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Nikon AF Zoom Nikkor 70-300mm f/4-5.6G Lens (Black) USA
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For anyone seeking a high quality telephoto zoom lens for portraits and action photography at a very affordable price, the Nikon AF Zoom Nikkor 70-300mm f/4-5.6G Lens is a great solution.
This very compact telephoto zoom lens is fully compatible with the Nikon N65 as well as Nikon's Professional D-series Digital SLR, 35mm Professional F5, F100, N80, N75 and Advanced Photo System Pronea cameras. Compact and lightweight, with a comfortable, well-balanced feel, the 4.3x zoom lens is ideal for candid shots, portraits, travel and sports photography.
A key design element considered that the newest Nikon SLR models have built-in aperture control (via the Command Dial), and therefore do not require that the lens have an aperture control ring. With this point in mind, the G lenses omit the aperture ring, resulting a lighter and more compact lens.
NOTE: G-type Nikkor lenses are fully compatible with the F5, F100, N80, N65, N60, N50, N4004-series, PRONEA 6i, PRONEA S, D100 and D-series (or any newer model, except D40/D40X & D60) cameras. They are not compatible with other Nikon cameras. For the F4, N90-series, N70, N8008-series and N6006 cameras, only programmed auto or shutter-priority auto exposure mode can be used.
Note! AF not supported by D40,D40X, D60, D3000 & D5000 cameras.
- Compact and lightweight 4.3x zoom lens ideal for candids, portraits, travel and sports photography.
- Nine-blade rounded diaphragm.
- Lightweight 4.3X Telephoto zoom lens for SLR cameras that set aperture from command dial on camera body.
- New G-design enables apertures to be selected from select Nikon AF SLR camera bodies.
- D-type design provides precise distance information for flash and ambient light exposure process.
Go To
| Performance | |
|---|---|
| Focal Length | 70 - 300 mm |
| Aperture |
Maximum: f/4 Minimum: f/32 |
| 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 | 0.26x |
| Maximum Reproduction Ratio | 1:3.8 |
| Groups/Elements | 9/13 |
| Diaphragm Blades | 9 |
| Features | |
|---|---|
| Image Stabilization | No |
| Autofocus | Yes |
| Tripod Collar | No |
| Physical | |
|---|---|
| Filter Thread | 62 mm |
| Dimensions (DxL) | Approx. 2.9 x 4.6" (7.37 x 11.68 cm) |
| Weight | 15 oz (425 g) |
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
by PowerReviews(based on 200 reviews)
Ratings Distribution
95%
of respondents would recommend this to a friend.
Pros
- Lightweight (117)
- Easily interchangeable (116)
- Fast / accurate auto-focus (85)
- Consistent output (73)
- Durable (57)
Cons
- Slow focus (40)
- Poor in low light (29)
- Blurry focus (14)
- Weak casing (14)
- Heavy (8)
Best Uses
- Sports/action (84)
- Wildlife photos (73)
- Landscape/scenery (66)
- General purpose (43)
- Wildlife (34)
- Reviewer Profile:
- Photo enthusiast (48), Enthusiast (38), Casual photographer (32), Semi-pro photographer (29), Semi-professional (13)
- Was this a gift?:
- No (68), Yes (9)
Most Liked Positive Review
"The Thing"
This will be a VERY unusual kind of review...unusual for me, anyway!I call this lens, with both affection and some precision, "The Thing". To put that in ...Read complete review
This will be a VERY unusual kind of review...unusual for me, anyway!I call this lens, with both affection and some precision, "The Thing". To put that in some kind of context, I refer you to the following "memorable quote" from indy movie producer Quentin Tarantino's 2007 film "Death Proof", specifically the scene where the three hot girls, Arlene, Shanna, and Radio DJ "Jungle Julia", are discussing Arlenes recent date:Jungle Julia: Okay, we're pretty clear on what it is you didn't do. How bout' enlightening us on what it is you did do?Arlene: Nothing to write home about. We just made out on the couch for about twenty minutes.Shanna: Dressed, half dressed, or naked?Arlene: Dressed! I said we made out. We didn't do "the thing".Jungle Julia: Excuse me for living, but what is "the thing"?Arlene: You know, it's everything but.Shanna: They call that "the thing"?Arlene: I call it "the thing".Shanna: Do guys like "the thing"?Arlene: They like it better than no thing.Witty dialog, you say, but what relevance to a Nikon Zoom lens?Ok...it's an FX (full frame) 70-300mm F4/5.6 Nikon Autofocus zoom lens from the '35mm film camera' days and therefore will only autofocus on Nikon DSLRs that have their own built in auto-focus drive motor. Although it is of fairly sophisticated and complex design, none of its THIRTEEN multi-coated elements are ED glass, and therefore no 'shiny gold on black' badge anywhere in evidence; just flat, matte' light gray print, instead. In fact, it is one