Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 28-300mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR Zoom Lens USA
The Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 28-300mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR Zoom Lens works on both FX and DX-format D-SLR cameras. The lens features a broad zoom range, and it close-focuses down to 18" at every focal length.
On an FX body, the AF-S 28-300 ED VR covers nearly every aspect of travel, landscape, and portrait photography - including those elusive distant subjects. On a DX-format camera, the apparent focal length gets a 1.5x bump and it turns into a long-range ace-up-the-sleeve. The VR II image stabilization allows you to handhold the your camera at up to 4 shutter speeds slower than would otherwise be possible, assuring dramatically sharper still images and stable video capture.
For critical focusing-moments the lens has a M/A focus mode switch that allows the photographer to quickly change between manual and autofocus modes. The autofocusing is remarkably smooth and quiet - thanks to Nikon's silent wave motor system. The aperture diaphragm boasts no fewer than 9 blades that produce a rounded opening - a feature that will be greatly appreciated by bokeh-lovers everywhere!
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 28-300 ED VR being a go-to lens for just about every adventure.
- Versatile 10.7x FX-format Zoom Lens w/ ED Glass
- Versatile zoom lens offers a broad focal length range that's perfect for travel, landscapes, portraits, and distant subjects.
- Optimized for Edge to Edge Sharpness on both FX and DX-format D-SLRs
- DX-format D-SLR angle of view is equivalent to a focal length of 42-450mm.
- Nikon VR II (Vibration Reduction) Image Stabilization
- Vibration Reduction system is engineered specifically for each VR NIKKOR lens. It enables handheld shooting at up to 4 shutter speeds slower than would otherwise be possible, assuring dramatically sharper still images and video capture.
- 2 Extra-low Dispersion (ED) Elements
- Offers superior sharpness and color correction by effectively minimizing chromatic aberration, even at the widest aperture setting.
- 3 Aspherical Lens Elements
- Aspherical lens elements virtually eliminate coma and other aberrations, even when shooting wide open.
- M/A Focus Mode Switch
- Enables quick changes between manual and autofocus operation.
- Internal Focus (IF)
- Provides fast and quiet autofocus without changing the length of the lens - this maintains the working distance throughout the focus range. It also keeps the front element from spinning, which maintains the position of a polarizer or lens hood.
- Exclusive Nikon Silent Wave Motor (SWM)
- Enables fast, accurate, and quiet autofocusing.
- Nikon Super Integrated Coating (SIC)
- Enhances light transmission efficiency and offers superior color consistency and reduced flare.
- Zoom Lock Switch
- Secures the lens barrel at its minimum focal length to prevent the lens from extending during transport.
- Focus to 18" at Any Focal Length
- Allows for stunning close-up shots near and far, even on smaller subjects!
- Rounded 9-Blade Diaphragm
- Produces images with a more natural appearing out-of-focus image areas (bokeh)
Go To
| Performance | |
|---|---|
| Focal Length | 28 - 300 mm |
| Aperture |
Maximum: f/3.5 - 5.6 Minimum: f/22 |
| Camera Mount Type | Nikon F |
| Format Compatibility |
Nikon FX/35mm Film Nikon DX |
| Angle of View |
74° - 8° DX Picture Angle: 53° - 5° |
| Minimum Focus Distance | 1.64' (50 cm) |
| Magnification | 0.32x |
| Maximum Reproduction Ratio | 1:3.12 |
| Groups/Elements | 14/19 |
| Diaphragm Blades | 9 |
| Features | |
|---|---|
| Image Stabilization | Yes |
| Autofocus | Yes |
| Tripod Collar | No |
| Physical | |
|---|---|
| Filter Thread | 77 mm |
| Dimensions (DxL) | Approx. 3.26 x 4.5" (8.28 x 11.43 cm) |
| Weight | 1.76 lb (800 g) |
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
by PowerReviews(based on 370 reviews)
Ratings Distribution
98%
of respondents would recommend this to a friend.
Pros
- Fast / accurate auto-focus (265)
- Strong construction (218)
- Consistent output (199)
- Durable (178)
- Easily interchangeable (157)
Cons
- Heavy (145)
- Poor in low light (47)
- Lens creep (15)
- Slow focus (11)
- Blurry focus (6)
Best Uses
- Landscape/scenery (270)
- Wildlife photos (224)
- Sports/action (171)
- Weddings (118)
- Macro photography (50)
- Reviewer Profile:
- Photo enthusiast (181), Semi-pro photographer (119), Pro photographer (44), Casual photographer (18)
- Was this a gift?:
- No (345), Yes (18)
Most Liked Positive Review
Not a perfect lens, but .....
