
I used it at 300mm handheld. It was simply very sharp. I compared it to me old non-VR lens also at 300 mm. Big difference. I'm glad I bought it.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Nikon AF-S VR Zoom-NIKKOR 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6G IF-ED Telephoto Zoom Lens:
I have been a amateur photographer for a few years now and it outperforms all of my other telephoto zoom lenses by a lot! Would recommend it to anyone!
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Nikon AF-S VR Zoom-NIKKOR 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6G IF-ED Telephoto Zoom Lens:
This turned out to be a good purchase for me. I took it with me to the Zoo for some quick shots and the pictures zoomed in without loosing any of the quality. I did not use any of the manual setting for it yet (except focus - once), but that being said the pictures turned out pretty good. One of the things I did have to do was to turn off the Auto Focus to focus past some of the cages. A minor inconvenience, but otherwise pretty simple to make that adjustment.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Nikon AF-S VR Zoom-NIKKOR 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6G IF-ED Telephoto Zoom Lens:
This is the perfect companion to my 18-105mm for distant shots of birds, animals, etc. It is the same diameter (uses the same filters) and although it is longer and a bit heavier, is a very comfortable handful for long shooting without a tripod. VR helps a lot but still need to take the time to hold still. Focus is quick but sometimes isn't on what you expected.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Nikon AF-S VR Zoom-NIKKOR 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6G IF-ED Telephoto Zoom Lens:
Zoom is smooth and the lens focuses very quickly. I was surprised at how well it performed indoors without a flash.
It's weight is much greater than I am used to toting.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Nikon AF-S VR Zoom-NIKKOR 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6G IF-ED Telephoto Zoom Lens:
Great price. Sharp lens with a great zoom range. Works perfect with my D800.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Nikon AF-S VR Zoom-NIKKOR 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6G IF-ED Telephoto Zoom Lens:
I bought this lens for my EAST class for student usage. It attaches very easily to the camera and is simple to use. We plan on using it for sporting events to nature photography. The only drawback is I expected it to have an even greater range than it does.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Nikon AF-S VR Zoom-NIKKOR 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6G IF-ED Telephoto Zoom Lens:
Using for landscape mostly up to this point and it is very nice. Autofocus is not so hot in low light, but that was not unexpected with this lens, so no surprise there. Looking forward to doing some more people shooting as the weather warms up. With good separation of subject from background, the bokeh is very nice. A real easy way to get into working in this focal range.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Nikon AF-S VR Zoom-NIKKOR 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6G IF-ED Telephoto Zoom Lens:
Sharp, sharp, sharp! Wide open at 300mm. Great combo with D800E or D7100. Minimal distortion and no zoom creep. Crop to get 800mm effective FL from the 7100 and still print up to 16X24.
But it's a pretty bulky package for this zoom range - just too big for a holster bag. And a bit on the heavy side. Good thing for the effective VR.
My first copy came with a bit of internal blacking flaked off onto an internal element. B&H handled the return and replacement beautifully.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Nikon AF-S VR Zoom-NIKKOR 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6G IF-ED Telephoto Zoom Lens:
It's fairly lightweight for the zoom range and construction. The VR definitely helps with the shake. I've used this lens extensively for wildlife photography during a safari and was not disappointed. Also, i've used it both on DX and FX bodies and it works well on both.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Nikon AF-S VR Zoom-NIKKOR 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6G IF-ED Telephoto Zoom Lens:
We just got this lens a few weeks ago. But it seems that it will work very well for our purposes. Took a few shots in our backyard. Picture quality was very good and focusing was fast.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Nikon AF-S VR Zoom-NIKKOR 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6G IF-ED Telephoto Zoom Lens:
The truth is that it's only poor in low light! It's very sharp, VR works very well, fast focusing, I would recommend to a friend!
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Nikon AF-S VR Zoom-NIKKOR 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6G IF-ED Telephoto Zoom Lens:
I am feeling generous with the four stars because this lens was a super deal. It has a hard time between 200 and 300. But I am just starting out so it is good for me to practice with and not cost $1500. I don't know if I would love the lens as a professional photographer but as an amateur it is good.
