Nikon 55-300mm Zoom Lens
Score: 78/100
Canon EF 50mm f.8 STM
Score: 77/100Rankings
The Nikon 55-300mm f/4.5-5.6G ED VR provides a broad 5.5× zoom and solid VR II for DX-format cameras. Zoom creep and slower AF can hinder fast-action shooting, and edge softness remains at the long end. Best suited for entry-level DX users seeking affordable telephoto versatility.
The Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM is a compact, fast prime lens delivering excellent low-light performance and quiet autofocus. Its trade-offs include softness at the widest aperture, a plasticky body, and no weather sealing. Ideal for beginners, portrait shooters, and video creators seeking a lightweight, affordable fast lens.
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
— | 50 mmbest | |
— | 1.8best | |
| ↓ lower better | 1.4 m | 0.35 mbest |
| ↓ lower better | 580 g | 159 gbest |
5.5best | — | |
9best | 7 | |
0.3best | 0.2 | |
17best | 6 |
Click an attribute name to sort · Green = best, red = worst (relative to this comparison)
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
Compatibility(2) | ||
Lens Mount | Nikon F-Bayonet | Canon EF |
Mount Compatibility | DX | Full-Frame, APS-C |
Features(2) | ||
Autofocus Type | AF-S | STM |
Focus Type | Auto | AF |
Optics(8) | ||
Focal Length (mm) | 55-300 mm | 50 mm |
Maximum Aperture (f‑stop) | 4.5-5.6 | 1.8 |
Minimum Focus Distance (m) | 1.4 m | 0.35 m |
Macro Ratio | 0.28 | 0.21 |
Number of Optical Elements | 17 | 6 |
Number of Optical Groups | 11 | 5 |
Diaphragm Blades | 9 | 7 |
Coating | Super Integrated Coating | Super Spectra |
Build & Design(4) | ||
Filter Thread Size (mm) | 58 mm | 49 mm |
Weight (g) | 580 g | 159 g |
Length (mm) | 123 mm | 39.3 mm |
Maximum Diameter (mm) | 77 mm | 69.2 mm |
Products in the top-left offer the best value (high score, low price).
Professional reviewers commend the Nikon 55-300mm for its generous reach, quiet Silent Wave Motor, and effective VR II stabilization, noting that the ED and HRI elements keep chromatic aberration low. However, they criticize the soft corner performance at 300mm, slower autofocus compared to higher-end telephotos, and diffraction limits when stopping down beyond f/16.
Everyday users love the lens for its lightweight, travel-friendly design, solid VR performance, and ability to get close-up shots of insects, but they repeatedly mention zoom creep, slower AF for action, and noticeable softness in the telephoto corners as recurring pain points.
“Users praise sharp distant shots for sports/wildlife, effective VR for handheld telephoto, compact size/weight for travel, and close focus for insects (e.g., 3-inch field at 300mm).”
“Common complaints include zoom creep/wiggle, slow AF for action, soft 300mm corners, filter rotation, and VR less effective on tripod without sensing.”
Professional reviewers describe the EF 50mm f/1.8 STM as a surprisingly capable "nifty fifty" that delivers excellent color balance, sharpness when stopped down, and a quiet STM motor that makes it video-friendly. They note the upgraded metal mount and Super Spectra coatings improve durability and reduce flare, though they acknowledge persistent softness at f/1.8 and the absence of weather sealing.
Everyday users love the lens for its pocketable weight, sharp portrait and low-light results, and value as an entry-level prime. Common complaints focus on softness and vignetting at the widest aperture, the plasticky feel of the body, lack of weather sealing, and occasional AF noise in very quiet video recordings.
