AF-S VR Zoom-Nikkor 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6G IF-ED
This high-power, high-performance 4.3x telephoto zoom with VR image stabilization lens allows better hand-held telephoto shooting ED glass.
$589.95*SRPSRP (Suggested Retail Price) listed only as a suggestion. Actual prices are set by dealers and are subject to change at any time.
Close
Supplied Accessories
- LC-67 67mm snap-on front lens cap
- LF-1 rear lens cap
- HB-36 bayonet hood
- CL-1022 flexible lens pouch
*Supplied accessories may differ depending on country or area.
AF-S VR Zoom-Nikkor 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6G IF-ED
194
194
Great lens for action and nature!
I bought this lens because I could not afford the 70-200 and actually the lens is very good and you get the added 100mm. This lens is not heavy, focus is fast and is easy to use. I use it for architectural detail shots, landscape, nature and sports. The VR works as designed and is priced right!
July 31, 2010
the price is right of what it takes
i just bought my
AF-S VR Zoom-Nikkor 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6G IF-ED
yesterday July 7,2012 and its great...
July 7, 2012
Not a pro
I have owned this lens for nearly a year now and shoot with a D5100 and am amazed by the difference between the kit lens and this wonderful piece of glass. Wonderful bokeh even at 300mm, Sharpness and VR...
I love this lens.
May 11, 2012
I Never Leave Home Without It!
The AF-S 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 is unequivocally the best modern telephoto zoom lens if you want a dedicated zoom tele with light weight and a moderate price.
This lens works perfectly on all Nikon digital cameras, along with most Nikon autofocus film cameras made before 1990. This lens is a G-type lens, meaning it has no aperture ring. It won't work on any manual focus camera.
The 70-300mm VR is very sharp with low distortion, an easy manual focus and a fast and accurate autofocus. The VR II, the new version of vibration reduction gives extremely sharp pictures. I've actually gone 4 stops sharper! I don't have to lug a tripod around. The autofocus is quiet and the instant manual focus is.......well, instantaneous.
This lens is perfect for fast action shooting such as sports. I wouldn't use this lens for indoor or outdoor low light shooting. The 70-200mm f/2.8 VR II is much faster in low light.
While the 70-300mm can be stopped down to f/32-40, my advice is don't! Diffraction will give you soft images at these f-stops. Diffraction is a softening effect similar to using a soft-focus filter or shooting through a window screen.
This lens does not produce any lateral chromatic aberration (LCA) with any modern Nikon model since 2006. Distortion on DX is non-existent. With FX cameras there is moderate distortion which can be corrected with Photoshop's lens distortion filter.
There is a phenomenon called falloff. Falloff occurs towards the corners of a DX frame and appears as darkened corners. While the 70-300mm has very little, I haven't seen any on my images. The 18-200mm VR by contrast has falloff at 200mm and f.5.6 on DX cameras. Falloff also occurs and maybe more noticeable on FX and film cameras.
There is no vignetting with this lens, even when I stacked several filters. There typically is no problem with film cameras either with stacked filters. If any vignetting does occur with a film camera, it will be at 100mm. If you're planning on using three or more stacked filters on a film camera, check there first.
There are no problems with flare and ghosting. This lens also has no problem with shadow created by a flash, even at the closest focus distance.
As for sharpness, the 70-300mm is sharp at most settings. It's normal for tele zooms to have the worst distortion at the long end. It is worse at f/11, but much better at f.16. Use f/8 if you can or f/16 if you want depth of field. At f/22 and f/32 there is diffraction, as with all lenses. There is no lens that can overcome the laws of physics.
In a quiet room you'll hear the VR running. It's noisy, but, this is normal. You will feel the VR system when it's working. The VR starts with a "klunk" and stops with a "klunk" after you release the shutter.
Many zoom lenses tightly pack the focal lengths together at one end of the scale. The 70-300mm VR has them evenly spaced and a big-fat zoom ring that is easy to use. There is a little focus shift while simultaneously zooming. The best technique with this lens is; zoom first then focus.
Of all Nikon's tele zooms the 70-300mm VR is the best compromise of size, weight, price and image quality. This lens is like the American Express card, I never leave home without it! This combination of performance, size and weight is my favorite to carry around all day.
April 17, 2012
Heavy but worth it.
Bought this to replace a kIt lens and am very happy with the purchase. Nice bokeh, quick and accurate focusing and sturdy, Sometimes does not read my mind as to focus points but other than that a wonderful lens.
