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Nikon 70-300mm Zoom Lens — Review & Specs | Pricepect | Pricepect

Home Camera LensesNikon 70-300mm Zoom Lens

Nikon 70-300mm Zoom Lens — image 1

Nikon

Nikon 70-300mm Zoom Lens

Expert Review Analysis

The Nikon AF‑S VR Zoom‑Nikkor 70‑300mm f/4.5‑5.6G IF‑ED is a compact, lightweight telephoto zoom lens offering a versatile 70‑300mm range (105‑450mm equivalent on DX) with VR II stabilization, a Silent Wave Motor, and two ED elements for improved image quality. It balances portability and performance, making it a popular choice for wildlife, sports, and travel photography on both DX and FX Nikon bodies.

✓ Best for: Beginner‑to‑intermediate Nikon DSLR or mirrorless shooters who need an affordable, lightweight telephoto reach (up to 450 mm equivalent on DX) for wildlife, sports, travel, and portrait work in good lighting conditions.✗ Not ideal for: Professionals or advanced enthusiasts who require constant f/4 aperture, robust weather sealing, or the fastest modern AF‑P performance, as well as users who frequently shoot at 300 mm in low‑light or need true macro capability.

Pros

✓Compact and lightweight design at only 745 g makes it easy to carry for travel and handheld shooting.
✓VR II image stabilization provides up to 2.5‑4 stops of shake reduction, enabling handheld telephoto work.

Price History

Current

$238.00

Average

$428.97

Lowest

$169.00

Highest

$649.00

Good Deal — 45% below average

Price trend (90d):-51.3%

Best Seller Rank History

Now#391Best#75Worst#1,160 -253

Lower = better sales rank

Specifications

Camera

Focal Length Range70-300 mm

Zoom Ratio4.3x

Maximum Aperturef/4.5-5.6

Minimum Aperturef/32

Minimum Focus Distance1.5 m mm

Design

Height80 mm mm

Width80 mm mm

Length144 mm mm

Weight745 g g

Filter Size67 mm mm

Features

Image StabilizationVR II

AutofocusAF-S (Silent Wave Motor) with manual focus override

Internal FocusingYes

Super Integrated CoatingYes

Distance InformationYes

General

BrandNikon

Model70-300mm f/4.5-5.6G ED IF AF-S VR Nikkor

Release Date2006-10-25

Warranty1 year

ColorBlack

Stabilization

VR II StopsProvides 2.5‑4 stops of shake reduction

Optical Coating

Super Integrated CoatingMinimizes flare and ghosting

Aperture

Diaphragm Blades9 rounded blades for smooth bokeh

Focusing

Internal FocusingLens does not change length while focusing

Additional Features

Distance InformationProvides distance data to camera

Dimensions & Weight

Height3.1496 inches

Width3.1496 inches

Depth5.66928 inches

Weight1.6424438519 pounds

Research Sources

imaging.nikon.com

photographylife.com

bhphotovideo.com

kenrockwell.com

imaging-resource.com

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User Reviews

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4.5

(1,540 reviews)

$238.00

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2161Black 1 year coverage for parts

✓

Silent Wave Motor (AF‑S) delivers fast, quiet autofocus with manual focus override.

✓Two ED glass elements and Super Integrated Coating effectively control chromatic aberration and flare.

✓9 rounded diaphragm blades produce smooth, pleasing bokeh for subject isolation.

✓Versatile 70‑300 mm focal range (105‑450 mm equivalent on DX) covers wildlife, sports, and portrait needs.

✓Internal focusing ensures the lens does not change length while zooming, preserving balance.

Cons

✗Sharpness drops toward the edges and corners at the 300 mm end, especially when shot wide open.
✗Variable maximum aperture of f/4.5‑5.6 limits low‑light performance compared to constant‑aperture lenses.
✗Plastic construction of the barrel feels less premium and may be less durable under rough handling.
✗No weather sealing, so the lens is vulnerable to dust and moisture in adverse conditions.
✗Autofocus can hunt in dim lighting, making focus acquisition slower than newer AF‑P lenses.
✗Zoom extension limits macro capability despite a 0.25× maximum reproduction ratio.