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
by PowerReviewsPros
Cons
Best Uses
Most Liked Positive Review
Fantastic pictures with this lens!
Waited over a year to buy, could not make up my mind between 70-300, 18-200 or 28-300. Went with the 70-300 just can't beat it for the price. Have ...Read complete review
Waited over a year to buy, could not make up my mind between 70-300, 18-200 or 28-300. Went with the 70-300 just can't beat it for the price. Have the 18-105 and feel these two cover most of my needs. The 70-300 has a fast auto focus, and takes very sharp pictures. The Vr is the best, without a tripod you can get some excellent, clear pictures. More than pleased with this lens!
VS
Most Liked Negative Review
Very Disapointing
I bought this lens along with Tamron's new 70-300mm VC for more reach to shoot birds and other wildlife after hearing such good things about it. I shot test charts with a tripod at...Read complete review
I bought this lens along with Tamron's new 70-300mm VC for more reach to shoot birds and other wildlife after hearing such good things about it. I shot test charts with a tripod at various apertures and focal lengths and also took both lenses into the field. I fully expected the Nikon to be better. But I was wrong. It was noticeably softer than the Tamron especially at the longer focal lengths. The difference was so obvious (even at 33%, much less 100%) that I wondered whether I just got a bad lens so I got another new Nikon and repeated the tests. Same result. I had expected some softness, but not this much. All of my other lenses are Nikon so I really hesitated, but in the end I returned both of the Nikons and have been incredibly pleased with the Tamron since.
REVIEWS
Reviewed by 882 customers
Sort by
Displaying reviews 1-20
Previous | Next »
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Nikon AF-S VR Zoom-NIKKOR 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6G IF-ED Telephoto Zoom Lens:
I was quite surprised after viewing the first several photos from the 70-300 lens. IMHO they were tack sharp, and the lens performed great in low light. Don't be fooled by the 2 k $$ hype in glass.... This one will do just fine for most of us.... Great lens..
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Nikon AF-S VR Zoom-NIKKOR 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6G IF-ED Telephoto Zoom Lens:
Great lens for use with landscape and wildlife shots. Very fast focusing and the M/A feature is great, especially for wildlife shots. It is a tad heavy but not objectionably so. I have it paired with the 18-70 Nikon lens and they share filters and it works well with my D7100.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Nikon AF-S VR Zoom-NIKKOR 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6G IF-ED Telephoto Zoom Lens:
Good lens for the money; better available but cost much more.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Nikon AF-S VR Zoom-NIKKOR 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6G IF-ED Telephoto Zoom Lens:
I bought this lens to use with my Nikon D7000 for taking pictures of my daughter's soccer games while sitting in the bleachers.
The lens has exceeded my expectations in the fact that I can get good close ups and action shots while sitting at the top of the bleachers at a high school field. When I can get to field level I can get really tight action shots and more journalistic style shots (e.g. the soccer at a players feet).
The only detractor is the zoom action is not real smooth if I'm trying to quickly open or tighten a shot during the action and the auto focus is a little slow to catch up. Low light action shots can present some issues as well but I'm learning the nuances of dealing with that.
However, in the end, it's a great lens that I've been very happy and pleased with for the purposes I bought it for and ones I'm discovering.
I would definitely recommend this lens.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Nikon AF-S VR Zoom-NIKKOR 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6G IF-ED Telephoto Zoom Lens:
I have really enjoyed using this lens. I work with volume sports leagues and this lens has proven itself with ease of use, quick focusing, and sharpness throughout frame. Only downside for me is I was hoping for it to be a little more compact in size. Great lens choice for such a large range of focal lengths.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Nikon AF-S VR Zoom-NIKKOR 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6G IF-ED Telephoto Zoom Lens:
I upgraded to this lense and noticed the difference immediately. I use the 70-300mm for shooting sports and landscapes. Love the sharpness, speed and quiteness of the lense.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Nikon AF-S VR Zoom-NIKKOR 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6G IF-ED Telephoto Zoom Lens:
Amazing range with a DX crop, i wouldn´t have bought it without the bundle withe D7100, but i´m really happy with it.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Nikon AF-S VR Zoom-NIKKOR 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6G IF-ED Telephoto Zoom Lens:
I used it at 300mm handheld. It was simply very sharp. I compared it to me old non-VR lens also at 300 mm. Big difference. I'm glad I bought it.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Nikon AF-S VR Zoom-NIKKOR 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6G IF-ED Telephoto Zoom Lens:
I have been a amateur photographer for a few years now and it outperforms all of my other telephoto zoom lenses by a lot! Would recommend it to anyone!
