Name: Nikon AF-P DX NIKKOR 70 300mm F4 5 6 3G ED VR
Brand: Nikon

5.6

▼Worse than 91% of camera-lenses

4.6

▼Worse than 95% of camera-lenses

9.3

★Better than 90% of camera-lenses

3.7
Low-light photography
Low-light photography
3.7/ 10
✕
What it is
Evaluates core hardware and software specifications for low-light photography performance.
When it matters
When image quality, high display fidelity, and reliable cameras are essential for your daily workflow.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components
70.0%
1.0
Maximum aperture (telephoto end)
30.0%
10
Optical image stabilization
6.3
Travel
Travel
6.3/ 10
✕
What it is
Evaluates core hardware and software specifications for travel performance.
When it matters
When prioritizing long battery endurance, compact weight, and dependable on-the-go connectivity.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components
30.0%
6.6
Lens length
25.0%
8.4
Lens diameter
25.0%
1.0
Weather sealing (splashproof)
20.0%
10
Optical image stabilization

Technical Specifications of camera lens Nikon AF-P DX NIKKOR 70 300mm F4 5 6 3G ED VR

5.6

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Mount & Format

1.0

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Lens type

zoom

Lens mount

Nikon F

Sensor format coverage

APS-C

Filter thread size

58 mm

Teleconverter compatibility

Optics & Aperture

3.0

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Minimum focal length

70 mm

Maximum focal length

300 mm

Optical zoom

4.3xx

Maximum angle of view

22.8 °

Minimum angle of view

5.3 °

Focus & Controls

5.6

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Focus motor

STM

Minimum focus distance

Maximum reproduction ratio

Full-time manual focus

Internal focusing

Stabilization

8.2

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Optical image stabilization

Stabilization effectiveness (CIPA stops)

Build & Handling

4.0

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Weight

Lens length

Lens diameter

Weather sealing (splashproof)

Metal mount

Lab Scores

8.0

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DxOMark overall score

DxOMark sharpness score

DxOMark transmission

DxOMark distortion

DxOMark vignetting

Nikon AF-P DX NIKKOR 70 300mm F4 5 6 3G ED VR vs the average camera lens

Why is Nikon AF-P DX NIKKOR 70 300mm F4 5 6 3G ED VR better than the average camera lens?

Hide

Has optical image stabilization
Optical image stabilization
yes
▲ Better than 71% of models
This camera lens has optical image stabilization, the average camera lens does not. 29% of camera lenses include optical image stabilization.
5 mm narrower lens barrel
Lens diameter
72 mm
▲ Better than 67% of models
Market range: <62.4 mm – >94.7 mm
This camera lens is slimmer than the average camera lens (72 mm vs 77 mm). The average lens has a diameter of 77 mm.
72 mm vs 77 mm
65 g lighter
Weight
445 g
▲ Better than 58% of models
Market range: <171 g – >1.3k g
This camera lens is lighter than the average camera lens (445 g vs 510 g). The average lens weighs 510 g.
445 g vs 510 g
37.3% more popular
Nikon AF-P DX NIKKOR 70 300mm F4 5 6 3G ED VR is more popular than the average camera lens (10 vs 7.3).
10 vs 7.29
0.03 x higher maximum reproduction ratio
Maximum reproduction ratio
0.22 x
▲ Better than 62% of models
Market range: <0.11 x – >0.39 x
This camera lens has a higher maximum reproduction ratio than the average camera lens (0.2 x vs 0.2 x). The average lens has a maximum reproduction ratio of 0.192 x.
0.22 x vs 0.192 x
11% higher user score
User score
9.3/ 10
✕
What it is
A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the camera lens.
When it matters
When real-world owner satisfaction and review volume matter to your decision.
Score distribution
▼
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Nikon AF-P DX NIKKOR 70 300mm F4 5 6 3G ED VR
the average camera lens
Nikon AF-P DX NIKKOR 70 300mm F4 5 6 3G ED VR has a higher user score than the average camera lens (9.28 vs 8.360).
9.28 vs 8.36

