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.
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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.
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AF-S VR Zoom-Nikkor 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6G IF-ED
194
194
Very good lens
This is a very good lens for hand held shooting in good light. I don't have any problems with lens creep. The focus and VR works as advertised. I just wish it was a bit faster but for the price this is great.
July 31, 2010
Great entry telephoto
Granted this is an entry level lens, but I have found it to be quite capable. Good clear, crisp images just like you expect from Nikkor lenses. One great feature is the Active focus mode which continually refocuses the lens. It's great for photographing moving objects like flying birds.
It's also fairly compact so can easily trek about with it in a medium sized camera.
July 31, 2010
Surprisingly sharp
I purchased the Nikon 70-300mm VR Zoom so that I would have an alternative to the excellent, but heavy 70-200 f2.8 VR Zoom. I was pleasantly surprised to find that the 70-300mm VR Zoom rivals the 70-200mm f2.8 VR Zoom for sharpness, in a much smaller and easier to carry package. Focus is fast and accurate and, as long as the light levels are reasonable, I find no reason to use the much heavier pro zoom for anything other than location shooting. This is the bargin of the century, and works on both Nikon's DX and FX lenses. Bravo!
July 31, 2010
My Greatest Lens ever
Out of my 3 nikon lens, this is the one that stays on my camera 95% of the time. I can only say great things about it. I have had other brand 300 zooms before but nothing even close to my nikon. Clear as can be at all ranges. It has even replaced my need to be reaching for my Micro lens sometimes. Min focus distance is 7 ft, however when zooming to 300mm at 7 ft, you can capture some stunning photos of insects, ect.
July 31, 2010
very nice lens when used properly
As some may have noticed I have reviewed the 50-1.8D and the 18-70G AFS IF ED. The AFS VR 70-300 IF ED rounds out a system I consider to be a go anywhere shoot anything when properly used. I don't agree with some that this lens is soft at 200/300 range.My many years of pro film shooting prepared me quite well before moving to the Nikon Digital System.I find no problem in shooting motor sports,airshows, baseball games etc.Learn the equipment before critsizing it. No I am not a Nikon employee.But I know quality and how to make it work for me.
July 30, 2010
Excellent value
I mostly shoot nature from flowers and bugs to birds and animals. This lens an excellent lens for the money. It's not super fast but its sharp in bright light. Great bokeh in close ups plus a far reach to pulling those skittish birds and animals.
July 30, 2010
On my camera all the time
This lens never ever dissapoints me, it delivers sharp colorful photos consistently.
July 30, 2010
The BEST lens of ALL of them!
I've used my Nikon AF lenses over the years but none, including the Pro f/2.8 models can compare to this versatile 70-300 mm VR lens!
Used hand held (due to the magnificent VR for image stabilization) OR on a monopod, this lens out performs others costing 3 times the price!
Because it focuses down to under 6 feet, with the equivalent crop factor of 1.5x on my D90 yielding an apparent focal length of 450 mm, it works as an amazing macro lens, too! My butterfly shots have never been so full of action before.
I leave it set at f/9 with Aperture Priority and Auto ISO set to 1600 max and get tack sharp images!
For shooting people, I find that if I leave the lens shade off it is far less intimidating and I get ultra close, intimate shots while maintaining my distance for great candid photographs.
If I had to choose only one lens, this would be it!
Eventually, when I move up to full frame, this lens will come with me, too!
Jay Maisel raves about this lens. And he's right!
July 30, 2010
Excellent
A awesome lens even in low light! I use either a monopod or tripod and have had excellent results at dusk or dawn. I have even gotten great shots while on a tour boat of birds flying @300 and got unbelievable pictures.
July 30, 2010
Nikon's Best Kept Secret!
This lens happens to be Nikon Best Kept Secret!!
This lens is compact, Light and very, Very Sharp!!
I have used this lens successfully on many Daytime Sporting Events when a heavier faster lens would be less convenient.