April 3, 2012
44 Questions | 65 Answers
Product Q&A
Ask your questions. Share your answers.
44 Questions | 65 Answers
Have a new question?
Ask a new question Search the Product Forum
Has staff answer
AF-S VR Zoom-Nikkor 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6G IF-ED
2 Answers
i have a AF-S 55-200 lense on a D5000 camera, what lense will give me more zoom with the same quality picture?
9 months ago
by
Anonymous
Age: 45-54
Favorite Subject: Nature
Nikon Family: 2-5 years
Experience: 6-12 months
Role: Serious passion, hobbyist
2 Answers
Answers
Answer:
I believe so yes.I have a 55-200mm lens also and this one you will notice the difference with the 300mm range and I am surprise at the quality of the 200-300mm range photos-very good.
Sample Photos & Videos
Nov 7, 2011 by
by
AZ George
Arizona
Location :
Arizona
Age: Over 65
Favorite Subject: Nature
Nikon Family: 2-5 years
Experience: Less than a month
Role: Semi-professional photographer
Answer:
Please click on the link below for the lens simulator; it will help you to make the decision on what lens you need.http://www.nikonusa.com/Nikon-Produ...
AF-S VR Zoom-Nikkor 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6G IF-ED
2 Answers
Does the aperture change when zooming or is it fixed?
9 months ago
by
Anonymous
Age: 18-24
Favorite Subject: Family & Friends
Nikon Family: 0-1 years
Experience: Less than a month
Role: Just getting started with photography
2 Answers
Answers
Answer:
Except for the extreme ends (70mm & 300mm), it usually remains same over the entire zoom range.Answer:
It changes from 4.5 at wide end (70 mm) to 5.6 at tele end (300 mm)
Refurbished lenses only comes with 90 day warranty. New is four years thru Nikon... Hummm ($400.00 or $600.00 approx, difference in price). Any comments welcomed..Thanks.
9 months ago
by
Bren
Age: 55-65
Favorite Subject: Landscape
Nikon Family: 6-10 years
Experience: More than a year
Role: Occasional user, memory keeper
2 Answers
Answers
Answer:
You can probably find a 4 year warranty for less than $200, but even so, I'd get the new one if you can afford it.Oct 17, 2011 by
by
Conelight
Indianapolis
Location :
Indianapolis
Age: Under 18
Favorite Subject: Sports
Nikon Family: 0-1 years
Role: Serious passion, hobbyist
Answer:
If money isn't issue buy new. If not buy refurbished. :)
AF-S VR Zoom-Nikkor 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6G IF-ED
2 Answers
Does VR work on a D300S camera (af-s vr zoom-nikkor 70-300lens)?
3 months, 2 weeks ago
by
Anonymous
2 Answers
Answers
Answer:
The VR is in the lens not in the camera, so you can use it on any Nikon DSLR.Answer:
Yes
AF-S VR Zoom-Nikkor 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6G IF-ED
2 Answers
Is this lens good for taking pictures of my kid's soccer games?
I have a D51000 and I'd like a lens that allows me to zoom in on every tackle. Is this lens fast enough?
2 months, 1 week ago
by
MC
Favorite Subject: Sports
Experience: 1-3 months
Role: Occasional user, memory keeper
2 Answers
Answers
Answer:
Yes, if the games are played in the daytime. This lens will not work well for night soccer, because the maximum aperture is only f/5.6 when zoomed in.May 8, 2012 by
by
Arkayem
Savannah, GA, USA
Location :
Savannah, GA, USA
Age: 55-65
Favorite Subject: Portrait
Nikon Family: 21+ years
Experience: More than a year
Role: Professional photographer
Answer:
this is a very sharp lens .it has ed glass like the pros like. as long as you have good light u will be fine. if you r taking pictures at dark this will not be the correct lens for u.May 7, 2012 by
by
Anonymous
Age: 45-54
Favorite Subject: Portrait
Nikon Family: 2-5 years
Experience: More than a year
Role: Serious passion, hobbyist
AF-S VR Zoom-Nikkor 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6G IF-ED
1 answer
Is this the latest model for a 70-300 zoom lense?
I am curious to know about the year this was released and if this is the latest model in the line up of telephoto zoom lenses?
1 year, 3 months ago
by
ec_13
USA
1 answer
Answers
Answer:
I have two of these lenses. One, I purchased at work in 2007. The second I purchased in December, 2010 for my personal use.The newer model does provide clearer photos and better color contrast. I use the older lens with a D80 and the newer one with a D3100.
