Nikon AF-S 55-300mm f/4.5-5.6 VR
Score: 72/100
Sigma 18-35mm F1.8 Art
Score: 57/100Rankings
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 18-35mm f/1.8 DC HSM Art is a fast, constant-aperture zoom lens for APS-C Canon DSLRs, offering prime-like sharpness, robust build, and versatile focal range, but it lacks weather sealing and image stabilization.
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
| ↓ lower better | 55 mm | 18 mmbest |
300 mmbest | 35 mm | |
| ↓ lower better | 4.5 f | 1.8 fbest |
| ↓ lower better | 580 gbest | 810 g |
| ↓ lower better | 123 mm | 121 mmbest |
| ↓ lower better | 140 cm | 28 cmbest |
0.28 xbest | 0.23 x | |
12 monthsbest | 12 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 | Canon EF |
Autofocus Motor Type | SWM | Hyper Sonic Motor |
Optical(6) | ||
Focal Length (Min) (mm) | 55 mm | 18 mm |
Focal Length (Max) (mm) | 300 mm | 35 mm |
Maximum Aperture (f-number) (f) | 4.5 f | 1.8 f |
Minimum Focus Distance (cm) | 140 cm | 28 cm |
Maximum Magnification Ratio (x) | 0.28 x | 0.23 x |
Coating Type | Super Integrated Coating | Super Multi-Layer Coating |
Physical(3) | ||
Weight (g) | 580 g | 810 g |
Length (mm) | 123 mm | 121 mm |
Filter Thread Diameter (mm) | 58 mm | 72 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 18-35mm f/1.8 Art as a groundbreaking APS-C zoom, emphasizing its constant f/1.8 aperture, razor-sharp optics, and solid construction. DPReview gave it an 86/100 score, while Photo Review highlighted its value. Photography Life praised its build and cold-weather performance but flagged inconsistent autofocus on Nikon mounts.
Everyday users overwhelmingly praise the lens's image quality, especially the sharpness and smooth bokeh at f/1.8, and its versatility for video and travel. Common complaints revolve around autofocus hunting in dim light, occasional focus-calibration drift, and the lens's heft on smaller bodies.