July 30, 2010
Quality Lens
I'm a 68 year old man who was introduced to photography when my wife bought me a Nikon D5000 with a 18-55mm kit lens last Christmas. I did not have any experience with DSLR cameras, so this review will be strictly for folks like me. The Nikon 70-300mm VR II lens is a quality-built lens. It does not look or feel cheap. It has a metal mount and a rubber ring. I found the focus to be fast & accurate throughout the full range of the lens. The Bokeh is very good & pleasing. The images are very sharp with a very slight drop off past 200mm - not enough to knock the lens. Vibration Reduction II is excellent. It has 2 modes - Normal & Active which can be activated by a switch on the side of the lens. The color of the exposures are very good. The lens weighs 26.3 oz - a little on the heavy side. I have used this lens for portraits & nature shots. I was very pleased with my photos. One photo of a dragonfly clearly showed the wing structure. I am happy with my purchase. I would recommend buying it.
July 30, 2010
A wonderful lens for little money
I bought the 70-300 AF-S VR Zoom Nikkor IF with my D5000 and haven't looked back. I have used it for the last two weeks almost daily and love the pictures I get. I have sent photo's to all my friends, of the birds etc. I have taken with the outfit and they agree that it is a wonderful lens. In low light it has some blur at the 300mm setting as would be expected, but in good light it is wonderfully clear. I wouldn't trade it for any other lens I have owned. I am well satisfied.
July 30, 2010
Great optic esp. considering cost
This is a great lens which I use w/ my D70. I'd recommend it for any purpose calling for that zoom range. I recently used it at a bird migration, and seemed to be able to focus closer than some folks using 300 2.8s, 400 2.8s and the like. I used my SB-800 and was able to reach effectively into the leaf cover to photograph warblers.
July 30, 2010
Best zoom performance for the price
We tested this lens first using a rental service and bought one for ourselves. The lens is light for the focal distance and compact enough to carry easily. The VR feature allowed us to capture close up photos of bear in Yosemite at near 300mm without a tripod. The VR feature was ESSENTIAL for photographing blue whales feeding in Monterey bay on a boat rocking in 4 ft seas. The lens focused rapidly and without complaint. The MSRP of this f/4.5 lens provides an affordable entry point for very good VR lens. For outdoor daylight photography, the savings over the f/2.8 version would be better spent on a faster camera body.
July 30, 2010
Another reason I went Nikkor!!
After shooting with other cameras and using lenses that are comparable to this one, well, there is no comparison. I have taken a variety of different shots under varying lighting situations, and yes it does have its limits in low light, but the results are terrific. And the limitations in low light are overcome with a mono or tripod. I am extremely happy with it.
July 30, 2010
Tremendous Value - Primary use is Bird Photography
I have owned this lens for 2 years and I use it almost exclusively for bird photography on a D300 body. Because 300mm is actually a short focal length for shooting birds, I'm almost always shooting at the maximum of 300mm and have been quite pleased with the results.
It did take some experimentation to find the sweet spot of this lens at 300mm, but it is there. When stopped down to f/7.1 it is definitely very capable of producing some very fine images, and I am very critical of my images and want very crisp, clean detail.
The weight of this lens makes it very easy to use for birds in flight, in fact I love it for this purpose. For static or perched birds the VR works great. I am also quite pleased with the color and contrast of this lens as well.
While trying to not sound like a jerk :-) I post quite a bit of my images online and I will tell you that I am constantly told that people are amazed at the results I get with this "consumer grade" lens which is quite a compliment to Nikon.
I highly recommend this lens, I believe it is a tremendous value and you will get excellent results when you understand it's limitations and shoot it in the sweet spot.
July 30, 2010
A wonderful lens that does so much for the cost.
I've had many Nikons & lenses since 1957 and now use this great zoom lens with my D300 & D3 and find it to be a fantastic piece of glass and handles well. Great price & lightweight.
July 30, 2010
Love this Lens
I love this lens for outdoor shots. The AF is fine to me, I shoot birds in flight and get nice tight pictures inside 200. I know there are better lenses but at what price? For the money, I have been delighted with the lens and have made some great pictures inside with a flash on my D90.