37.3% more popular
Nikon AF-P DX NIKKOR 70 300mm F4 5 6 3G ED VR is more popular than the average camera lens (10 vs 7.3).
10 vs 7.29
11% higher user score
User score
9.3/ 10
✕
What it is
A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the camera lens.
When it matters
When real-world owner satisfaction and review volume matter to your decision.
Score distribution
▼
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Nikon AF-P DX NIKKOR 70 300mm F4 5 6 3G ED VR
the average camera lens
Nikon AF-P DX NIKKOR 70 300mm F4 5 6 3G ED VR has a higher user score than the average camera lens (9.28 vs 8.360).
9.28 vs 8.36

0.03 x higher maximum reproduction ratio
Maximum reproduction ratio
0.22 x
▲ Better than 62% of models
Market range: <0.11 x – >0.39 x
This camera lens has a higher maximum reproduction ratio than the average camera lens (0.2 x vs 0.2 x). The average lens has a maximum reproduction ratio of 0.192 x.
0.22 x vs 0.192 x

Has optical image stabilization
Optical image stabilization
yes
▲ Better than 71% of models
This camera lens has optical image stabilization, the average camera lens does not. 29% of camera lenses include optical image stabilization.

5 mm narrower lens barrel
Lens diameter
72 mm
▲ Better than 67% of models
Market range: <62.4 mm – >94.7 mm
This camera lens is slimmer than the average camera lens (72 mm vs 77 mm). The average lens has a diameter of 77 mm.
72 mm vs 77 mm
65 g lighter
Weight
445 g
▲ Better than 58% of models
Market range: <171 g – >1.3k g
This camera lens is lighter than the average camera lens (445 g vs 510 g). The average lens weighs 510 g.
445 g vs 510 g

Why is Nikon AF-P DX NIKKOR 70 300mm F4 5 6 3G ED VR worse than the average camera lens?

Hide

3.5 higher f-number at telephoto end
Maximum aperture (telephoto end)
6.3
▼ Worse than 91% of models
Market range: <1.4 – >5.6
This camera lens has a dimmer maximum telephoto aperture than the average camera lens (f/6.3 vs f/2.8). The average lens has a maximum telephoto aperture of f/2.8.
6.3 vs 2.8
Not weather-sealed
Weather sealing (splashproof)
no
▼ Worse than 50% of models
This camera lens does not support weather sealing, the average camera lens does. 50.3% of camera lenses support weather sealing.
2 fewer aperture blades
Aperture blades
7
▼ Worse than 61% of models
Market range: <7 – >9
This camera lens has fewer aperture blades than the average camera lens (7 vs 9). The average lens has 9 aperture blades.
7 vs 9
No metal mount
Metal mount
no
▼ Worse than 94% of models
This camera lens does not use a metal lens mount, the average camera lens does. 93.6% of camera lenses use a metal lens mount.
2 fewer aspherical elements
Aspherical elements
0
▼ Worse than 70% of models
Market range: <0 – >3
This camera lens has fewer aspherical elements than the average camera lens (0 vs 2). The average lens has 2 aspherical elements.
0 vs 2
No lens hood
Lens hood included
no
▼ Worse than 89% of models
This camera lens does not include a lens hood, the average camera lens does. 88.7% of camera lenses include a lens hood.
0.8 m longer minimum focus distance
Minimum focus distance
1.1 m
▼ Worse than 89% of models
Market range: <0.18 m – >1.1 m
This camera lens has a higher minimum focus distance than the average camera lens (1.1 m vs 0.3 m). The average lens has a minimum focus distance of 0.3 m.
1.1 m vs 0.3 m
32.75 mm longer lens
Lens length
125 mm
▼ Worse than 78% of models
Market range: <46 mm – >189 mm
This camera lens is longer than the average camera lens (125 mm vs 92.25 mm). The average lens has a length of 92.25 mm.
125 mm vs 92.25 mm

