Nikon AF-P DX NIKKOR 70 300mm F4 5 6 3G ED Review | 54 Data compared

The Nikon AF-P DX NIKKOR 70-300mm f/4.5-6.3G ED VR is praised as an exceptional, ultra-portable budget lens featuring outstanding optical sharpness, particularly at the 300mm end, alongside a fast, silent AF-P motor and effective VR. Weighing only 415 grams, it is highly recommended for travel photography on DX-format cameras, making it superior to older 55-200mm and 55-300mm alternatives. Key drawbacks stem from its budget construction, including a plastic mount, a slow f/6.3 aperture at maximum zoom, and the lack of physical switches for focus or VR, requiring menu adjustments. It is also noted that compatibility is limited to newer Nikon DSLR bodies, restricting its use on older cameras.

The Digital Camera World review concludes that the Nikon AF-P DX 70-300mm f/4.5-6.3G ED VR is an exceptionally competent, budget-friendly telephoto zoom lens tailored specifically for Nikon’s APS-C (DX) format DSLRs, such as the D3500 and D5600. Thanks to the 1.5x crop factor of these cameras, the lens delivers a powerful effective zoom range of 105-450mm, making it an ideal tool for handheld sports, action, and wildlife photography. The reviewer strongly emphasizes that its stellar performance—anchored by an impressive 4-stop optical Vibration Reduction (VR) system and a quick, near-silent stepping motor autofocus mechanism—ensures consistently sharp images that make it a far superior choice over its cheaper, non-stabilized sibling. Structurally, the lens balances notable pros and cons that reflect its highly competitive price point. On the positive side, it boasts a remarkably compact and lightweight build weighing just 414 grams, features an advanced 4-stop optical stabilization system, and utilizes a highly responsive stepping motor that achieves sharp focus even when shooting wide-open. However, the review notes several design compromises, including a less robust plastic mounting plate, a complete lack of weather-seals,...

The PCMag Review rates the Nikon AF-P DX Nikkor 70-300mm f/4.5-6.3G ED VR as an "Excellent" budget-friendly telezoom lens designed specifically for DX-format (APS-C) SLR cameras. Priced at an affordable MSRP of $399.95, it stands out for its lightweight construction (14.6 ounces) and highly effective Vibration Reduction (VR) system, which provides up to 4 stops of optical stabilization. The lens utilizes a stepper autofocus motor that ensures quiet and smooth focusing performance, making it highly capable for everyday photography. Optically, the lens delivers sharp image quality across the center of the frame and controls distortions reasonably well through most of its range, peaking in resolution between f/8 and f/11. However, the reviewer highlights several notable drawbacks stemming from its budget-conscious, narrow-aperture design. The physical build is basic, featuring a polycarbonate barrel and a plastic mount rather than a more durable metal configuration. While the lens maintains good resolution throughout most focal lengths, image quality takes a visible step back at the maximum 300mm zoom extension. The narrow variable aperture restricts light gathering capability, making it poorly suited for dim settings...

The Focus Review scores the Nikon AF-P DX NIKKOR 70-300mm f/4.5-6.3G ED VR a 75 out of 100, praising it as an exceptionally lightweight (400 grams), compact, and affordable telephoto zoom lens engineered specifically for APS-C (DX) format cameras. Key advantages highlighted in the article include its impressive 105-450mm equivalent full-frame focal range, remarkably sharp edge-to-edge image quality even at the maximum 300mm extension, and highly effective Vibration Reduction (VR) that enables sharp handheld shooting up to 4 stops slower than normal. Additionally, the implementation of a modern stepper motor (AF-P) delivers exceptionally fast, accurate, and completely silent internal focusing, which makes it ideal for video capture and live view shooting. Despite its excellent price-to-performance ratio, the review outlines specific structural and compatibility trade-offs resulting from cost-saving measures. A major drawback is the extensive use of plastics, which includes a plastic lens mount that may not hold up well for photographers who change lenses multiple times a day. Furthermore, the lens completely lacks external physical switches for manual focus override or image stabilization, forcing users to navigate camera body menus...

The Nikon AF-P DX Nikkor 70-300mm f/4.5-6.3 G ED VR lens earns an Editor's Choice award from ePHOTOzine for offering excellent sharpness and brilliant, high-contrast performance at a compelling price point. Key advantages include an effective Vibration Reduction (VR) system, quick and quiet autofocus, and a lightweight design that exhibits minimal flare or chromatic aberration. Conversely, the budget-conscious design means the lens lacks external switches for AF or VR, requiring menu adjustments, and features a plastic lens mount, with no lens hood or rear cap included in the box. Despite these handling limitations, its outstanding optical performance makes it a highly recommended telephoto option for Nikon DX-format photographers.

The Ken Rockwell review for the Nikon 70-300mm DX AF-P highlights a lightweight, inexpensive telephoto lens optimized for newer DX-format DSLRs, praised for outstanding sharpness and rapid, silent autofocus. Key advantages include an instant manual-focus override and a close-focusing range of 3.7 feet, though the review notes limitations like a plastic lens mount and restricted camera compatibility. A significant drawback is the lack of Vibration Reduction (VR), making handheld shooting at 300mm challenging, leading the review to recommend the VR-enabled version instead. While the lens excels in autofocus speed, its incompatibility with older Nikon bodies and lack of stabilization are critical factors.

The DPReview forum review describes the Nikon AF-P DX NIKKOR 70-300mm f/4.5-6.3G ED VR as a high-value, lightweight lens delivering excellent sharpness and effective Vibration Reduction (VR), even at the 300mm end. Its fast, quiet autofocus motor makes it suitable for both stills and video, offering significant performance for its sub-$400 price point. Conversely, the lens suffers from a cheap plastic mount and a relatively slow f/6.3 aperture at maximum zoom, which limits low-light performance. Additionally, firmware issues with older camera bodies (like the D7100/D7200) can prevent turning off the VR due to the lack of physical switches on the lens barrel.