Autofocus: autofocus is quite fast. Not as fast as say the 24-70 f/2.8 but it's still reasonably fast and should be good enough for normal use on my D700 (check out some...Read complete review
Autofocus: autofocus is quite fast. Not as fast as say the 24-70 f/2.8 but it's still reasonably fast and should be good enough for normal use on my D700 (check out some of the action shots i'm going to post below). The lens does generate quite a bit of strange noise during focusing. It's not as noisy as the older AF lenses but i've never hear this kind of noise before on other AFS lenses. When i first got the lens, i actually thought my lens may have some problems but the other 28-300 VR are also reporting the similar experience so i guess this is "normal". The autofocus would hunt around a bit when shooting dynamic scenes under very dim light.Size and weight: with a 77mm filter thread, it's not a small or light weight lens. but then it's not a 70-200 VR neither. It is a bit shorter than the 70-300VR and slightly bigger and heavier than the 18-200VR.Sharpness: Didn't really do any real test but by looking at the real life photos i took it seems quite good even at wide open. Just remember this is a superzoom so you can't compare it with a prime lens or even a f/2.8 zoom lens. Just stop down to f/8 if you want very good sharpness, but to be honest, even when shooting at wide open, the image quality is still not too bad for a 10x zoom lens. Image at 300mm wide open is slightly soft but definitely useable.CA: i notice a bit of CA at wide open, but it's not too serious.VR: It's quiet and quite effective. I tested it by shooting at 50mm handheld. At 1/3s shutter speed , i can still get a reasonable percentage of sharp/ok photos. If i use something to support my body/hand, my shutter speed can probably go even lowerDistortion: So far I think this is probably the weakest area of this lens. Distortion exists throughout the whole focal range. It's quite obvious but if you ask me i think it's acceptable since distortion is really common for the superzooms. The Canon 28-300 has this problem, the Tamron 28-300 also has this problem, even the not so "super" zoom lenses like the Nikon 18-105 has similar problems. So if you like shooting brick walls, this is probably not the best lens for you. But if you like to shoot something else, then this is probably not a serious problem.Vignetting: On my D700, it is noticable at wide open but much better than my 50 1.4G or 70-200 f/2.8 VRMy thoughts:It's not a perfect lens (the distortion throughout the whole focal range, slightly soft at wide open..etc), but I think Nikon did a great job in creating a lens which has a very good balance between the size/weight/price/IQ. When Nikon first announced this lens, a lot of people questioned if any FX user really want this kind of superzoom. But i've a feeling Nikon got it right and it will become very popular lens among the Nikon FX or even some DX DSLR users. You can find some sample photo i took with this lens:[@]
VS
Most Liked Negative Review
All-in-one bliss, but with compromises
Title says it all. If you are looking for one lens to cover just about the full gamut of common focal lengths, this is the lens. Sounds great right? Read on.
Title says it all. If you are looking for one lens to cover just about the full gamut of common focal lengths, this is the lens. Sounds great right? Read on.
First off, the lens is built like a tank. It is on par with the construction quality of Nikon pro glass, not sure about the seals, but you could defend yourself with this lens if you needed to! As a consequence of the build quality is the added weight. This is a heavy sucker and when you use 200-300mm it gets LONG and throws off the balance of your camera. Not a deal breaker, but also consider you will get funny looks with the obscene appearance of the lens when at 300mm!
This lens is slow, but in theory this is compensated for by the VR. If low light is your thing, you may want to look somewhere else. Additionally, you will not get those creamy soft out of focus areas like faster primes. Don't forget that the widest aperture is variable too depending on focal length. Image sharpness is pretty good, but not on par with pro level zooms or even a less costly set of primes. Comparing this lens to the fantastic 70-200mm F2.8 VRII is an eye opener. If sports is your thing, save your money and get the latter lens it is that much better. Autofocus while good, may not be fast enough for some sports. I shot soccer at it was good, but not as fast as the 70-200.
Here is the big downside, distortion. Gobs of it. If you use it creatively you might get results you want, but be mindful how you use the lens especially at the wide end or you may be rather dissappointed.
Overall, the lens is best for someone who wants only ONE lens and isn't too overly concerned about IQ, distortion etc. This is not a pro level lens nor one I'd use for critical shoots, but to travel with this may be ideal, but again, don't forget how heavy this sucker is!
Reviewed by 370 customers
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Pros
- Durable
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Strong Construction
- Zoom
Cons
- Heavy
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Sports/Action
- Video
- Wildlife Photos
Comments about Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 28-300mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR Zoom Lens:
It is pretty nice to shot with it, excelent zoom.. Besides it looks great! really easy to use, and AF works excelent.
