The Professional's Source 866.276.1435 / 212.502.6357

Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 55-300mm f/4.5-5.6G ED VR Zoom Lens USA

  • Free Item Included:
  • Tiffen 58mm Photo Twin Pack (UV Protection and Circular Polarizing Filter) ($39.69 Value)
  • Price: $396.95
  • Free Item Included:
  • Tiffen 58mm Photo Twin Pack (UV Protection and Circular Polarizing Filter) ($39.69 Value)
  • B&H # NI55300GAF
  • Mfr# 2197

Product Highlights

  • DX-Format Zoom
  • 82.5-450mm Equivalent Focal Length in FX
  • VR II Image Stabilization
  • Focus to 4.6' at Any Focal Length
  • Super Integrated Coating (SIC)
  • Silent Wave Motor (SWM)
  • Rounded 9-Blade Diaphragm

Protect Your Purchase

 

What item is right for you?

Ask our Experts!

866.276.1435
Live Chat

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.

5.5x Telephoto Zoom Lens
Ideal for capturing distant subjects at athletic events, family pictures, dramatic sunsets, travel and more. Angle of view equivalent to a focal length of 82.5 to 450mm in FX/35mm format D-SLR.
Nikon VR II Image Stabilization
Vibration Reduction, engineered specifically for each VR NIKKOR lens, enables handheld shooting at up to 4 shutter speeds slower than would otherwise be possible, assuring dramatically sharper still images and video capture.
Tripod Detection Mode
Reduces vibration that may occur due to shutter release when mounted on a tripod.
HRI (High Refractive Index) Lens Element
HRI lens element is essential to keeping the lens compact while offering high contrast even at maximum aperture.
2 Extra-low Dispersion (ED) Elements
Effectively minimizes chromatic aberration, even at the widest aperture settings.
Exclusive Nikon Silent Wave Motor (SWM)
Enables fast, accurate and quiet autofocus.
Nikon Super Integrated Coating (SIC)
Enhances light transmission efficiency and offers superior color consistency and reduces flare.
Rounded 9-Blade Diaphragm
Renders more natural appearance of out-of-focus image areas.
Focus to 4.6' at Any Focal Length
This extends the versatility of this lens
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 PowerReviews
NikonAF-S NIKKOR 55-300mm f/4.5-5.6G ED VR Zoom Lens
 
4.6

(based on 403 reviews)

Ratings Distribution

  • 5 Stars

     

    (278)

  • 4 Stars

     

    (111)

  • 3 Stars

     

    (12)

  • 2 Stars

     

    (1)

  • 1 Stars

     

    (1)

99%

of respondents would recommend this to a friend.

Pros

  • Easy to use (323)
  • Improves picture quality (218)
  • Compact (131)
  • Interfaces well with camcorder (25)
  • Lightweight (11)

Cons

  • Heavy / bulky (21)
  • Slow autofocus (7)
  • No increase in performance (5)
  • Poor clarity (5)
  • Poor in low light (4)

Best Uses

  • Shooting outdoors (307)
  • Upgrade (82)
  • Shooting indoors (71)
  • Close up filming (70)
  • Panoramic filming (31)
    • Reviewer Profile:
    • Tech savvy (154), Parent (84), Technically challenged (51), Film professional (15), Photo enthusiast (14)
    • Was this a gift?:
    • No (349), Yes (43)

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

Sort by

Displaying reviews 1-20

Back to top

Previous | Next »

 
5.0

Compact, light, and solid performer

By WileEC

from Nampa, ID

About Me Film Professional

Verified Buyer

Pros

  • Compact Design
  • Easy To Use
  • Lightweight

Cons

    Best Uses

    • Hiking
    • Shooting Outdoors

    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.

    • Was this a gift?:
    • No

    Share this review

     
    2.0

    You get what you pay for

    By The Student

    from Washington DC

    Verified Buyer

    Pros

      Cons

        Best Uses

          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.

          • Was this a gift?:
          • No

          Share this review

           
          5.0

          Very solid medium zoom lens

          By JK

          from Clayton, NC

          About Me Parent, Tech Savvy

          Verified Buyer

          Pros

          • Easy To Use
          • Improves Picture Quality

          Cons

            Best Uses

            • Shooting Indoors
            • Shooting Outdoors
            • Upgrade

            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.

