Canon EF 75-300mm f-5.6 III
Score: 58/100
Nikon 55-200mm Zoom Lens
Score: 69/100Rankings
Nikon's 55-200 mm f/4-5.6G ED IF AF-S DX VR lens provides a versatile telephoto range with effective 4-stop vibration reduction in a compact, retractable design. Softness at the 200 mm end and a plastic build detract from its otherwise strong value. Ideal for budget-conscious DX users needing a lightweight zoom for travel and general photography.
The Canon EF 75-300mm f/4-5.6 III is a lightweight, budget-friendly telephoto zoom offering solid reach. Its trade-offs include a sluggish micro-motor AF, lack of stabilization, and softer optics at the long end. Best suited for beginners and casual shooters needing portable telephoto capability.
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
| ↓ lower better | 1.5 m | 1.1 mbest |
| ↓ lower better | 480 g | 335 gbest |
4best | 3.6 | |
7best | — | |
0.3 | 0.3best | |
13best | — | |
9best | — | |
58 mmbest | — |
Click an attribute name to sort · Green = best, red = worst (relative to this comparison)
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
Compatibility(1) | ||
Lens Mount | Canon EF | Nikon F |
Features(3) | ||
Image Stabilization | false | true |
Autofocus Type | Micro motor | SWM |
Focus Type | AF | auto/manual |
Optics(5) | ||
Focal Length (mm) | 75-300 mm | 55-200 mm |
Maximum Aperture (f‑stop) | 4-5.6 | 4.0-5.6 |
Minimum Focus Distance (m) | 1.5 m | 1.1 m |
Zoom Ratio | 4 | 3.64 |
Macro Ratio | 0.25 | 0.289 |
Build & Design(3) | ||
Weight (g) | 480 g | 335 g |
Length (mm) | 122 mm | 78.7 mm |
Maximum Diameter (mm) | 71 mm | 68.6 mm |
Products in the top-left offer the best value (high score, low price).
Professional reviewers describe the EF 75-300mm f/4-5.6 III as Canon's basic, budget-friendly long zoom. They commend its ultra-light weight and compact form factor, but repeatedly note the sluggish micro-motor autofocus, modest build quality, and average optical performance, especially the softness and reduced contrast at the 300 mm end.
Everyday users love the lens for its portability and inexpensive telephoto reach, often mentioning how easy it is to pack for travel and wildlife outings. However, they commonly complain about the slow, noisy autofocus, the absence of stabilization, plastic feel, and noticeable softness at the long end, which detracts from image quality in low-light or high-magnification scenarios.
“"4-stop Vibration Reduction system enables handheld shooting at slow shutter speeds, improving low-light performance."”
“"Compact, retractable design reduces storage size and keeps lens weight at only 300 g for easy portability."”
“"Noticeable softness and loss of sharpness at the 200mm focal length, especially when shooting wide open."”
Professional reviewers consistently highlight the lens's exceptional value, compact build, and effective 4-stop VR, noting very good sharpness through most of the zoom range. However, they point out a clear weakness at 200mm where sharpness falls off, as well as chromatic aberration at the extremes, slower autofocus, and a plastic construction that feels cheap. The lack of advanced VR modes is also mentioned as a limitation for demanding shooting scenarios.
Everyday users echo the professional praise for value, lightweight design, and VR performance, often calling the lens a great addition to kit setups for travel and general photography. Common praise centers on sharp center performance and portability. Recurring complaints mirror the expert critiques, focusing on softness at 200mm, plastic build quality, and sluggish autofocus, with several users noting the limited VR mode options.