I would really recomend.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Durable
- Rugged
- Strong Construction
Cons
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Night Photography
- Sports/Action
- Weddings/Events
- Wildlife Photos
Comments about Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 28-300mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR Zoom Lens:
Great lense if you do not want to carry several lenses when traveling! Good for Portraits, landscapes, and wildlife
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Durable
- Easily Interchangeable
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Lightweight
- Strong Construction
Cons
- Poor in Low Light
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Sports/Action
- Wildlife Photos
Comments about Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 28-300mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR Zoom Lens:
Beware... You may never use another lens.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Strong Construction
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 28-300mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR Zoom Lens:
This lens is a good choice if you don't want to carry both a wide and a long lens. Barrel distorion can be corrected in postprocessing, but low-light noise may persist.
Biggest problem for me is the hood, which is a piece of junk. Won't click into locked position easily and when it does it doesn't matter because it falls off if you look at it. Twice I have lost it and been lucky to get it back. Lens cap isn't a lot better. Nikon should be ashamed of such poor design.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Durable
- Easily Interchangeable
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
Cons
- Heavy
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Sports/Action
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 28-300mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR Zoom Lens:
Although a bit heavy the 28-300 lens covers a very useful range making it a great lens to take when logistics requires one to take one only lens. The opening to a fairly wide angle 28 gives pretty good coverage for many shots (buildings etc) when travelling and so a very useful improvement on the 70-300. Add a really wide angle to it and most subjects except nature shots are covered.
Pros
- Easily Interchangeable
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
Cons
- Poor in Low Light
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Sports/Action
- Wildlife Photos
Comments about Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 28-300mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR Zoom Lens:
Clean, clear photos. Good focusing time doing sports. I suggest using this lens in daylight only unless you can shoot with a flash.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Versatile lens
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 28-300mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR Zoom Lens:
Outstanding quality and versatility, especially when you don't want to be changing lenses out.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Durable
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Lightweight
- Strong Construction
Cons
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Sports/Action
- Wildlife Photos
Comments about Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 28-300mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR Zoom Lens:
Fabulous all purpose lens
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Any usage
- Durable
- Extra sharp
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Nice Bokeh
- Strong Construction
Cons
- Heavy
- Heavy zoom ring
- Small focus ring
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Sports/Action
Comments about Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 28-300mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR Zoom Lens:
Clear, sharp and full feature lens. the 28-300mm makes it a one backpack lens. It's sharp as a knife and overall bright even the 3.5 to 5.6 max aperture.Only problem, the focal ring is close to the camera body and is so SMALL !!! It's only plastic and hard to find. If you like manual focus, find another lense.Second smaller problem is the zoom ring which is hard to turn, but this is something you have to deal with when you zoom on a such distance.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Strong Construction
- Zoom Range
Cons
- Heavy
- Lens Creep
- Small aperture range
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Sports/Action
- Weddings/Events
- Wildlife Photos
Comments about Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 28-300mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR Zoom Lens:
Use the product for a variety of environments. Music events, parties, hangouts, landscape, work related photography. It is a heavier lense but the construction is very solid. If you need a lense for very low light where your aperture is more around an f1.4 then this is not the lense for you. It's aperture is limited in the range but you sacrifice the aperture for the zoom which it boasts in. Very solid lense to keep for nearly all types of photography. Getting a good body will make up for the aperture loss.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
Cons
- Heavy but manageable
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
Comments about Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 28-300mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR Zoom Lens:
I am a semi-professional photographer and use the new D800 as my main camera. I needed a new zoom lens for the FX sensor, and took the 28-300 for a try this last week in Sweden and Munich. I was impressed with the brightness, sharpness, and ease of use. This will be one of my favorite lens! You can't go wrong!
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Strong Construction
Cons
- Heavy
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 28-300mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR Zoom Lens:
I bought this lens for my trip to Europe for travel, family, model and fashion photography. So far I like what I get from it, images turn out nice and I love the wide range from 28-300. I am still used to my old Tamron AF 28-75 f/2.8 and I ONLY switched to the new product because of the 300mm ability. But I have to say this new lens is great so far. I wish it was a constant f2.8 and I wish it was lighter. I work around it with a 640ISO or more..
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easily Interchangeable
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Rugged
- Strong Construction
- Versatile lens
Cons
- Poor in Low Light
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Macro Photography
- Sports/Action
- Video
- Weddings/Events
- Wildlife Photos
Comments about Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 28-300mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR Zoom Lens:
Extraordinary range of coverage with a full frame body from wide angle to telephoto. Very sharp images at all focal lengths, even though there is visible barrel distortion at wide angle setting, it is very easily corrected with software (Photoshop, DxO, etc.) if desired. This could be THE lens to carry during travel or casual outdoor shooting. Vibration reduction works better than previous versions.