            • Was this a gift?:
            • No

            Share this review

             
            5.0

            Great value, solid performer

            By Steve

            from St. Louis

            About Me Parent, Tech Savvy

            Verified Buyer

            Pros

            • Easy To Use
            • Heavy and solid build
            • Improves Picture Quality

            Cons

              Best Uses

              • Shooting Outdoors
              • Upgrade
              • Wildlife

              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.

              • Was this a gift?:
              • No

              Share this review

               
              4.0

              Nice funtionality for the price

              By Mark

              from Stamford, CT

              About Me Tech Savvy

              Verified Buyer

              Pros

              • Easy To Use

              Cons

              • Durability concerns me

              Best Uses

              • Shooting Outdoors

              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.

              • Was this a gift?:
              • No

              Share this review

               
              4.0

              extending the reach

              By anderson fleischmann

              from pelotas - rs

              Verified Buyer

              Pros

              • Easy To Use

              Cons

              • Delay before VR

              Best Uses

              • Zoom 300mm

              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

              • Was this a gift?:
              • Yes

              Share this review

               
              5.0

              Great lens

              By Powderboy

              from Ephrata PA

              About Me Tech Savvy

              Verified Buyer

              Pros

              • Compact Design
              • Easy To Use

              Cons

                Best Uses

                • Shooting Outdoors
                • Upgrade

                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.

                • Was this a gift?:
                • No

                Share this review

                 
                5.0

                55-300mm zoom lens by Nikon

                By Sexynikon

                from Kentucky

                About Me Parent

                Verified Buyer

                Pros

                • Compact Design
                • Easy To Use
                • Improves Picture Quality

                Cons

                  Best Uses

                  • Close Up Filming
                  • Shooting Outdoors

                  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.

                  • Was this a gift?:
                  • No

                  Share this review

                   
                  5.0

                  Wow! What a difference

                  By wilburg

                  from Denver, CO

                  About Me Tech Savvy

                  Verified Buyer

                  Pros

                  • Improves Picture Quality

                  Cons

                  • A bit heavier and longer

                  Best Uses

                  • Shooting Outdoors
                  • Wildlife

                  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.

                  • Was this a gift?:
                  • No

                  Share this review

                   
                  5.0

                  Great Lens

                  By joels

                  from South Dakota

                  About Me Tech Savvy

                  Verified Buyer

                  Pros

                  • Easy To Use
                  • Improves Picture Quality
                  • Interfaces Well With Camcorder

                  Cons

                  • Bulky Design

                  Best Uses

                  • Shooting Outdoors

                  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.

                  • Was this a gift?:
                  • No

                  Share this review

                   
                  4.0

                  Worked just the way I expected

                  By Puckhead

                  from Colorado

                  About Me Grandparent, Moderate knowledge

                  Verified Buyer

                  Pros

                  • Compact Design
                  • Easy To Use
                  • Improves Picture Quality

                  Cons

                  • Slightly bulky

                  Best Uses

                  • Shooting Outdoors

                  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.

                  • Was this a gift?:
                  • No

                  Share this review

                   
                  5.0

                  Great addition to my Nikon D3100

                  By Dave of Davesville

                  from Ocean Springs, MS

                  Verified Buyer

                  Pros

                  • Compact Design
                  • Easy To Use
                  • Improves Picture Quality

                  Cons

                    Best Uses

                    • Shooting Outdoors

                    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.

                    • Was this a gift?:
                    • No

                    Share this review

                    (0 of 1 customers found this review helpful)

                     
                    5.0

                    Greval quality and value in a Nikon len

                    By Steve

                    from St. Louis

                    About Me Tech Savvy

                    Pros

                    • Easy To Use
                    • Improves Picture Quality

                    Cons

                      Best Uses

                      • Shooting Outdoors

                      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.

                      • Was this a gift?:
                      • No

                      Share this review

                       
                      3.0

                      Recomnded to Friend

                      By Pavel

                      from Rocky Mount, NC

                      About Me Technically Challenged

                      Verified Buyer

                      Pros

                      • Easy To Use

                      Cons

                      • No Increase In Performance

                      Best Uses

                      • Shooting Outdoors

                      Comments about Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 55-300mm f/4.5-5.6G ED VR Zoom Lens:

                      Good for price value, noting surprisingly good.

