The Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 55-300mm f/4.5-5.6G ED VR Zoom Lens is a compact 5.5x zoom lens for DX-format D-SLR cameras. Its equivalent focal length in FX-format is 82.5-450mm. This lens is an excellent choice for travel, landscapes, portraits, and distant subjects. The lens focuses to 4.6' at every focal length - this versatility ensures stunning close-up shots of subjects near and far.
The VR II image stabilization allows you to handhold the camera at up to 4 shutter speeds slower than would otherwise be possible, assuring dramatically sharper still images and stable video capture. Other features include the silent wave motor for quiet accurate autofocusing, and a rounded 9-blade diaphragm that offers stunning out-of-focus highlights (bokeh). The lens elements have been treated with Nikon's Super Integrated Coating - an optical lens coating process that maximizes light transmission while enhancing clarity and contrast. All of these world-class features add up to the AF-S 55-300 being an ideal lens for traveling or shooting close to home.
| Performance | |
|---|---|
| Focal Length | 55 - 300 mm |
| Aperture |
Maximum: f/4.5 - 5.6 Minimum: f/22 |
| Camera Mount Type | Nikon F |
| Format Compatibility |
Nikon DX FX in DX Crop Mode |
| Angle of View | 28° - 5° |
| Minimum Focus Distance | 4.6' (1.40 m) |
| Magnification | 0.28x |
| Maximum Reproduction Ratio | 1:3.57 |
| Groups/Elements | 11/17 |
| Diaphragm Blades | 9 |
| Features | |
|---|---|
| Image Stabilization | Yes |
| Autofocus | Yes |
| Tripod Collar | No |
| Physical | |
|---|---|
| Filter Thread | 58 mm |
| Dimensions (DxL) | Approx. 3.0 x 4.8" (7.62 x 12.19 cm) |
| Weight | 18.7 oz (530 g) |
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
by PowerReviewsPros
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Most Liked Positive Review
Excellent lens ... excellent service
I am extremely satisfied with my new lens ... I used it to photograph New Years fireworks at the Space Needle and they were wonderful.
More than that, I would like to compli...Read complete review
I am extremely satisfied with my new lens ... I used it to photograph New Years fireworks at the Space Needle and they were wonderful.
More than that, I would like to compliment B&H for their service. I had ordered the lens with another vendor who told me that the lens was back ordered but a shipment was coming in the following Monday ... I did not get a lens with that shipment and was told I would wait until mid-January.
I went to the B&H site and the company offered free overnight shipping and I got the lens two days before Christmas.
I am unlikely to deal with any other photo vendor in the future.
Chris Fruitrich
Seattle
VS
Most Liked Negative Review
A solid lense, you get what you paid for
I bought this lens to experiment with HD video features of one of my Nikons. I also own 2.8/70-200mm lens - obviously, there's no comparison. But for the price, I am ...Read complete review
I bought this lens to experiment with HD video features of one of my Nikons. I also own 2.8/70-200mm lens - obviously, there's no comparison. But for the price, I am quite impressed with the lens performance. Pictures are relatively sharp to the edges almost throughout the whole range. Pin cushion/barrel distortions are acceptable. VR is definitely a big plus! It doesn't have the manufacturer's precision of the higher-end lenses, the barrel is a little wobbly. Also I wish the lens was at least one f-stop faster. But again, you get what you paid for.
Reviewed by 403 customers
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Comments about Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 55-300mm f/4.5-5.6G ED VR Zoom Lens:
I bought this lens to use with my Nikon V1, with the FT1 adaptor, to provide a light portable solution for day hikes.
Once I got the lens I took some shots with it and my 70-200 VR2, on the V1, to see how those images would compare. And, in truth, I felt the 55-300 was reasonably close in performance to the pro-level lens. If I'm needing a critical shot, I'm not going for the V1, so don't need absolute best quality for using with it.
I would recommend the 55-300 to any one looking for a decent lens in this range, especially for users with DX cameras.
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Comments about Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 55-300mm f/4.5-5.6G ED VR Zoom Lens:
This lens does a lot but does none of it great. You are getting what you paid for. Save your money and buy several lens that are great at what they do.
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Comments about Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 55-300mm f/4.5-5.6G ED VR Zoom Lens:
This is my go-to outdoor lens. Compact enough with a decent zoom capability. The quality I think is excellent for the cost of the lens.
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Comments about Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 55-300mm f/4.5-5.6G ED VR Zoom Lens:
For the money, this is an incredible value. Granted not the highest quality lense, but clearly the most lens for your money. Offers a wide focal length range, and produces clear, sharp pictures. Have even used indoors with flash for portrait type photos, with good results. Coupled with a 18-55 or 16-85 zoom, and a prime 35, the three make a pretty solid set of lenses for a wide range of photography. A good base set. Has enough zoom range to get nice closeups. 82-450mm on a DX camera.
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Comments about Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 55-300mm f/4.5-5.6G ED VR Zoom Lens:
This is a econimical way to get image stabilized telephoot photos with your Nikon Digital SLR. I've used it a few times with nice results.