July 30, 2010
Very satisfied
Have a 80-200 f/2.8 Nikkor that is quite sharp, but wanted something lighter plus more versatile for outdoor shooting and carrying around for extended periods. Torn between an off-brand that was lighter and about 1/3 the price, and this one. Camera dealer let me take both in front of the store, took several shots with both and viewed them on their large monitor. A noticeable difference in IQ! And I had no idea how much of a difference VR would make until then. Bought the Nikkor on the spot and have been very happy with it. It works well on both my F100 and D80.
Dislikes: AF hunts at the long end, and zooming is not smooth over the range -- a bit sticky in spots.
July 30, 2010
it's worth it
My first obstacle for choosing a second lens was my wife =)
Second obstacle was choosing a good lens within my given budget... so i won't cringe with regrets later.
Long story short, after taking some shots, my wife (who didn't understand the need for second lens) was very impressed.
pros
• excellent zoom & photo quality
• VR does make a difference
con
• this thing is lot bigger than i thought... it doesn't fit into my carrying bag while mounted
July 30, 2010
Great Lens
I was using a similar lens from another maker and was getting very poor results. I switched to Nikkor and solved my problem. The 70-300 VR lens performed flawlessly at the widest apperature available. I don't know why the other lens had a 4.5/5.6 aperature if it couldn't give satisfactory results.
July 30, 2010
great value for the price
I have had this lens for a couple of years and have found it to produce very good results. Great value for the price!
July 30, 2010
Great lens
I bought this lens prior to a trip to South Africa. For the price, it produces exceptional clarity and the VR works smoothly - and it's very versatile. Definitely a recommended product for someone you can't carry the large zooms or multiple lenses (you may still want an 18-55 or something). You'll be happy.
July 30, 2010
Excellent Lens
As I got older I found it less comfortable to carry heavy equipment but I didn't want to give up quality. For low light situations I do have the new 70-200 2.8, but for daylight situations such as sports and family the 70-300 is the lens of choice. I was really surprised at the sharpness of the lens at all focal lengths and I couldn't recommend it higher.
July 30, 2010
This is truly a great lens!
"Nikkor" says it all. The quality is superb. Its ease of handling is surprising when you consider the 70-300 range. It balances nicely on my D5000.
July 30, 2010
Good Quality and Reasonable Price
This lens with VR is excellent for zoom shots when using hand held, in reasonable weather conditions. However, a tripod is recommended when shotting between 200 and 300 mm. The quick fit lens hood is excellent and the lens fabric container is useful and convienent for equipment protection.
Overall, a very good lens that can help in producing good quality images for a reasonable price.
July 30, 2010
Fabulous lens for the price
I was looking at the 70-200 F2.8 but could not justify the price for use on my D300 and D700. Granted, this lens won't be used indoors for any weddings, but outdoors, it hums and produces gorgeous images. I've only owned it for three weeks as I purchased it to photograph a Rolex GrandAm Racing event. I am so glad I purchased it! I was initially going to return it but it performed so well I'm keeping it. The sharpness, contrast, and zooming performance is really sweet. Not too heavy either which is a big plus when you are walking around a 1.8 mile circuit on the other side of the armco barrier and no way to get back to the main course. For flowers, and other objects I find the background blur (bokeh) just about perfect. On my D300 body with the battery grip the lens balances out very well plus I get the extra 1.5 factor which made this lens a 105-450mm and brought me very close to the automobiles even though I had media access and was close enough! On the D700 it's a straight 70-300 and that works great whenever I want to shoot portraits or flowers. Close focusing distance could be a tad better but the clarity, sharpness, and contrast offset this very minor drawback. I'm thrilled with the lens and feel it is a great investment. Can't beat the price either when compared to other more popular zooms.
July 30, 2010
Great lightweight, high powered zoom lens for the serious hobbiest....
I have had this lens for about two years now. Granted, it is not nearly as sharp as the higher end 70-200s...but comparing them is like comparing Porsche to Humvee. The lens is extremely light, fairly robust and has an accurate focus. On my D300s it preforms without fail. I bought this lens to take on back country backpacking trips and for basic wild life shots. For what it is (a mid range consumer lens) it is sharp, handles light fairly well within its F range and doesn't compound camera noise like a lot of zoom lenses do. Don't buy this lens if you are looking for a National Geographic lens. It is not a Pro lens. Do buy this lens if you are looking for an affordable, lightweight, dependable lens. A must for any photographer....