                      • Was this a gift?:
                      • No

                      Share this review

                       
                      5.0

                      Exactly as described!

                      By Mffl

                      from Keller, Tx

                      About Me Hobbiest, Tech Savvy

                      Verified Buyer

                      Pros

                      • Easy To Use
                      • Improves Picture Quality

                      Cons

                        Best Uses

                        • Close ups
                        • Shooting Indoors
                        • Shooting Outdoors

                        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!

                        • Was this a gift?:
                        • No

                        Share this review

                        (2 of 2 customers found this review helpful)

                         
                        5.0

                        The only telephoto you'll ever need

                        By Carp

                        from Greensboro, NC

                        About Me Tech Savvy

                        Verified Buyer

                        Pros

                        • Compact Design
                        • Fast focus
                        • Improves Picture Quality
                        • Light weight
                        • Metal Mount

                        Cons

                          Best Uses

                          • Shooting Indoors
                          • Shooting Outdoors

                          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.

                          • Was this a gift?:
                          • No

                          Share this review

                           
                          5.0

                          FANTASTIC PURCHASE

                          By IreneM

                          from Annapolis Md

                          About Me Tech Savvy

                          Verified Buyer

                          Pros

                          • Easy To Use
                          • Improves Picture Quality

                          Cons

                            Best Uses

                            • Shooting Indoors
                            • Shooting Outdoors
                            • Upgrade

                            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.

                            • Was this a gift?:
                            • No

                            Share this review

                             
                            5.0

                            Great Lens

                            By Patchymontana

                            from New Jersey

                            About Me Sports Journalist

                            Verified Buyer

                            Pros

                            • Compact Design
                            • Easy To Use
                            • Improves Picture Quality
                            • Interfaces Well With Camcorder

                            Cons

                              Best Uses

                              • Shooting Outdoors
                              • Sports Photography
                              • Upgrade

                              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!

                              • Was this a gift?:
                              • No

                              Share this review

                               
                              5.0

                              NIKKOR 55-300mm f/4.5-5.6G ED VR Zoom

                              By Phyllis

                              from Fort Washington MD.

                              About Me Amateur Photographer, Tech Savvy

                              Verified Buyer

                              Pros

                              • Compact Design
                              • Easy to switch lens
                              • Easy To Use

                              Cons

                              • Not for lowlight

                              Best Uses

                              • Shooting Outdoors

                              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.

                              • Was this a gift?:
                              • No

                              Share this review

                               
                              5.0

                              zoom with a view

                              By El buscador

                              from Eugene, Oregon

                              Verified Buyer

                              Pros

                              • Compact Design
                              • Easy To Use

                              Cons

                                Best Uses

                                  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.

                                  • Was this a gift?:
                                  • No

                                  Share this review

                                  Displaying reviews 1-20

                                  Back to top

                                  Previous | Next »

                                  Filters & Filter Kits

                                  Hoya -  58mm Ultraviolet UV (C) Haze Multicoated Filter
                                  • Price: $16.00
                                   
                                  Hoya -  58mm Circular Polarizer Filter
                                  • Price: $29.95
                                   

                                  Hoods & Covers

                                  Flex Lens Shade -  Flex Lens Shade
                                  • Price: $39.95
                                   

                                  Cases & Wraps

                                  Pearstone -  Onyx 10 Lens Case
                                    • Original: $11.99
                                    • Save: $1.20
                                  • Price: $10.79
                                   
                                  View all Accessories

                                  What's in the Box

                                  Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 55-300mm f/4.5-5.6G ED VR Zoom Lens
                                  • 58mm Snap-On Lens Cap
                                  • LF-1 Rear Lens Cap
                                  • HB-57 Snap-on Lens Hood
                                  • CL-1020 Lens Case
                                  • 1-Year Worldwide Limited Warranty, Plus 4- Years Complimentary Extended Service Coverage valid in the 50 United States, District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands
                                  Included Free
                                   
                                   
                                  See any errors on this page? Let us know.

                                  Close

                                  Close