of the least flashy products ever to wear the Nikon name! And while it has a focus distance scale, it has NO focus point mark or DOF scales; it's symmetry is not even broken by an auto/manual focus switch on the side! When the variator (zoom control) is turned, the front element does not rotate...however, when the lens is focused, the front element DOES turn!Color and clarity are frankly amazing and it's quite sharp throughout its range; surprisingly so for it's [$] price. In fact, it's almost as sharp as the present day AF-S 70-300 VR. ALMOST, but not quite, and then only on a DX body, but it's bokeh is actually better! And unlike the $600 AF-S 70-300mm VR, it doesn't rattle when you shake it!It has no VR mechanism and as I mentioned, no internal focus motor, but then, it's pretty light weight and quite well balanced on a D90 body, so it is very easy to hand-hold at lower shutter speeds. It may not get many covetous stares from other shooters...but it probably won't attract any of the 'wrong kind of attention', either. To be perfectly honest, with its lens shade attached, it doesn't look at all out-of-place on a D80, D90, or a D7000, but it just might on a D3.In the right hands, this lens will produce simply stunning images; sharp and clear with very good color and contrast...but you have to know what you're doing. I dare say that the 'point and shoot' crowd would be very disappointed, but 'Gray Barrel Nikkor Lens' aficionados will probably be more than a little bit irritated to learn this lens costs only [$]! I call this lens "The Thing"...because I like it better than no thing...about A MILLION TIMES better than no thing!The Thing...get it now?Did I mention it's also half a 'stop' FASTER at the wide end of the zoom than the $600 VR lens!! Yep, that's right...F4 at 70mm! HA!
VS
Most Liked Negative Review
It IS good value for the money...
This is an excellent paperweight and I would definitely recommend it to my enemies...
Jokes aside, this is a good lens for the money. I have used mine for photographing wildl...Read complete review
This is an excellent paperweight and I would definitely recommend it to my enemies...
Jokes aside, this is a good lens for the money. I have used mine for photographing wildlife, birds, including birds in flight, surfers in action, the moon, flowers, street life, and even portraits with quite acceptable, at times good, results. I just don't think many of the shots I have made with this lens are great, and the blame for that does not always lie with the photographer.
I have found both soft focus and chromatic aberration to be fairly constant problems with this lens. Shots just are not as sharp as I want them to be, and at times I can see the magenta/cyan edges of particularly backlit subjects without even enlarging the image.
It performs acceptably in bright light, but as light drops off, so does image quality and it can take it a very long time to focus.
Since sharpness is very important to me and I find I use the 300mm a lot, I will probably get a 300mm prime instead.
However, for those who do not require great sharpness, or are on a very tight budget this is an excellent lens for the money. It is relatively lightweight, the zoom range is convenient, and in bright light the image quality is most often quite good.
I might not recommend this lens to a friend without a warning about its limitations, but it is a good value for the money.
REVIEWS
Reviewed by 200 customers
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Displaying reviews 1-20
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Pros
- Easily Interchangeable
- Lightweight
Cons
- Poor in Low Light
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Wildlife Photos
Comments about Nikon AF Zoom Nikkor 70-300mm f/4-5.6G Lens (Black):
I've rated this item 5 stars. Here's why:
- Of course I want a 70-200 f2.8. This is not that lens. However, it gets the job done.
- I am not a professional, but I've taken great shot with this lens. As long as you understand the limitations of the lens, i.e. f4-5.6 and slow AF and no VR, you will be happy.
- The price basically makes this a must-have. On my recent vacation, I shot 90% of the time with my 50 1.8D (another 5 star lens). 5% of the time with my 17-70, and 5% of the time with this lens. Considering that a fast 50 or a 35 gets the job done for my shots (street photography, candid shots indoor, portraits) I only needed this lens when I had the luxury of walking around and taking my time for day-time landscape/scenery. And I got great shots. I can't justify spending more on a lens I will not shoot with very often. A 70-200 f2.8 is on my list, but very far off... much after I get a 24 f1.4, and an 85 f1.4, and the 136 f2 DC. Then I'll consider an upgraded tele.
