Sigma 70-300mm f/4-5.6 Macro
Score: 66/100
Nikon AF-S 55-300mm f/4.5-5.6 VR
Score: 72/100Rankings
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 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 | 70 mm | 55 mmbest |
300 mmbest | 300 mmbest | |
| ↓ lower better | 4 fbest | 4.5 f |
| ↓ lower better | 540 gbest | 580 g |
| ↓ lower better | 119 mmbest | 123 mm |
| ↓ lower better | 95 cmbest | 140 cm |
0.5 xbest | 0.28 x | |
— | 12 monthsbest |
Click an attribute name to sort · Green = best, red = worst (relative to this comparison)
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
Performance(1) | ||
Image Stabilization | false | true |
Mount & Compatibility(2) | ||
Mount Type | Nikon F | F-mount |
Autofocus Motor Type | Motorized | SWM |
Optical(5) | ||
Focal Length (Min) (mm) | 70 mm | 55 mm |
Maximum Aperture (f-number) (f) | 4 f | 4.5 f |
Minimum Focus Distance (cm) | 95 cm | 140 cm |
Maximum Magnification Ratio (x) | 0.5 x | 0.28 x |
Coating Type | Super Multi-Layer | Super Integrated Coating |
Physical(2) | ||
Weight (g) | 540 g | 580 g |
Length (mm) | 119 mm | 123 mm |
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.
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.
“macro feature ... calling it a "hidden gem" for close-up nature and product shots.”
“softness at 300 mm is the most common critique”
