Nikon AF-S 55-300mm f/4.5-5.6 VR
Score: 72/100
Sigma 105mm f/2.8 Macro Nikon
Score: 82/100Rankings
The Sigma 105mm f/2.8 EX DG OS HSM Macro offers superb sharpness, true 1:1 magnification, and effective optical stabilization, making it a strong choice for macro and portrait work. Its bulk, lack of a tripod collar, and occasional focus hunting are the main compromises.
The Nikon AF-S DX 55-300 mm f/4.5-5.6G ED VR is a budget-friendly telephoto zoom that delivers solid image quality and useful vibration reduction for DX-format shooters. Its plastic construction and slower AF make it less suitable for demanding professional use.
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
| ↓ lower better | 55 mmbest | 105 mm |
300 mmbest | 105 mm | |
| ↓ lower better | 4.5 f | 2.8 fbest |
| ↓ lower better | 580 gbest | 726 g |
| ↓ lower better | 123 mmbest | 126.4 mm |
| ↓ lower better | 140 cm | 31.2 cmbest |
0.28 x | 1 xbest | |
12 months | 48 monthsbest |
Click an attribute name to sort · Green = best, red = worst (relative to this comparison)
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
Mount & Compatibility(2) | ||
Mount Type | F-mount | Nikon F |
Autofocus Motor Type | SWM | HSM |
Optical(6) | ||
Focal Length (Min) (mm) | 55 mm | 105 mm |
Focal Length (Max) (mm) | 300 mm | 105 mm |
Maximum Aperture (f-number) (f) | 4.5 f | 2.8 f |
Minimum Focus Distance (cm) | 140 cm | 31.2 cm |
Maximum Magnification Ratio (x) | 0.28 x | 1.0 x |
Coating Type | Super Integrated Coating | Super Multi-Layer Coating |
Build & Durability(1) | ||
Warranty Period (months) | 12 months | 48 months |
Physical(3) | ||
Weight (g) | 580 g | 726 g |
Length (mm) | 123 mm | 126.4 mm |
Filter Thread Diameter (mm) | 58 mm | 62 mm |
Products in the top-left offer the best value (high score, low price).
Professional reviewers commend the lens for delivering sharp, high-contrast images across most of its range and for its effective VR II system, while noting the slower AF motor and lack of full-time manual focus.
Everyday users appreciate the lightweight build, long reach, and VR performance, but complain about sluggish low-light autofocus and the extending barrel that invites dust.
Professional reviewers laud the Sigma 105mm f/2.8 Macro for its outstanding sharpness, effective optical stabilization, and versatile 1:1 magnification, noting that the rounded 9-blade diaphragm yields pleasing bokeh for both macro and portrait applications. They point out the older EX design, absence of a tripod collar, and minor corner softness at the widest aperture as drawbacks.
Everyday users overwhelmingly praise the lens for its sharpness, creamy bokeh, and the usefulness of optical stabilization in handheld macro shooting. The build quality and splash-proof construction receive positive remarks, while the lack of a tripod collar and occasional autofocus quirks are the most common complaints.