5.1% worse value for money
Nikon AF-P DX NIKKOR 70 300mm F4 5 6 3G ED VR has a worse value-for-money score than the average camera lens (6.55 vs 6.9).
6.55 vs 6.89

3.5 higher f-number at telephoto end
Maximum aperture (telephoto end)
6.3
▼ Worse than 91% of models
Market range: <1.4 – >5.6
This camera lens has a dimmer maximum telephoto aperture than the average camera lens (f/6.3 vs f/2.8). The average lens has a maximum telephoto aperture of f/2.8.
6.3 vs 2.8
2 fewer aperture blades
Aperture blades
7
▼ Worse than 61% of models
Market range: <7 – >9
This camera lens has fewer aperture blades than the average camera lens (7 vs 9). The average lens has 9 aperture blades.
7 vs 9
2 fewer aspherical elements
Aspherical elements
0
▼ Worse than 70% of models
Market range: <0 – >3
This camera lens has fewer aspherical elements than the average camera lens (0 vs 2). The average lens has 2 aspherical elements.
0 vs 2
1 fewer low-dispersion elements
Low-dispersion elements
1
▼ Worse than 55% of models
Market range: <0 – >4
This camera lens has fewer low-dispersion elements than the average camera lens (1 vs 2). The average lens has 2 low-dispersion elements.
1 vs 2

0.8 m longer minimum focus distance
Minimum focus distance
1.1 m
▼ Worse than 89% of models
Market range: <0.18 m – >1.1 m
This camera lens has a higher minimum focus distance than the average camera lens (1.1 m vs 0.3 m). The average lens has a minimum focus distance of 0.3 m.
1.1 m vs 0.3 m

Not weather-sealed
Weather sealing (splashproof)
no
▼ Worse than 50% of models
This camera lens does not support weather sealing, the average camera lens does. 50.3% of camera lenses support weather sealing.
No metal mount
Metal mount
no
▼ Worse than 94% of models
This camera lens does not use a metal lens mount, the average camera lens does. 93.6% of camera lenses use a metal lens mount.
No lens hood
Lens hood included
no
▼ Worse than 89% of models
This camera lens does not include a lens hood, the average camera lens does. 88.7% of camera lenses include a lens hood.
32.75 mm longer lens
Lens length
125 mm
▼ Worse than 78% of models
Market range: <46 mm – >189 mm
This camera lens is longer than the average camera lens (125 mm vs 92.25 mm). The average lens has a length of 92.25 mm.
125 mm vs 92.25 mm

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

photographylife.com

27/01/2024

Summary of the review

Nikon 70-300mm f/4.5-6.3G DX VR AF-P Review

The Photography Life review of the Nikon 70-300mm DX VR AF-P highlights a budget-friendly, 415-gram telephoto lens offering excellent central sharpness up to 200mm, a 4-stop effective VR system, and fast, silent autofocus. It excels in daylight for budget-conscious users, providing great value for sports and wildlife photography on DX cameras. Key drawbacks include the lack of physical switches for AF/VR, which require camera menu adjustments, and a slow f/6.3 aperture at 300mm, limiting low-light performance. Additionally, corner sharpness drops at 300mm, and the AF-P design is incompatible with older Nikon bodies.

digitalcameraworld.com

25/05/2022

Summary of the review

Nikon AF-P DX 70-300mm f/4.5-6.3G ED VR review

The Nikon AF-P DX 70-300mm f/4.5-6.3G ED VR is a compact, lightweight (414g) telephoto zoom lens specifically optimized for Nikon’s DX-format (APS-C) DSLRs like the D3500 and D5600. Due to the 1.5x crop factor, it delivers a powerful effective focal length of 105-450mm, making it an excellent choice for portable action, sports, and wildlife photography. Its standout pros include a highly effective 4-stop optical Vibration Reduction (VR) system that stabilizes handheld shooting, a fast and quiet stepping motor autofocus system, and impressive sharpness across the frame even when shooting wide-open. Furthermore, it offers a very competitive retail price, minimal distortion, and effectively managed color fringing when paired with modern Nikon DSLR in-camera corrections.