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Nikon AF-S VR Zoom-NIKKOR 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6G IF-ED Telephoto Zoom Lens:
This turned out to be a good purchase for me. I took it with me to the Zoo for some quick shots and the pictures zoomed in without loosing any of the quality. I did not use any of the manual setting for it yet (except focus - once), but that being said the pictures turned out pretty good. One of the things I did have to do was to turn off the Auto Focus to focus past some of the cages. A minor inconvenience, but otherwise pretty simple to make that adjustment.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Nikon AF-S VR Zoom-NIKKOR 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6G IF-ED Telephoto Zoom Lens:
This is the perfect companion to my 18-105mm for distant shots of birds, animals, etc. It is the same diameter (uses the same filters) and although it is longer and a bit heavier, is a very comfortable handful for long shooting without a tripod. VR helps a lot but still need to take the time to hold still. Focus is quick but sometimes isn't on what you expected.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Nikon AF-S VR Zoom-NIKKOR 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6G IF-ED Telephoto Zoom Lens:
Zoom is smooth and the lens focuses very quickly. I was surprised at how well it performed indoors without a flash.
It's weight is much greater than I am used to toting.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Nikon AF-S VR Zoom-NIKKOR 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6G IF-ED Telephoto Zoom Lens:
Great price. Sharp lens with a great zoom range. Works perfect with my D800.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Nikon AF-S VR Zoom-NIKKOR 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6G IF-ED Telephoto Zoom Lens:
I bought this lens for my EAST class for student usage. It attaches very easily to the camera and is simple to use. We plan on using it for sporting events to nature photography. The only drawback is I expected it to have an even greater range than it does.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Nikon AF-S VR Zoom-NIKKOR 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6G IF-ED Telephoto Zoom Lens:
Using for landscape mostly up to this point and it is very nice. Autofocus is not so hot in low light, but that was not unexpected with this lens, so no surprise there. Looking forward to doing some more people shooting as the weather warms up. With good separation of subject from background, the bokeh is very nice. A real easy way to get into working in this focal range.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Nikon AF-S VR Zoom-NIKKOR 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6G IF-ED Telephoto Zoom Lens:
Sharp, sharp, sharp! Wide open at 300mm. Great combo with D800E or D7100. Minimal distortion and no zoom creep. Crop to get 800mm effective FL from the 7100 and still print up to 16X24.
But it's a pretty bulky package for this zoom range - just too big for a holster bag. And a bit on the heavy side. Good thing for the effective VR.
My first copy came with a bit of internal blacking flaked off onto an internal element. B&H handled the return and replacement beautifully.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Nikon AF-S VR Zoom-NIKKOR 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6G IF-ED Telephoto Zoom Lens:
It's fairly lightweight for the zoom range and construction. The VR definitely helps with the shake. I've used this lens extensively for wildlife photography during a safari and was not disappointed. Also, i've used it both on DX and FX bodies and it works well on both.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Nikon AF-S VR Zoom-NIKKOR 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6G IF-ED Telephoto Zoom Lens:
We just got this lens a few weeks ago. But it seems that it will work very well for our purposes. Took a few shots in our backyard. Picture quality was very good and focusing was fast.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Nikon AF-S VR Zoom-NIKKOR 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6G IF-ED Telephoto Zoom Lens:
The truth is that it's only poor in low light! It's very sharp, VR works very well, fast focusing, I would recommend to a friend!
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Nikon AF-S VR Zoom-NIKKOR 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6G IF-ED Telephoto Zoom Lens:
I am feeling generous with the four stars because this lens was a super deal. It has a hard time between 200 and 300. But I am just starting out so it is good for me to practice with and not cost $1500. I don't know if I would love the lens as a professional photographer but as an amateur it is good.