Unless you have a specific use case that exceeds this lens' limitations, this is a great value.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Durable
- Easily Interchangeable
- Lightweight
Cons
- Poor in Low Light
Best Uses
- Sports/Action
Comments about Nikon AF Zoom Nikkor 70-300mm f/4-5.6G Lens (Black):
I use this lense to shoot my daughter's high school soccer team. It doesn't have VR or any other bells and whistles, but for the money it cannot be beat. Focus is a little slow in low light, but takes great shots in daylight.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Clear lens
Cons
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Portraits
Comments about Nikon AF Zoom Nikkor 70-300mm f/4-5.6G Lens (Black):
Great Lens,It is versatile, high quality, well priced.I usually do my best to only buy BH Photo when I can. There are two vendors I deal with B&H Photo and [@]. These are the two vendors I trust, they are reliable, have good quality products and have good customer service.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Lightweight
- Nice Bokeh
Cons
- Poor in Low Light
Best Uses
- Sports/Action
- Wildlife Photos
Comments about Nikon AF Zoom Nikkor 70-300mm f/4-5.6G Lens (Black):
I'm on the fence about giving it 3 stars. Are we categorizing these things? If so, 5 stars all the way. Pitting it against a 70-200 2.8? No way.
I needed a lens with a decent range on it for a casual thing I shot one weekend, and didn't want to take a chance with an expensive lens (and I usually stick with primes), so I saw this, figured it couldn't be bad for what I was going to be using it for.
I was super happy with the results. Shot with a D7000, and it had no issue focusing it. Zoom ring isn't the smoothest in the world, but that's fine with me. I'm not doing any smooth video zooms.
I only shot on small jpeg, but image quality looked pretty sharp.
However, when I shot on full 14-bit RAW a few days after, you can definitely notice a little softness on it, and some pretty wonky chromatic stuff going on.
But, really, if you can stand having a variable aperture across the range and don't need anything crazy fast, for the money, you can't beat this.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Durable
- Easily Interchangeable
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Lightweight
- Rugged
- Strong Construction
Cons
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Night Photography
- Sports/Action
- Video
Comments about Nikon AF Zoom Nikkor 70-300mm f/4-5.6G Lens (Black):
Being a first time Nikon user I needed a lens when I purchased the D7000 body. Being a film shooter with a collection of Minolta Rokkor prime lenses, I didn't know what to expect from a zoom lens. While this Nikkor 70mm-300mm Zoom lens is not equipped with Vibration Reduction, I find it to be a great lens for tripod mounted shooting. Trying to shoot freehand with it really magnifies the "shake" when it's set at the higher magnifications. At the lower magnification this lens is wonderful without any of the distortions caused by "shake." The autofocus is a wonderful feature of this lens, considering all of my older Minolta lenses are manual focus.
I will be adding the Nikon 70mm-300mm with VR for more handheld shooting, as well as, other Nikon lenses to my collection of glass.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Durable
- Easily Interchangeable
- Rugged
- Strong Construction
Cons
- Heavy
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Night Photography
- Sports/Action
- Wildlife Photos
Comments about Nikon AF Zoom Nikkor 70-300mm f/4-5.6G Lens (Black):
I have used this lens to take about 200 photos of different lake scenes which most were at quite A distance and they turned out perfect.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easily Interchangeable
- Lightweight
Cons
- Poor in Low Light
Best Uses
- Sports/Action
- Video
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Nikon AF Zoom Nikkor 70-300mm f/4-5.6G Lens (Black):
Preaty good lens for this price ... the wight works in your disadvantage in this case ... witout VR in low light conditions betwin 200 and 300mm you need a tripod ... `if you want sharp pictures .. try to set the aperture at minimul F/8 ... in conclusion if you are on a buget .. this is the perfect lens!
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Easily Interchangeable
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Lightweight
Cons
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Wildlife Photos
Comments about Nikon AF Zoom Nikkor 70-300mm f/4-5.6G Lens (Black):
I love this lens! From the moment I mounted it on my Nikon 3100... very nice. Luckily it's begun to snow early this year for some great pics.
If you still have any hesitation buying it.. trust me, you will be glad if you do.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easily Interchangeable
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
Cons
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Wildlife Photos
Comments about Nikon AF Zoom Nikkor 70-300mm f/4-5.6G Lens (Black):
I love this lens; it gives me the capabilities I wanted. I am a novice at taking pictures, but this lens opens up a whole new chapter.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Durable
- Easily Interchangeable
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Lightweight
- Nice Bokeh
- Rugged
- Strong Construction
Cons
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Weddings/Events
- Wildlife Photos
Comments about Nikon AF Zoom Nikkor 70-300mm f/4-5.6G Lens (Black):
I know people will complain about this and that about any lens. All I can tell you that this lens is excellent for anyone who is not looking to photograph a needle three miles away :)
Well, you know what I mean.
Great 'walk-around' lens during your shoot in the nature walk to get close to those critters. The best lens would be from 19-300 mm but, hey... who can afford that kind of lens.