June 7, 2012
Very nice lens
I continue to be surprised with how well this lens does. Very pleased with how sharp it is.
The VR is great. At times I have found 300mm to be a bit shorter than I had hoped, maybe Nikon will update the 80-400 (for a reasonable price), I could use the extra range. I have several other lenses that feel much more solid than this one, but so far it has held up to a lot of use.
March 7, 2012
Good lens at twice the price
Lens has proven to be sharp and quick focusing. Some center softness, but not excessive. Vibration control is amazing and welcome at the longer focal lengths. Would not hesitate to purchase again. In fact the reason I chose Nikon over the other big brand was the lens costs on comparable products. Good job Nikon on producing an affordable ultimately usable lens!
November 7, 2011
44 Questions | 65 Answers
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AF-S VR Zoom-Nikkor 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6G IF-ED
6 Answers
Would the AF-S VR Zoom-NIKKOR 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6G IF-ED work with a D80?
1 year, 3 months ago
by
Anonymous
Age: 35-44
Favorite Subject: Sports
Nikon Family: 11-20 years
Role: Occasional user, memory keeper
6 Answers
Answers
Answer:
AbsolutelyAnswer:
Yes!Apr 15, 2011 by
by
Ubrales
Chicago, IL
Location :
Chicago, IL
Age: 45-54
Favorite Subject: Nature
Nikon Family: 21+ years
Experience: More than a year
Role: Semi-professional photographer
Answer:
Yes the AF-S VR Zoom-NIKKOR 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6G IF-ED will work with a D80 .Apr 15, 2011 by
by
Lee
Age: 35-44
Favorite Subject: Nature
Nikon Family: 2-5 years
Experience: More than a year
Role: Semi-professional photographer
Answer:
Yes.Apr 14, 2011 by
by
Robin E
Jackson Hole, WY
Location :
Jackson Hole, WY
Age: 45-54
Favorite Subject: Nature
Nikon Family: 21+ years
Experience: More than a year
Role: Professional photographer
Answer:
Yes. The s in af-s means that the lens itself has a servo built in to control the lens.Answer:
Yes it will.Has staff answer
AF-S VR Zoom-Nikkor 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6G IF-ED
3 Answers
Would the AF-S VR Zoom-NIKKOR 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6G IF-ED work with a D50?
1 year, 3 months ago
by
Anonymous
3 Answers
Answers
Answer:
Yes, I have used it with a D50, D80 and D3100. It will work with any of the Nikon DSLR's.Answer:
Yes. The af-s means that there is a servo built in to the lens that will power the autofocusAnswer:
Yes, you can use this lens with the D50.Has staff answer
AF-S VR Zoom-Nikkor 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6G IF-ED
3 Answers
Does Nikon make a teleconverter that will work with this lens.