From Expert Reviews

Praised by Experts

✓Photography Life praised the excellent center sharpness up to 200 mm and effective VR performance.
✓B&H highlighted the reliable AF‑S motor, 9‑blade rounded diaphragm, and overall portability for its price.
✓Nikon’s own marketing emphasized the VR II stabilization (2.5‑4 stops) and ED elements for aberration control.
✓Imaging Resource noted the useful 105‑450 mm DX equivalence for wildlife shooters on crop‑sensor bodies.

Criticized by Experts

✗Professional reviewers noted softness at the 300 mm edges and increased chromatic aberration in high‑contrast scenes.
✗The variable aperture was criticized for limiting low‑light capability compared to constant‑f/4 lenses.
✗Lack of weather sealing was mentioned as a drawback for demanding outdoor use.
✗Older AF‑S system may be slower than newer AF‑P motors on newer Nikon bodies.

From User Reviews

Users Love

✓Users appreciate the lens’s sharp images for wildlife and birds when combined with VR for handheld shooting.
✓Many customers like the lightweight feel (745 g) and compact size, fitting easily into travel bags.
✓The lens is praised for reliable and quick autofocus during sports, kids, and pet photography.
✓Value for money is frequently mentioned, offering telephoto reach without the high price of professional lenses.

Users Complain About

✗Everyday users report noticeable softness and chromatic aberration at 300 mm, especially toward the frame edges.
✗Focus inconsistency in low‑light situations is a common complaint among hobbyists.
✗The plastic mount and barrel are perceived as less durable, with some users fearing damage after drops.
✗Lack of weather sealing and limited macro capability are cited as drawbacks for outdoor enthusiasts.

Expert Opinion

Professional reviewers consider the Nikon 70‑300mm f/4.5‑5.6G VR a solid, budget‑friendly telephoto zoom. They commend its strong center sharpness, effective VR II stabilization, quiet AF‑S motor, and useful 9‑blade rounded diaphragm, while noting edge softness at 300 mm, variable aperture limitations, and the absence of weather sealing as the main compromises.

What Users Say

Everyday users love the lens for its lightweight portability, good sharpness on wildlife and sports subjects, and reliable autofocus, seeing it as great value for the price. Common frustrations revolve around edge softness and chromatic aberration at the long end, focus hunting in dim light, and concerns about the plastic build and lack of weather resistance.

Common Complaints

Edge softness and chromatic aberration at 300 mm, autofocus hunting in low‑light, plastic construction durability concerns, and the lack of weather sealing are the most frequently reported issues.

How It Compares

vs. Nikon AF-P 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6E ED VR

Advantages

✓Proven AF‑S motor works on all Nikon bodies, ensuring universal compatibility
✓Internal focusing and VR II provide reliable stabilization without extending the barrel

Disadvantages

✗Heavier (745 g) than the AF‑P version (680 g)
✗Older AF‑S may be slower and noisier than the newer AF‑P motor
✗No weather sealing while the AF‑P model offers weather‑resistant construction

Choose the AF‑S version for universal body compatibility and proven performance; choose the AF‑P version for lighter weight, faster AF and weather resistance.

vs. Tamron 70-300mm f/4-5.6 Di LD

Advantages

✓Our lens includes VR II stabilization, which Tamron lacks
✓Two ED elements and Super Integrated Coating give better control of chromatic aberration and flare
✓Internal focusing maintains balance during zoom

Disadvantages

✗Tamron is significantly lighter (≈435 g) and more compact
✗Tamron’s lower price point may appeal to strict budget shoppers

Select the Nikon lens when VR and superior optical control are priorities; select the Tamron when ultra‑lightweight portability and cost are more important.

vs. Sigma 70-300mm f/4-5.6 DG OS

Advantages

✓Nikon’s AF‑S motor provides reliable focus across all Nikon bodies
✓Slightly lighter (745 g vs 760 g) and features internal focusing

Disadvantages

✗Sigma’s Optical Stabilization offers comparable or slightly higher stop count (~4 stops)
✗Sigma provides a marginally higher maximum reproduction ratio (0.26×)

Opt for the Nikon lens for its proven AF‑S system and ED glass elements; opt for Sigma if you prefer slightly more stabilization stops and a marginally better macro ratio.

Rating Trend

Rating4.5/ 5Reviews1,540+48 reviews +0.10