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Comments about Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 55-300mm f/4.5-5.6G ED VR Zoom Lens:
I`m not a pro, just a hobbyist. The 5.5 times zoom ratio offers flexibility by extending the telephoto reach. Got quiet motor and VRII nikon tecnology. It´s made of plastic, but a good plastic ;) And for the price probably can't be beat and you can get decent results
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Comments about Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 55-300mm f/4.5-5.6G ED VR Zoom Lens:
Clear images, easy to use. I have already begun photographing wildlife. It is nice to be able to get in close from a nice distance.
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Comments about Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 55-300mm f/4.5-5.6G ED VR Zoom Lens:
I got the lens in time to photograph the super moon. I got some nice photos. I got the lens mainly because my hands are shakey and the stabilizer helps me take photos that are more in focus. So far I am very satisfied with this lens and have found no problems.
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Comments about Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 55-300mm f/4.5-5.6G ED VR Zoom Lens:
I had a Nikor 55-200 lens before this, and wanted a longer lens for wildlife photos.
The difference between 200 and 300 mm is astounding, and you can look the grizzly in the eye, so to speak, and still get remarkably clean auto focus.
Though it is a bit heavier and longer than my old lens, It still doesn't overwhelm my camera bag.
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Comments about Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 55-300mm f/4.5-5.6G ED VR Zoom Lens:
I am an weekend photographer and I wasl looking for a telephono lens and this one is great.
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Comments about Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 55-300mm f/4.5-5.6G ED VR Zoom Lens:
Bought this lens to use for outdoor photography and kids sporting events for use with my D90. Bought refurbished and saved significant amount of money. Despite some reviews that commented focusing might be somewhat slow, it has worked great and that hasn't been an issue. Would certainly recommend if you are looking for a lens to compliment the 18-105 standard lens. Picture quality is excellent. Relatively compact. Zoom range works well outdoors, wouldn't use indoor in most settings.
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Comments about Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 55-300mm f/4.5-5.6G ED VR Zoom Lens:
I bought this in a package deal with my camera. As a beginning DSLR user, I wasn't sure I was ready for a lens of this range, but the price was too good to pass up, and I am happy that I didn't. The 55-300 range is the perfect complement to my kit lens. I am taking great wildlife photos that I could never have gotten without it.
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Comments about Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 55-300mm f/4.5-5.6G ED VR Zoom Lens:
This lens is heavy and solid, with metal mount and firm smooth zoom and focus action. Images are sharp and clear. Not fast, but for the zoom range and price, a super buy.
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Comments about Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 55-300mm f/4.5-5.6G ED VR Zoom Lens:
Good for price value, noting surprisingly good.
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Comments about Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 55-300mm f/4.5-5.6G ED VR Zoom Lens:
I bought this lens as a refurb and I couldn't be happier! I have used it with my Nikon D300s a couple of times for some weddings, and I have no complaints! I'm sure there are better lenses out there if you want to spend a ton of money, but for the price, it is great! Highly recommended!
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Comments about Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 55-300mm f/4.5-5.6G ED VR Zoom Lens:
I am a serious photography and have owned mainly Pentax and Nikon equipment for most of my life. All my lenses have been Super Takumar, SMC Takumar, SMC Pentax, or Nikkor lenses during that time. This is my first telephoto lens with vibration reduction, and it lives up to its' billing. I can take hand-held photos that are sharp and crisp that I never could before. The telephoto lenses I have owned before would provide me with blurred pictures, even in fairly good light, if I did not use a tripod. This lens is very light weight and focuses quickly and silently. Whether shooting portraits or wildlife, this lens delivers. This is the best bang for the buck I have ever gotten on a telephoto lens.
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Comments about Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 55-300mm f/4.5-5.6G ED VR Zoom Lens:
I pondered for quite a while but now that I am shooting with my new lens I am so glad I took the step. It really makes a difference in my photos quality and that's what I like. Not too heavy and compatible with my D40.
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Comments about Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 55-300mm f/4.5-5.6G ED VR Zoom Lens:
This lens is a great upgrade from the 55-200. I love it! The zoom is great, and the Autofocus really helps. I bought it refurbished, and it works like new!
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Comments about Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 55-300mm f/4.5-5.6G ED VR Zoom Lens:
I use my Nikon Lens for landscape shots. I love to watch birds, aircraft, wildlife and some sports. My lens travels with me everywhere in my bag
It is light and easy to use. I recommend it to anyone.
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Comments about Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 55-300mm f/4.5-5.6G ED VR Zoom Lens:
I purchased this lens refurbished to replace my 55-200mm. It appears and functions as new and it is an excellent step up from the 55-200mm. The price for the refurbished lens make it a very good deal. Although I have only used the lens on two occasions, I can see that it is sharp throughout the zoom range. The VR works well. I very much appreciate the constant minimum focusing distance (under 5 feet)from 55-400mm. I am already good at guessing how far back to stand. Although I have read that the focusing speed and accuracy for this lens are not great for sports or in low light, I have found it quite good for my purposes (mostly travel photography), including some low light shooting with zoom fully extended. The lens is light weight, relatively compact and will accompany me on my travels, although it is just a bit too tall for my good old Lowepro photo runner bag. I have read that this zoom actually extends to 477mm in 35mm format. If so, that is a nice bonus. The lens hood is a breeze to attach and detach and store on the lens when not in use.
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