pcmag.com

23/07/2018

Summary of the review

Nikon AF-P DX Nikkor 70-300mm f/4.5-6.3G ED VR Review

The PCMag review rates the Nikon AF-P DX NIKKOR 70-300mm f/4.5-6.3G ED VR as a lightweight, budget-friendly telephoto lens designed for APS-C DSLRs, offering fast, silent autofocus and effective Vibration Reduction. It excels at providing high-quality, handheld shots at a maximum 300mm focal length, making it ideal for travel and outdoor photography. However, the lens is hampered by a slow, variable f/4.5-6.3 aperture and relies entirely on camera menus, lacking physical switches for AF or VR control. Additionally, it exhibits soft edges at 70mm and has limited compatibility with older Nikon camera bodies.

focus-review.com

22/06/2018

Summary of the review

Review Nikon AF-P DX NIKKOR 70-300mm f/4.5-6.3G ED VR

The Nikon AF-P DX NIKKOR 70-300mm f/4.5-6.3G ED VR is a highly affordable, compact telephoto zoom lens specifically designed for Nikon's APS-C (DX) format cameras like the D500, D7500, and D3400. Weighing only 400 grams, it provides an impressive full-frame equivalent focal range of 105mm to 450mm, making it an ideal choice for travel, nature, and sports photography. The lens delivers excellent image quality with very uniform sharpness from corner to corner, even when extended to its maximum 300mm focal length. It handles backlight well with minimal glare, features virtually absent chromatic aberrations in JPEG shots due to in-camera corrections, and offers a respectable 0.22x magnification for semi-macro photography from a 1.1-meter distance. Furthermore, its stepper motor (AF-P) delivers exceptionally fast, quiet, and accurate internal autofocusing, while the Vibration Reduction (VR) system effectively counteracts camera shake by up to 4 stops.

ephotozine.com

09/02/2017

Summary of the review

Nikon AF-P DX Nikkor 70-300mm f/4.5-6.3 G ED VR Review

The ePHOTOzine review highlights the Nikon AF-P DX Nikkor 70-300mm f/4.5-6.3 G ED VR as a high-value, lightweight (415g) telephoto lens for APS-C, offering excellent sharpness, rapid autofocus, and effective Vibration Reduction. While delivering a 105-450mm equivalent range, the lens suffers from a mostly plastic construction with a plastic mount, lacks an included lens hood, and requires menu-based control for VR/AF instead of physical switches. Key performance advantages include minimal distortion and well-controlled chromatic aberrations, making it an excellent budget-friendly choice for enthusiasts. However, user consideration is needed regarding the lack of a lens hood and the AF-P autofocus system's incompatibility with older Nikon DSLR bodies.

kenrockwell.com

No specific date listed

Summary of the review

Nikon 70-300mm VR DX AF-P Review

The Nikon 70-300mm DX VR AF-P is a lightweight, budget-friendly telephoto lens featuring a fast, silent AF-P stepper motor and effective Vibration Reduction (VR), making it excellent for DX-format, according to Ken Rockwell. It provides superior sharpness, instant manual-focus override, and close-focus capabilities, making it ideal for travel and general use. However, the lens features a plastic mount, lacks compatibility with older Nikon DSLR bodies, and offers a limited 70mm wide end compared to alternatives. It is designed exclusively for DX cameras, rendering it impractical for full-frame (FX) use.

digitalkamera.de

18/03/2017

Summary of the review

Review: Nikon AF-P 70-300 mm 4.5-6.3 G ED DX VR

The digitalkamera.de review of the Nikon AF-P 70-300 mm 4.5-6.3 G ED DX VR highlights a high-value APS-C telephoto zoom (105–450mm equivalent) offering excellent contrast, vivid colors, and a fast, silent AF-P stepper motor for stills and video. The optical image stabilizer (VR) is considered essential, justifying the slight price premium for improved handheld performance. Conversely, the lens compromises on build quality with a plastic bayonet, no weather sealing, no lens hood, and a complete lack of physical switches, requiring menu-based adjustments. Furthermore, it has strict compatibility limitations with older DSLR bodies and introduces a "vacuum cleaner" effect through rear element movement, leading to potential dust ingress.

