Nikon 55-300mm Zoom Lens
Score: 78/100
Sigma 16mm f.4
Score: 82/100Rankings
The Sigma 16mm f/1.4 DC DN Contemporary offers a fast 16 mm focal length with excellent low-light capability and quiet stepping AF. Corner softness at the widest aperture and its relatively large size are trade-offs. Perfect for Sony APS-C shooters needing a bright wide-angle prime for street and video work.
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 | | |
|---|---|---|
— | 16 mmbest | |
— | 1.4best | |
| ↓ lower better | 1.4 m | 0.25 mbest |
| ↓ lower better | 580 g | 405 gbest |
5.5best | — | |
9best | 9best | |
0.3best | 0.1 | |
17best | 16 |
Click an attribute name to sort · Green = best, red = worst (relative to this comparison)
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
Compatibility(2) | ||
Lens Mount | Nikon F-Bayonet | Sony E |
Mount Compatibility | DX | Sony E |
Features(2) | ||
Image Stabilization | true | false |
Autofocus Type | AF-S | Stepping |
Optics(7) | ||
Focal Length (mm) | 55-300 mm | 16 mm |
Maximum Aperture (f‑stop) | 4.5-5.6 | 1.4 |
Minimum Focus Distance (m) | 1.4 m | 0.25 m |
Macro Ratio | 0.28 | 0.1 |
Number of Optical Elements | 17 | 16 |
Number of Optical Groups | 11 | 13 |
Coating | Super Integrated Coating | Super multi-layer coating |
Build & Design(5) | ||
Weather Sealing | false | true |
Filter Thread Size (mm) | 58 mm | 67 mm |
Weight (g) | 580 g | 405 g |
Length (mm) | 123 mm | 92.3 mm |
Maximum Diameter (mm) | 77 mm | 72.2 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.
Professional reviewers commend the Sigma 16mm f/1.4 for its impressive center sharpness, bright aperture and quiet stepping AF, calling it a high-value option for Sony APS-C shooters. They note that while the lens excels in low-light and offers smooth bokeh, its corner performance at f/1.4 and occasional AF hunting in dim conditions are drawbacks, though in-camera distortion correction mitigates barrel distortion.
Everyday users generally praise the lens for its sharp images, pleasing bokeh, compact build and reliable AF in good light, appreciating the weather-sealed design for outdoor use. Recurring complaints focus on soft corners when wide open, AF inconsistency in low-light or close-up scenarios, and the lens being a bit bulkier than ultra-compact alternatives.
“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.”
