Nikon AF-S 55-300mm f/4.5-5.6 VR
Score: 72/100
Sigma 150
Score: 52/100Rankings
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.
The Sigma 150-600mm f/5-6.3 DG OS HSM Contemporary is a super-telephoto zoom lens for full-frame DSLRs that balances reach, sharpness, and affordability, offering optical stabilization and a lighter build compared with its Sports counterpart.
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
| ↓ lower better | 55 mmbest | 150 mm |
300 mm | 600 mmbest | |
| ↓ lower better | 4.5 fbest | 5 f |
| ↓ lower better | 580 gbest | 1,928 g |
| ↓ lower better | 123 mmbest | 260.1 mm |
| ↓ lower better | 140 cmbest | 280 cm |
0.28 xbest | 0.2 x | |
12 monthsbest | 12 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 | 150 mm |
Focal Length (Max) (mm) | 300 mm | 600 mm |
Maximum Aperture (f-number) (f) | 4.5 f | 5.0 f |
Minimum Focus Distance (cm) | 140 cm | 280 cm |
Maximum Magnification Ratio (x) | 0.28 x | 0.20 x |
Coating Type | Super Integrated Coating | Super Multi‑Layer Coating |
Physical(3) | ||
Weight (g) | 580 g | 1928 g |
Length (mm) | 123 mm | 260.1 mm |
Filter Thread Diameter (mm) | 58 mm | 95 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 consistently praise the lens for its outstanding value-to-performance ratio, highlighting its excellent sharpness, fast HSM autofocus, and effective optical stabilization. PCMag gave it a 4.5/5 rating and named it Editors' Choice, while noting minor distortion and chromatic aberration as trade-offs.
Everyday users echo the professional sentiment, lauding the lens for delivering sharp, detailed images and reliable autofocus at a price that feels fair for the reach. Common praise centers on the built-in tripod collar, hood, and the ability to shoot handheld thanks to stabilization. Recurring complaints focus on the lens's weight, partial weather sealing, and the difficulty of using filters due to the extending front element.
