Nikon 55-300mm Zoom Lens
Score: 78/100
Sigma 18-35mm F1.8 Black
Score: 76/100Rankings
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 Sigma 18-35mm f/1.8 Art delivers exceptional low-light performance and razor-sharp images thanks to its fast constant aperture and sophisticated optical formula. However, it lacks image stabilization, is quite heavy (810 g), and offers no weather sealing. It is aimed at professionals and enthusiasts demanding top image quality on APS-C Canon bodies.
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
| ↓ lower better | 1.4 mbest | — |
| ↓ lower better | 580 gbest | 810 g |
5.5best | 1.9 | |
9best | 9best | |
0.3best | 0.2 | |
17best | 17best | |
11 | 12best | |
58 mm | 72 mmbest |
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 | Canon EF (APS-C) |
Features(3) | ||
Image Stabilization | true | false |
Autofocus Type | AF-S | HSM |
Focus Type | Auto | Autofocus (Hyper Sonic Motor - HSM, internal focusing) |
Optics(6) | ||
Focal Length (mm) | 55-300 mm | 18-35 mm |
Maximum Aperture (f‑stop) | 4.5-5.6 | 1.8-16 |
Zoom Ratio | 5.5 | 1.94 |
Macro Ratio | 0.28 | 0.23 |
Number of Optical Groups | 11 | 12 |
Coating | Super Integrated Coating | Super Multi-Layer Coating |
Build & Design(5) | ||
Filter Thread Size (mm) | 58 mm | 72 mm |
Weight (g) | 580 g | 810 g |
Length (mm) | 123 mm | 121 mm |
Maximum Diameter (mm) | 77 mm | 78 mm |
Construction Material | Polycarbonate | Thermally Stable Composite (TSC) material, brass bayonet 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.”
Professional reviewers commend the Sigma 18-35mm f/1.8 as a revolutionary zoom that delivers prime-like sharpness, exceptional low-light performance, and a fast, quiet HSM focus system, positioning it as the fastest constant-aperture APS-C zoom on the market. However, they caution that its lack of stabilization, relatively heavy build, and limited focal range keep it from being a universal replacement for more versatile lenses.
Everyday users overwhelmingly praise the lens for its low-light brightness, buttery bokeh, and razor-sharp images straight from the camera, often calling it a game-changer for portrait and video work. Recurring complaints focus on the lens's weight, front-heavy feel, and the absence of image stabilization, which some find limiting for handheld video and longer shooting sessions.
