Nikon AF-S 55-300mm f/4.5-5.6 VR
Score: 72/100
Sigma 16mm f/1.4 DC DN
Score: 83/100Rankings
The Sigma 16mm f/1.4 Contemporary delivers outstanding sharpness and a very fast aperture in a weather-sealed, compact package, making it a strong choice for APS-C shooters. Its lack of stabilization and some barrel distortion are the primary 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 mm | 16 mmbest |
300 mmbest | 16 mm | |
| ↓ lower better | 4.5 f | 1.4 fbest |
| ↓ lower better | 580 g | 405 gbest |
| ↓ lower better | 123 mm | 91.44 mmbest |
| ↓ lower better | 140 cm | 25 cmbest |
0.28 xbest | 0.101 x | |
12 months | 48 monthsbest |
Click an attribute name to sort · Green = best, red = worst (relative to this comparison)
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
Performance(1) | ||
Image Stabilization | true | false |
Mount & Compatibility(2) | ||
Mount Type | F-mount | Sony E-mount |
Autofocus Motor Type | SWM | Stepping motor |
Optical(6) | ||
Focal Length (Min) (mm) | 55 mm | 16 mm |
Focal Length (Max) (mm) | 300 mm | 16 mm |
Maximum Aperture (f-number) (f) | 4.5 f | 1.4 f |
Minimum Focus Distance (cm) | 140 cm | 25 cm |
Maximum Magnification Ratio (x) | 0.28 x | 0.101 x |
Coating Type | Super Integrated Coating | Sigma Super Multi-Layer Coating |
Build & Durability(1) | ||
Warranty Period (months) | 12 months | 48 months |
Physical(3) | ||
Weight (g) | 580 g | 405 g |
Length (mm) | 123 mm | 91.44 mm |
Filter Thread Diameter (mm) | 58 mm | 67 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.
“tack sharp photos, even when shot at f/1.4.”
“delivers a classic 24 mm equivalent on APS-C, making it ideal for street and documentary work.”
Professional reviewers rate the Sigma 16mm f/1.4 highly, giving it 9/10 from PC Magazine and 8/10 from Photography Blog. They commend its tack-sharp resolution at the maximum aperture, robust weather-sealed build, and fast, quiet AF, while noting barrel distortion and the absence of stabilization as the main compromises.
Everyday users consistently praise the lens for its sharpness, low-light capability, silent autofocus, and solid build quality. Common complaints revolve around front-heavy balance on small bodies, barrel distortion that needs correction, and the deep hood casting shadows.