test.de

28/09/2017

Summary of the review

Review: Nikon AF-P DX Nikkor 70-300 mm f/4.5-6.3 G ED VR

The Nikon AF-P DX Nikkor 70-300 mm 1:4.5-6.3 G ED VR received an overall "sehr gut" (very good) quality rating of 1.4 from Stiftung Warentest, tested using a Nikon D7200 DSLR camera. The lens excels significantly in its overall image quality (rated 1.3), which makes up 80% of the total score. It achieved "very good" marks across almost all key performance indicators, including optical resolution, distortion control, uniform brightness distribution (vignetting), stray light reduction, and its optomechanical image stabilization system. Handling was rated "gut" (good) at 1.6, driven by a highly reliable daily usage score, fast autofocus speeds, and an excellent 4.3x zoom factor capability. Despite its stellar performance, the review highlights several drawbacks and physical limitations. The most notable optical con is its handling of backlight reflections, which only achieved a "befriedigend" (satisfactory) rating. Physically, the lens lacks weatherproofing, as it is explicitly noted as not being splash-proof. Additionally, a lens hood is not included in the package, and it is entirely incompatible with full-frame sensors, restricting its use exclusively to DX-format crop cameras. The lens is also quite...

heise.de

04/11/2016

Summary of the review

Quick Test: Nikon AF-P 70-300mm Lens on the D3400 - Heise

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digitalphoto.de

23/01/2017

Summary of the review

AF-P DX Nikkor 70-300mm f/4.5-6.3G ED VR - DigitalPHOTO

The Nikon AF-P DX Nikkor 70-300mm f/4.5-6.3G ED VR is evaluated as an excellent, budget-friendly telephoto zoom lens tailored specifically for entry-level photographers. In laboratory testing, the lens scored an impressive overall rating of 88.41% due to its exceptional optical performance. Key strengths highlighted in the review include its top-tier values for resolution, minimal distortion, and low vignetting. Additionally, it features a quiet stepping motor for seamless autofocusing and a built-in image stabilizer that compensates for up to four exposure stops, enhancing its hand-held usability in lower light settings. Conversely, the review points out several distinct drawbacks regarding the lens's construction and packaging. The haptics are described as mediocre, mainly due to a cheap plastic exterior that lacks a premium feel. The manufacturer also fails to include a lens hood (Gegenlichtblende) in the box. Furthermore, its limited maximum aperture of f/4.5-6.3 restricts its low-light capabilities. While it works beautifully in broad daylight, image quality degrades significantly at twilight or dusk, forcing users to bump up the ISO and risk creating heavy image noise.

nikonpassion.com

10/01/2017

Summary of the review

Review of the Nikon AF-P 70-300mm f/4.5-6.3G ED VR DX Lens

The Nikon AF-P 70-300mm f/4.5-6.3 G ED VR DX is a lightweight (415g) and compact telephoto zoom lens designed specifically for Nikon's APS-C (DX) sensor DSLR cameras, such as the D3400 and D5600. Serving as a modern, affordable alternative to older 55-200mm and 55-300mm lenses, it features a highly responsive and nearly silent stepping motor (AF-P) that makes it excellent for both fast autofocus tracking and video recording without motor noise. The reviewer strongly recommends choosing the stabilized (VR) version over the non-VR model, as its built-in optical stabilization provides an estimated 4-stop advantage to counteract camera shake, especially when shooting at the 300mm focal length. On the positive side, the lens delivers precise autofocus, excellent portability for daily use, a shorter minimum focusing distance (1.1m) than its predecessor, and a comfortable, wide zoom ring. However, the review highlights several downsides, including a slow maximum aperture of f/6.3 at the telephoto end that demands higher ISO settings or slower shutter speeds in low light. Additionally, it features a plastic mount, lacks weather sealing, has a very narrow manual focus ring,...

