Nikon AF-S 55-300mm f/4.5-5.6 VR
Score: 72/100
Sigma 30mm f/1.4 DC DN
Score: 78/100Rankings
The Sigma 30mm f/1.4 Contemporary delivers a bright aperture, excellent sharpness and quiet autofocus in a compact package for Sony APS-C bodies. It lacks weather sealing and built-in stabilization, and its focal length is fixed at a 45 mm equivalent, which may limit versatility.
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 | 30 mmbest |
300 mmbest | 30 mm | |
| ↓ lower better | 4.5 f | 1.4 fbest |
| ↓ lower better | 580 g | 265 gbest |
| ↓ lower better | 123 mm | 73.7 mmbest |
| ↓ lower better | 140 cm | 30 cmbest |
0.28 xbest | 0.143 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 |
Autofocus Motor Type | SWM | Stepping motor |
Optical(6) | ||
Focal Length (Min) (mm) | 55 mm | 30 mm |
Focal Length (Max) (mm) | 300 mm | 30 mm |
Maximum Aperture (f-number) (f) | 4.5 f | 1.4 f |
Minimum Focus Distance (cm) | 140 cm | 30 cm |
Maximum Magnification Ratio (x) | 0.28 x | 0.143 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 | 265 g |
Length (mm) | 123 mm | 73.7 mm |
Filter Thread Diameter (mm) | 58 mm | 52 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 rate the Sigma 30mm f/1.4 DC DN highly, highlighting its exceptional sharpness, fast aperture, and quiet autofocus, while noting the lack of weather sealing and its relatively larger size.
Overall sentiment is positive, praising razor-sharp images and creamy bokeh, with complaints about the absence of weather sealing and the lens's size.
