Nikon 55-300mm Zoom Lens
Score: 78/100
Panasonic LUMIX G 25mm
Score: 79/100Rankings
The Panasonic LUMIX G 25mm f/1.7 ASPH is an ultra-compact, fast-aperture prime that delivers sharp images and quiet autofocus. It lacks weather sealing, image stabilization, and its corner performance drops at the widest aperture. Ideal for street, portrait and low-light shooters who prioritize size and speed over ruggedness.
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.
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
— | 25 mmbest | |
— | 1.7best | |
| ↓ lower better | 1.4 m | 0.25 mbest |
| ↓ lower better | 580 g | 125 gbest |
5.5best | — | |
9best | 7 | |
0.3best | — | |
17best | 8 |
Click an attribute name to sort · Green = best, red = worst (relative to this comparison)
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
Compatibility(1) | ||
Lens Mount | Nikon F-Bayonet | Micro Four Thirds |
Features(1) | ||
Autofocus Type | AF-S | Stepping motor |
Optics(7) | ||
Focal Length (mm) | 55-300 mm | 25 mm |
Maximum Aperture (f‑stop) | 4.5-5.6 | 1.7 |
Minimum Focus Distance (m) | 1.4 m | 0.25 m |
Number of Optical Elements | 17 | 8 |
Number of Optical Groups | 11 | 7 |
Diaphragm Blades | 9 | 7 |
Coating | Super Integrated Coating | None |
Build & Design(5) | ||
Filter Thread Size (mm) | 58 mm | 46 mm |
Weight (g) | 580 g | 125 g |
Length (mm) | 123 mm | 52 mm |
Maximum Diameter (mm) | 77 mm | 60.8 mm |
Construction Material | Polycarbonate | Plastic barrel, metal mount |
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.”
“so light... not even perceive the extra weight”
Professional reviewers praise the lens for its delightfully lightweight and well-built feel, fast f/1.7 aperture, and quiet stepping-motor autofocus that suits both stills and video. They also note the high-quality aspherical/UHR optics that keep aberrations low. However, they criticize the lack of weather sealing, image stabilization, and the soft corner performance at the widest aperture, as well as the absence of a mechanical focus coupling.
Everyday users love how portable and light the lens feels, often describing it as "pancake-like" and "so light… not even perceive the extra weight." They appreciate the fast aperture for indoor and low-light shooting and the quiet AF for video. Common complaints focus on its fragility without weather sealing, occasional flare, and the inability to focus closely for macro work.