radojuva.com

29/10/2019

Summary of the review

Nikon AF-P DX Nikkor 70-300 mm f/4.5-6.3G ED VR Lens Review

The Radojuva review of the Nikon AF-P DX Nikkor 70-300mm f/4.5-6.3G ED VR highlights it as a lightweight, budget-friendly telephoto lens featuring fast, quiet AF-P autofocus, an effective 4-stop Vibration Reduction (VR) system, and strong center-frame sharpness, especially for APS-C cameras. Key advantages include low chromatic aberration and an exceptionally low weight of 415 grams, though it is designed primarily for portability. Conversely, the lens has a plastic mount, lacks external switches for VR or focus, and has significant compatibility issues, being unusable on older Nikon DSLRs. Optically, the lens suffers from limited low-light performance due to a slow f/6.3 aperture at 300mm, noticeable vignetting, and reduced corner sharpness when shooting wide open.

fotografiaflash.com

22/10/2021

Summary of the review

Nikon AF-P DX NIKKOR 70-300mm f/4.5-6.3G ED Review

The Nikon AF-P DX NIKKOR 70-300mm f/4.5-6.3G ED is a lightweight, affordable telephoto lens for DX DSLRs, praised for its sharp imaging, rapid autofocus, and excellent portability for travel. Key advantages include its compact design, 7-blade diaphragm for pleasing bokeh, and minimal distortion, making it a strong value proposition. Conversely, the lens compromises on build quality with a plastic mount and lacks external switches, requiring camera menu adjustments. Performance is limited by a variable f/6.3 aperture at 300mm and notable vignetting when wide open, along with restricted compatibility with older Nikon bodies.

focus-review.com

16/06/2018

Summary of the review

Nikon AF-P DX NIKKOR 70-300mm f/4.5-6.3G ED VR Review

The Nikon AF-P DX NIKKOR 70-300mm f/4.5-6.3G ED VR is an exceptionally lightweight (400 grams) and affordable telezoom lens designed specifically for Nikon's DX-format APS-C cameras, offering a powerful full-frame equivalent focal range of 105-450mm. Optically, the lens delivers impressive edge-to-edge sharpness across its entire zoom range, even at the maximum 300mm focal length, which is uncommon for budget zooms. It features an integrated ED glass element that effectively eliminates chromatic aberration in JPEG images, and it exhibits minimal distortion and excellent resistance to lens flare when shooting into the sun. Additionally, its internal focusing stepper motor (AF-P) provides quick, silent, and highly accurate autofocusing that is well-suited for both live-view photography and video recording. The built-in Vibration Reduction (VR) image stabilization proves highly efficient, allowing photographers to shoot handheld with up to a 4-stop slower shutter speed. Despite its high value, the lens has several structural and compatibility limitations resulting from its budget-friendly design. To keep production costs and weight low, Nikon heavily utilized plastics, resulting in a plastic lens mount (bayonet) that may not withstand frequent, heavy lens...

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

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Technical Specifications of camera lens Nikon AF-P DX NIKKOR 70 300mm F4 5 6 3G ED VR

Nikon AF-P DX NIKKOR 70 300mm F4 5 6 3G ED VR vs the average camera lens

Why is Nikon AF-P DX NIKKOR 70 300mm F4 5 6 3G ED VR better than the average camera lens?

Why is Nikon AF-P DX NIKKOR 70 300mm F4 5 6 3G ED VR worse than the average camera lens?

Expert reviews

Third-party reviews

What we like about Nikon AF-P DX NIKKOR 70 300mm F4 5 6 3G ED VR

What we don't like about Nikon AF-P DX NIKKOR 70 300mm F4 5 6 3G ED VR

Verdict

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