
Canon EF 75-300mm f/4-5.6 III
Score: 35/100
Nikon NIKKOR 55-200mm f/4-5.6 VR
Score: 74/100Rankings

The Nikon AF-S DX 55-200mm f/4-5.6G ED VR II is a lightweight, retractable telephoto zoom aimed at APS-C users. It offers solid optical performance, VR, and a silent AF motor, though its plastic construction and lack of weather sealing limit rugged use.

The Canon EF 75-300mm f/4-5.6 III USM is a budget-friendly telephoto zoom that offers a long reach in a lightweight plastic body. It delivers decent sharpness in the mid-range and quiet autofocus, but lacks stabilization and suffers from softness at the long end.
| Attribute | ![]() | ![]() |
|---|---|---|
| ↓ lower better | 75 mm | 55 mmbest |
300 mmbest | 200 mm | |
| ↓ lower better | 4 fbest | 4 fbest |
| ↓ lower better | 480 g | 335 gbest |
| ↓ lower better | 122 mm | 100 mmbest |
| ↓ lower better | 150 cm | 110 cmbest |
0.25 xbest | 0.23 x | |
12 monthsbest | 12 monthsbest |
Click an attribute name to sort · Green = best, red = worst (relative to this comparison)
| Attribute | ![]() | ![]() |
|---|---|---|
Performance(1) | ||
Image Stabilization | false | true |
Mount & Compatibility(2) | ||
Mount Type | Canon EF | Nikon F |
Autofocus Motor Type | Micro USM | Silent Wave Motor |
Optical(5) | ||
Focal Length (Min) (mm) | 75 mm | 55 mm |
Focal Length (Max) (mm) | 300 mm | 200 mm |
Maximum Aperture (f-number) (f) | 4.0 f | 4 f |
Minimum Focus Distance (cm) | 150 cm | 110 cm |
Maximum Magnification Ratio (x) | 0.25 x | 0.23 x |
Physical(3) | ||
Weight (g) | 480 g | 335 g |
Length (mm) | 122 mm | 100 mm |
Filter Thread Diameter (mm) | 58 mm | 52 mm |

Products in the top-left offer the best value (high score, low price).

Professional reviewers label the EF 75-300mm f/4-5.6 III as a solid budget consumer lens that excels in size, weight, and smooth zoom, delivering acceptable sharpness in the mid-range but note soft corners, distortion, and the absence of image stabilization as drawbacks.
Everyday users appreciate the low price, lightweight feel, and quiet autofocus, while complaining about softness at 300mm, lack of stabilization, and the cheap-feeling plastic construction.

“Great for beginners”

“Good value for the reach”

“Blurry at 300mm”




Professional reviewers commend the lens for its portability, solid optical performance and the addition of VR, while noting the plastic mount and lack of a built-in hood as drawbacks.
Everyday users love the lightweight travel companion and effective VR, but complain about the missing hood, cheap plastic feel, and reduced sharpness at 200 mm wide open.