1 year, 3 months ago
by
Sam
WV
Location :
WV
Age: 45-54
Favorite Subject: Nature
Nikon Family: 21+ years
Experience: More than a year
Role: Professional photographer
3 Answers
Answers
Answer:
Yes!Apr 15, 2011 by
by
Ubrales
Chicago, IL
Location :
Chicago, IL
Age: 45-54
Favorite Subject: Nature
Nikon Family: 21+ years
Experience: 6-12 months
Role: Semi-professional photographer
Answer:
Not that I am aware of. If you find one that will, I don't think it will be very sharp.Apr 14, 2011 by
by
Robin E
Jackson Hole, WY
Location :
Jackson Hole, WY
Age: 45-54
Favorite Subject: Nature
Nikon Family: 21+ years
Experience: More than a year
Role: Professional photographer
Answer:
This lens it's not compatible with any of our teleconverters.Has staff answer
AF-S VR Zoom-Nikkor 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6G IF-ED
2 Answers
can AF-S VR Zoom-NIKKOR 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6G IF-ED use with D90
1 year, 2 months ago
by
Melan
Malaysia
Location :
Malaysia
Age: 25-34
Favorite Subject: Nature
Nikon Family: 0-1 years
Experience: 3-6 months
Role: Just getting started with photography
2 Answers
Answers
Answer:
Yes it can.Answer:
Yes, this lens is compatible with the D90.Has staff answer
AF-S VR Zoom-Nikkor 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6G IF-ED
2 Answers
What the best lenses can i used for my D90 (for all aspect for photography)
Apr 24, 2011 by
Has staff answer
1 year, 2 months ago
by
melan
Lahad Datu, Malaysia
Location :
Lahad Datu, Malaysia
Age: 25-34
Favorite Subject: Nature
Nikon Family: 0-1 years
Experience: 3-6 months
Role: Serious passion, hobbyist
2 Answers
Answers
Answer:
The best lenses are the ones you can afford and the ones that suit your needs. No point in buying a 600mm if you want to do portraits, likewise no point in buying a macro if you want to do landscape. It would if you pointed out what you want to do and what your budget is.Answer:
Please visit our website and use the lens finder tool in order for you to make your selection base on your needs.http://www.nikonusa.com/Nikon-Produ...?
Has staff answer
AF-S VR Zoom-Nikkor 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6G IF-ED
2 Answers
What format of lanses can i used with D90, only DX or FX or both?
Apr 24, 2011 by
Has staff answer
1 year, 2 months ago
by
melan
Lahad Datu Malaysia
Location :
Lahad Datu Malaysia
Age: 25-34
Favorite Subject: Nature
Nikon Family: 0-1 years
Experience: 3-6 months
Role: Just getting started with photography
2 Answers
Answers
Answer:
Either, it makes no difference being DX or Fx.Answer:
Please click on the link below for more information:Answer Title: What lenses can I use on the Nikon D90 ?
Answer Link: http://support.nikonusa.com/app/ans...
AF-S VR Zoom-Nikkor 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6G IF-ED
2 Answers
Does this lense have both an automatic and manual focus?
1 year ago
by
GB
Clintn Township, MI
Location :
Clintn Township, MI
Age: 55-65
Favorite Subject: Sports
Nikon Family: 0-1 years
Experience: 1-3 months
Role: Serious passion, hobbyist
2 Answers
Answers
Answer:
Yes, it does. It has Manual and M/A, i.e. auto, yet you can still focus manually.
Jul 15, 2011 by
by
Krzysiek
Lubcza Królewska, Poland
Location :
Lubcza Królewska, Poland
Age: 18-24
Favorite Subject: Travel
Nikon Family: 2-5 years
Experience: More than a year
Role: Serious passion, hobbyist
Answer:
yip, all AF-S lenses except 18-55 variospeed and 55-200 have built-in autofocus with full manual override; or you can just switch off the AF altogether.10 months ago
by
Anonymous
2 Answers
Answers
Answer:
All lenses marked AFS have a silent wave motor and will work on every Nikon DSLRAnswer:
Yes.Has staff answer
AF-S VR Zoom-Nikkor 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6G IF-ED
2 Answers
will this lens work with D300
9 months ago
by
Anonymous
2 Answers
Answers
Answer:
Yse it will.Sep 27, 2011 by
by
Nikon_D80
Carmel, Maine, U.S.A.
Location :
Carmel, Maine, U.S.A.
Age: 55-65
Favorite Subject: Nature
Nikon Family: 11-20 years
Experience: More than a year
Role: Serious passion, hobbyist
Answer:
Yes, this lens is compatible with the D300.9 months ago
by
Katie
Indiana
Location :
Indiana
Age: 45-54
Favorite Subject: Nature
Nikon Family: 6-10 years
Experience: More than 10 years
Role: Occasional user, memory keeper
2 Answers
Answers
Answer:
Yes it will Katie.Sep 27, 2011 by
by
Nikon_D80
Carmel, Maine, U.S.A.
Location :
Carmel, Maine, U.S.A.
Age: 55-65
Favorite Subject: Nature
Nikon Family: 11-20 years
Experience: More than a year
Role: Serious passion, hobbyist
Answer:
Yes.
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