AF-S VR Zoom-Nikkor 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6G IF-ED
1 answer
Can someone give me a side by side demonstration of the significance of the additional 100 mm focal length?
I already have a 55-200 mm zoom but would like to get closer to wildlife subjects. Will this make a significant difference?
1 year, 2 months ago
by
JB
Maine
Location :
Maine
Age: 45-54
Favorite Subject: Nature
Nikon Family: 11-20 years
Role: Serious passion, hobbyist
1 answer
Answers
Answer:
Give this simulator a try, you can set what ever focal length you like plus a number of other things can be changed, it will then give you a comaprison between focal lengths.http://imaging.nikon.com/lineup/lens/simulator/index.htm
AF-S VR Zoom-Nikkor 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6G IF-ED
1 answer
AF-S VR Zoom-NIKKOR 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6G IF-ED. will this lense work for my nikon d500?
1 year, 2 months ago
by
jampj
montana
Location :
montana
Age: 45-54
Favorite Subject: Family & Friends
Nikon Family: 2-5 years
Experience: 6-12 months
Role: Occasional user, memory keeper
1 answer
Answers
Answer:
Do you mean D5000? If it is yes, "AF-S" lens work on all Nikon DSLR modelHas staff answer
AF-S VR Zoom-Nikkor 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6G IF-ED
1 answer
Would the AF-S VR Zoom-NIKKOR 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6G IF-ED work with a D3000?
1 year, 2 months ago
by
Antonio
Italy
Location :
Italy
Age: 45-54
Favorite Subject: Sports
Nikon Family: 2-5 years
Experience: More than a year
Role: Occasional user, memory keeper
1 answer
Answers
Answer:
Yes, this lens is compatible with the D3000.
AF-S VR Zoom-Nikkor 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6G IF-ED
1 answer
Would the AF-S VR Zoom-NIKKOR 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6G IF-ED work with a D40?
1 year, 1 month ago
by
Bob
Age: 55-65
Favorite Subject: Sports
Nikon Family: 11-20 years
Experience: More than a year
Role: Occasional user, memory keeper
1 answer
Answers
Answer:
Yes it will.
AF-S VR Zoom-Nikkor 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6G IF-ED
1 answer
Will the AF-S VR Zoom-Nikkor 70-300MM work with the D7000?
AF-S VR Zoom-NIKKOR
70-300mm f/4.5-5.6G IF-ED
Buying a Nikon D7000 and need advise on the first two or three NIKKOR lens I should acquire.
70-300mm f/4.5-5.6G IF-ED
Buying a Nikon D7000 and need advise on the first two or three NIKKOR lens I should acquire.
1 year, 1 month ago
by
Dfenn
Dallas, TX
Location :
Dallas, TX
Age: 55-65
Favorite Subject: Portrait
Nikon Family: 0-1 years
Experience: Less than a month
Role: Just getting started with photography
1 answer
Answers
Answer:
Yes it will.
AF-S VR Zoom-Nikkor 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6G IF-ED
1 answer
will AF-S VR Zoom-NIKKOR 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6G IF-ED work in th eD5100
1 year, 1 month ago
by
OSCAR
ARG
Location :
ARG
Age: 35-44
Favorite Subject: Travel
Nikon Family: 6-10 years
Experience: Less than a month
Role: Serious passion, hobbyist
1 answer
Answers
Answer:
YesHas staff answer
AF-S VR Zoom-Nikkor 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6G IF-ED
1 answer
Please list the teleconverters that will work with this lens
1 year, 1 month ago
by
Gary
St Louis
Location :
St Louis
Age: 25-34
Favorite Subject: Landscape
Nikon Family: 0-1 years
Experience: 3-6 months
Role: Occasional user, memory keeper
1 answer
Answers
Answer:
This lens is not compatible with any of our teleconverters since the rear elements of the lens will touch and may damage the elements in the teleconverter.
AF-S VR Zoom-Nikkor 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6G IF-ED
1 answer
will the AF-S VF ZOOM-Nikkor 70-300mm fit on the nikon d40?
Will the AF-S VF ZOOM-Nikkor 70-300 fit on the Nikon d40 camera?
How far does this lens extend the field of vision?
I have the AF-S NIKKOR 55-200 mm 1:4-t.6G ED, what is the advantage of the 70-300 mm over the one I currently have?
How far does this lens extend the field of vision?
I have the AF-S NIKKOR 55-200 mm 1:4-t.6G ED, what is the advantage of the 70-300 mm over the one I currently have?