I was deciding between buying this lens and the 24-120/4 VR, but after having owned two Nikon zooms starting at 24mm (sold both of them because I wasn't satisfied with the images they produced —too soft—), I decided to try this one instead, I'm glad I did because the long end of the zoom is very useful for my outdoor photography. Overall very satisfied with it.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Easily Interchangeable
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Strong Construction
Cons
- Heavy
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Sports/Action
- Wildlife Photos
Comments about Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 28-300mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR Zoom Lens:
This lens is an addition to my D90 kit with a 18-105 cm zoom lens. I intend to use this lens when I travel. It proved itself to be a very versatile, h capable lens that can provides me with high quality, lively pictures.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Durable
- Easily Interchangeable
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Nice Bokeh
- Sharp
- Strong Construction
Cons
- Heavy
Best Uses
- Indoors/Low Light
- Landscape/Scenery
- Wildlife Photos
Comments about Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 28-300mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR Zoom Lens:
This lens focuses very quickly and is very sharp. I have used it to successfully capture geese in flight where I can easily see their eyeballs. It provides great feather detail. It was also very good for landscape shots on a recent trip to Rocky Mountain National Park.
I purchased the lens to replace my Nikon 18-200mm VR because I am purchasing a D800 full frame camera. I was very happy with the 18-200mm and this lens is even better.
The lens was also excellent for getting sharp indoor shots without a flash as a recent American Indian event that I photographed. The VR allowed me to get very sharp shots at 300mm and a 1/30 sec. I would highly recommend this lens, as the range 28-300 enables me to replace about 3 lens with one. It is a little on the heavy side, but not when you compare it to hauling around two extra lens. I have also been told by a pro friend that it takes excellent portrait shots.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Bottom Line Yes, I would recommend this to a friend
Images shared by mbryan777
Yellow Belly Sapsucker with Nikon 28-300mm
(3 of 3 customers found this review helpful)
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Pros
- Consistent Output
- Durable
- Excellent 28-300 range
- FX lens
- Minimal Distortion
- Nice Bokeh
- Sharp
- Strong Construction
Cons
- Chromatic aberration
- Heavy
- Slow Focus
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Outdoor events games
- Sports/Action
- Wildlife Photos
Comments about Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 28-300mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR Zoom Lens:
This is a really good lens. I have replaced/sold my other lenses with this one (18-55) and (70-300). Although this later one I was sad to let go since it is an excellent lens.
There are no truly all-in-one lenses since with every lens you have you loose and gain some features. This is "for me" the perfect travel lens since I can now replace two other lenses with this one. It is an FX lens which makes it very useful to use with FX cameras as well as DX cameras. It actually behaves very well in low light but don't expect miracles.
One thing to notice is the chromatic aberration is significant after 200mm, but again this can be corrected with SW
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Durable
- Easily Interchangeable
- Nice Bokeh
- Very flexible
Cons
- Slow Focus
Best Uses
- Can carry just 1 lens
- Landscape/Scenery
- Macro Photography
- Wildlife Photos
Comments about Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 28-300mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR Zoom Lens:
Remember what this lens is for. To give you the most flexibility with the least compromise when you only want to carry around one lens. I have had 2 outings with it and my Nikon D700. For FX users. Carried it all afternoon at a famous estate and gardens. Shot everything from near macro close ups of insects on flowers to wide angle landscapes. Good for birding too. Autofocus a little slow compared to a prime focus or my 24-70 or the classic 70-200mm. Maybe tough for sports action, haven't tried it yet.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Bottom Line Yes, I would recommend this to a friend
Images shared by BobV
Near Macro capability
Images shared by BobV
Wide Angle Landscape
(1 of 1 customers found this review helpful)
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- You may also flag this review
Pros
- Consistent Output
Cons
- Lens Creep
Best Uses
- Street photography
Comments about Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 28-300mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR Zoom Lens:
This is a go anywhere, shoot anything daytime lens. And lightroom can correct for any deficiencies with distortion, etc. Worthwhile travel/street lens.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
Cons
- Blurry Focus
Best Uses
Comments about Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 28-300mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR Zoom Lens:
I purchased this lens as a travel around "one-size-fits-all" for outside and daylight.
The focus is extremely soft everywhere but 28mm.
I see some others have reported the same soft focus issue while many have said it's sharp.
I guess i'll stick with my heavier bag full of pro-kit lenses or maybe I'll try another example to confirm.
So much for the travel light idea.
Bummer
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Durable
- Easily Interchangeable
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Fast lens
- Strong Construction
Cons
- A little Heavy
- Heavy
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Sports/Action
Comments about Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 28-300mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR Zoom Lens:
Stays on my camera at all times.
Works great even in low light conditions.A little on the heavy side. Weighs in just under 2 pounds
- Was this a gift?:
- No
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