Nikon NIKKOR 55-200mm f/4-5.6 VR
Score: 74/100
Sigma 70-300mm f/4-5.6 Macro
Score: 66/100Rankings
The Nikon AF-S DX 55-200mm f/4-5.6G ED VR II is a lightweight, retractable telephoto zoom aimed at APS-C users. It offers solid optical performance, VR, and a silent AF motor, though its plastic construction and lack of weather sealing limit rugged use.
The Sigma 70-300mm f/4-5.6 DG Macro offers an affordable telephoto zoom with a 1:2 macro capability, suitable for full-frame and APS-C DSLRs. While it provides decent sharpness at shorter focal lengths, it suffers from softness at the long end, vignetting, and lacks image stabilization.
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
| ↓ lower better | 55 mmbest | 70 mm |
200 mm | 300 mmbest | |
| ↓ lower better | 4 fbest | 4 fbest |
| ↓ lower better | 335 gbest | 540 g |
| ↓ lower better | 100 mmbest | 119 mm |
| ↓ lower better | 110 cm | 95 cmbest |
0.23 x | 0.5 xbest | |
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(1) | ||
Autofocus Motor Type | Silent Wave Motor | Motorized |
Optical(5) | ||
Focal Length (Min) (mm) | 55 mm | 70 mm |
Focal Length (Max) (mm) | 200 mm | 300 mm |
Minimum Focus Distance (cm) | 110 cm | 95 cm |
Maximum Magnification Ratio (x) | 0.23 x | 0.5 x |
Coating Type | Super Spectra | Super Multi-Layer |
Physical(3) | ||
Weight (g) | 335 g | 540 g |
Length (mm) | 100 mm | 119 mm |
Filter Thread Diameter (mm) | 52 mm | 58 mm |
Professional reviewers commend the lens for its portability, solid optical performance and the addition of VR, while noting the plastic mount and lack of a built-in hood as drawbacks.
Everyday users love the lightweight travel companion and effective VR, but complain about the missing hood, cheap plastic feel, and reduced sharpness at 200 mm wide open.
Professional reviewers praise the lens for its sharpness at the wide end and mid-range, the inclusion of SLD glass, and the rare 1:2 macro capability at an entry-level price. However, they consistently note corner softness at full telephoto, noticeable vignetting on full-frame, slow autofocus and the absence of stabilization, making it more of a walk-around lens than a professional workhorse.
Everyday users love the macro function, the reach for wildlife and travel, and the reliable performance of the built-in motor on Nikon entry-level DSLRs. Common complaints revolve around softness at the long end, autofocus hunting, occasional internal haze, and the lack of image stabilization, but most owners consider the lens a durable, good-value tool for hobbyist photography.
“Perfect travel companion”
“Great for beginners”
“macro feature ... calling it a "hidden gem" for close-up nature and product shots.”