1 year, 1 month ago
by
Art
Libertyville, Il
Location :
Libertyville, Il
Age: Over 65
Favorite Subject: Nature
Nikon Family: 6-10 years
Experience: More than a year
Role: Serious passion, hobbyist
1 answer
Answers
Answer:
Yes.
AF-S VR Zoom-Nikkor 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6G IF-ED
1 answer
Will the AF-S VR Zoom-Nikkor 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6G IF-ED work with my D3100?
AF-S VR Zoom-NIKKOR
70-300mm f/4.5-5.6G IF-ED
70-300mm f/4.5-5.6G IF-ED
1 year ago
by
Carol
Lakeland
Location :
Lakeland
Age: Over 65
Favorite Subject: Nature
Nikon Family: 0-1 years
Experience: 6-12 months
Role: Serious passion, hobbyist
1 answer
Answers
Answer:
Yes.Has staff answer
AF-S VR Zoom-Nikkor 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6G IF-ED
1 answer
I have a D300. is the AF-S VR Zoom-Nikkor 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6G IF-ED lens compatible ?
Jun 27, 2011 by
Has staff answer
1 year ago
by
Randy
San Francisco Bay Area
Location :
San Francisco Bay Area
Age: Over 65
Favorite Subject: Landscape
Nikon Family: 21+ years
Experience: More than 20 years
Role: Professional photographer
1 answer
Answers
Answer:
Yes, this lens is compatible with the D300.10 months ago
by
Anonymous
1 answer
Answers
Answer:
yes.Has staff answer
AF-S VR Zoom-Nikkor 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6G IF-ED
1 answer
is there a warranty on refurbished lenses?
9 months ago
by
Anonymous
1 answer
Answers
Answer:
The warranty for refurbished lenses is 90 days.
AF-S VR Zoom-Nikkor 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6G IF-ED
1 answer
What are the differences (other than zoom range) between this model and the AF-S DX NIKKOR 55-300mm f/4.5-5.6G ED VR?
Products related to my question
8 months ago
by
Rob
NJ
Location :
NJ
Age: 25-34
Favorite Subject: Portrait
Nikon Family: 2-5 years
Experience: More than a year
Role: Semi-professional photographer
1 answer
Answers
Answer:
55-300 DX model is for cropped censor camera (APS-C type) and 70-300 is for full frame camera. You can use both lens in APS-C camera, but can not use the DX lens in full frame camera (vignetting will occur)7 months ago
by
Pete
Texarkana, TX
Location :
Texarkana, TX
Age: 55-65
Favorite Subject: Landscape
Nikon Family: 2-5 years
Experience: Less than a month
Role: Semi-professional photographer
1 answer
Answers
Answer:
Its for changing the VR from, well, normal to active.
AF-S VR Zoom-Nikkor 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6G IF-ED
1 answer
Can you talk pictures with out a speedlight ?
With a lens cap on, can you talk pictures without the lens cap being in the way of the default flash ?
7 months ago
by
@TurnToKeyOn
Florida
Location :
Florida
Age: Under 18
Favorite Subject: Family & Friends
Nikon Family: 0-1 years
Experience: Less than a month
Role: Just getting started with photography
1 answer
Answers
Answer:
Scratching head as to what you are talking about and I think everyone else will be as well. Are you talking about the lens hood? Because if you have the lens cap on you won't get an image at all.6 months ago
by
Anonymous
Lac du Flambeau, WI
Location :
Lac du Flambeau, WI
Age: 55-65
Favorite Subject: Nature
Nikon Family: 21+ years
Experience: More than a year
Role: Serious passion, hobbyist
1 answer
Answers
Answer:
No it won't work with a teleconverter.You can go to Nikon USA/-Lenses/-Teleconverters & find a chart telling which lenses will work with which teleconverters & anything else you might like to know. It is a very good & easy to navigate website
Hope this was helpfull.