If you're a novice and not a pro, buy this lens and you'll like it. Am a pro, but I don't care about razor sharp corners, look at my SUBJECT in the center is my motto here :)
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Lightweight
Cons
- Poor in Low Light
Best Uses
- Wildlife Photos
Comments about Nikon AF Zoom Nikkor 70-300mm f/4-5.6G Lens (Black):
it's a good quality lens for a beginner who wants to practice
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easily Interchangeable
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Lightweight
Cons
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
Comments about Nikon AF Zoom Nikkor 70-300mm f/4-5.6G Lens (Black):
Focus is fast even though under the low light.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Easily Interchangeable
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Nice Bokeh
Cons
- Poor in Low Light
Best Uses
- Sports/Action
- Wildlife Photos
Comments about Nikon AF Zoom Nikkor 70-300mm f/4-5.6G Lens (Black):
This lens is perfect for someone who is not a professional photographer. It's a great learning tool. It does not have all the bells and whistles that will make the price skyrocket, but it takes great photos. You will need a tripod because the lens does not have vibration reduction. This lens WILL autofocus as long as your camera body has it's own autofocus motor. I was very happy to find a lens that will get me up close to the action at sporting events, that was at a very reasonable price.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Nikon AF Zoom Nikkor 70-300mm f/4-5.6G Lens (Black):
This is a great lens for the price, I just wish there was an manual focus, but all in all a great product. [...]
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
Cons
- Poor in Low Light
- Slow Focus
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Sports/Action
- Wildlife Photos
Comments about Nikon AF Zoom Nikkor 70-300mm f/4-5.6G Lens (Black):
Not very fast, and not great in auto focusing. It is ok if you want to spend only [$] for a tele..
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Durable
- Easily Interchangeable
- Lightweight
Cons
Best Uses
- Wildlife Photos
Comments about Nikon AF Zoom Nikkor 70-300mm f/4-5.6G Lens (Black):
I have become an avid bird and insect photographer. For wildlife, this lens is fantastic. I am able to take wonderful, clear, sharp pictures of hummingbirds which can be very difficult to photograph due to their speed.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easily Interchangeable
- Lightweight
- Wide zoom range
Cons
- Could Be Little Sharper
- Weak Casing
- Zoom Is A Little Rough
Best Uses
- Sports/Action
- Weddings/Events
- Wildlife Photos
Comments about Nikon AF Zoom Nikkor 70-300mm f/4-5.6G Lens (Black):
The Nikon AF 70-300mm f/4-5.6G lens is a great value for anyone needing something for wildlife, sporting events, and portraiture on a budget. It's zoom range is great for bringing things up close, and subduing facial features for flattering portraits. Image quality is very good for the price. Does not have vibration reduction, but I honestly haven't used it on my other lens anyway. I can't comment on it's auto-focusing capabilities due to the my camera only working with AF-S lenses, not AF ones. The Focusing is pretty smooth. The zoom control gets a little rough when you get close to the 300mm range (might just be the one I got). The lens is light weight, refreshing for a long focal length lens. Probably wont hold up to abuse very well, due to plastic construction. Comes with the bayonet hood. A nice budget telephoto zoom lens with wide focal length adjustment. Expect a good value here, not a miracle.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Lightweight
Cons
- Slow Focus
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
Comments about Nikon AF Zoom Nikkor 70-300mm f/4-5.6G Lens (Black):
I buy this lens for the cheapes Nikon lens , I need a lens for traveling, where I don't have to take care it and forget that I have a expensive lens.
I got a very nice picture with a very light lens so I don't have to carry a heavy lens and I have my hands free to climb every mountain I really enjoy this lens.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easily Interchangeable
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
Cons
- Poor in Low Light
Best Uses
- Sports/Action
Comments about Nikon AF Zoom Nikkor 70-300mm f/4-5.6G Lens (Black):
Good zoom that is fast good quality of photos very versatile.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Nikon AF Zoom Nikkor 70-300mm f/4-5.6G Lens (Black):
Nikon 70-300MM lenses
Coming from the film world and manual cameras I sometimes (often) forget that there is a manual feature on my automatic lenses. Sometimes the moment is right and the shot can never be repeated when I remember. This lenses can not be in automatic and I have had fun with it for a few weeks now. I forgot the creative opportunities with a manual focus camera. Auto focus has it's place, however it limits you when the camera thinks it knows best and focusing on something you want to be out of focus. The inexpensive price is another aspect of this lens. For that reason I would recommend it and if you insist on AF then buy an AF lens. I would recommend this lens to anyone, especially those stuck in the AF world. For me I want the creative freedom of manual focus. In the digital world exposure can be automatic without the detrimental effects experienced in film. I will leave my AF lenses in Manual from now on, rarely using the AF feature.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Displaying reviews 1-20
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