Jan 13, 2012 by
by
Buster
South Oregon coast
Location :
South Oregon coast
Age: Over 65
Favorite Subject: Nature
Nikon Family: 21+ years
Experience: More than a year
Role: Serious passion, hobbyist
5 months, 2 weeks ago
by
ebe2407
UB
Location :
UB
Age: 18-24
Favorite Subject: Landscape
Nikon Family: 2-5 years
Experience: More than a year
Role: Serious passion, hobbyist
1 answer
Answers
Answer:
Yes5 months, 1 week ago
by
Anonymous
Age: 25-34
Favorite Subject: Travel
Nikon Family: 2-5 years
Experience: 3-6 months
Role: Serious passion, hobbyist
1 answer
Answers
Answer:
yesHas staff answer
AF-S VR Zoom-Nikkor 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6G IF-ED
1 answer
what are the best zoom lenses for a Nikon D-60
Feb 18, 2012 by
Has staff answer
4 months, 4 weeks ago
by
mike
Atlanta, GA, USA
Location :
Atlanta, GA, USA
Age: 55-65
Favorite Subject: Sports
Nikon Family: 6-10 years
Experience: More than a year
Role: Serious passion, hobbyist
1 answer
Answers
Answer:
Please click on the link below for the lens simulator; it will help you to make the decision on what lens you need.http://www.nikonusa.com/Nikon-Produ...
Has staff answer
AF-S VR Zoom-Nikkor 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6G IF-ED
1 answer
Optimal f-stop
Feb 21, 2012 by
Has staff answer
What is the optimal f-stop for this lens where you get maximum DOF without causing diffraction?
4 months, 3 weeks ago
by
rb6879
Hot Springs, AR
Location :
Hot Springs, AR
Age: 45-54
Favorite Subject: Nature
Nikon Family: 2-5 years
Experience: More than a year
Role: Serious passion, hobbyist
1 answer
Answers
AF-S VR Zoom-Nikkor 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6G IF-ED
1 answer
Will this lens work with the Nikon N80 SLR film camera/
4 months, 1 week ago
by
JKGTNP
Union, NJ
Location :
Union, NJ
Age: 45-54
Favorite Subject: Family & Friends
Nikon Family: 0-1 years
Experience: Less than a month
Role: Occasional user, memory keeper
1 answer
Answers
Answer:
yes
AF-S VR Zoom-Nikkor 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6G IF-ED
1 answer
Is there an error on the Overview / Key Features Page of this 70-300 mm lens with respect to Internal Focus?
I believe that I own this lens. I purchased it about 3-4 years ago. My lens, however, changes its physical length by about 2 inches between its 70mm focal length and its 300 mm focal length. The Nikon web site Overview page for this lens includes the following in its list of Key Features:
"Internal Focus (IF) provides fast and quiet auto focusing without changing the length of the lens, retaining subject-working distance through the focus range."
I think that this statement is not applicable to this lens. Please correct the Overview Page or add the page applicable to my lens. My lens is definitely not the older Product Number: 1928 lens
"Internal Focus (IF) provides fast and quiet auto focusing without changing the length of the lens, retaining subject-working distance through the focus range."
I think that this statement is not applicable to this lens. Please correct the Overview Page or add the page applicable to my lens. My lens is definitely not the older Product Number: 1928 lens
4 months, 1 week ago
by
eBureaucat (Ret.)
Laurel, MD, USA
Location :
Laurel, MD, USA
Age: 55-65
Favorite Subject: Travel
Nikon Family: 11-20 years
Experience: More than a year
Role: Serious passion, hobbyist
1 answer
Answers
Answer:
Well, I'm embarrassed. I must have been too tired when I submitted my question. My lens does *not* change length when it focuses, but it does change length when the focal length is changed. It really is "Internal Focus (IF)." The Overview page does not have an error on this pointI'd not feel bad if Nikon would just delete my question, in fact that would be good. :-)
Mar 10, 2012 by
by
eBureaucrat (Ret.)
Laurel, MD, USA
Location :
Laurel, MD, USA
Age: 55-65
Favorite Subject: Travel
Nikon Family: 11-20 years
Experience: More than a year
Role: Serious passion, hobbyist
Has staff answer
AF-S VR Zoom-Nikkor 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6G IF-ED
1 answer
I am looking for a compact lens for D7000 that is excellent for studio work what does nikon recommend?
I have the kit lens 18-105 lens but it doesn't crop narrow enough in some studio model photography. Also I would like to use the same lens for landscapes.
2 months, 3 weeks ago
by
Anonymous
1 answer
Answers
Answer:
Please click on the link below for the lens simulator; it will help you to make the decision on what lens you need.http://www.nikonusa.com/Nikon-Produ...
AF-S VR Zoom-Nikkor 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6G IF-ED
1 answer
I have this lens and use it with a D80. Just bought a D700. Will it work properly with my new body?
2 months, 2 weeks ago
by
ally
fl
Location :
fl
Age: Over 65
Favorite Subject: Nature
Nikon Family: 21+ years
Experience: More than a year
Role: Serious passion, hobbyist
1 answer
Answers
Answer:
Yes


All
All