Name: Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 55 300mm F 4 5 5 6G ED VR
Brand: Nikon

Technical Specifications of Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 55 300mm F 4 5 5 6G ED VR

Overall score

6.5

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Popularity

What it is: An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the camera lens.

When it matters: When you want to see which camera lenses attract the most buyer attention and review activity.

Mount & Format

1.0

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Lens type

What it is: The optical category that indicates whether the lens is a prime, zoom, macro, fisheye, or another design.

When it matters: When you are choosing between a prime, zoom, macro, or specialty lens for the kind of subjects you shoot.

Importance: LOW

telephoto zoom

Lens mount

What it is: The mechanical and electronic interface that determines which cameras the lens can be attached to.

When it matters: When camera compatibility and access to the right lens ecosystem are central to your buying decision.

Importance: LOW

Nikon F

Sensor format coverage

What it is: The largest sensor size the lens is designed to cover without severe vignetting.

When it matters: When you need the lens to fully cover your camera sensor without heavy corner darkening.

Importance: LOW

APS-C

Filter thread size

What it is: The diameter of the front filter thread used for screw-in filters and compatible accessories.

When it matters: When you plan to use screw-in filters such as polarizers, ND filters, or protective glass.

Importance: LOW

58 mm

Teleconverter compatibility

What it is: Whether the lens can be used with compatible teleconverters to extend focal length.

When it matters: When you want to extend reach for wildlife or sports without changing to a different long lens.

Importance: HIGH

Optics & Aperture

8.0

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Minimum focal length

What it is: The shortest focal length the lens can provide, which determines its widest framing.

When it matters: When wide framing matters for landscapes, interiors, architecture, or travel shots.

Importance: LOW

55 mm

Maximum focal length

What it is: The longest focal length the lens can reach, which determines its telephoto reach.

When it matters: When you need more reach for wildlife, sports, stage events, or distant details.

Importance: LOW

300 mm

Optical zoom

What it is: The ratio between the longest and shortest focal lengths available in the lens zoom range.

When it matters: When you want one lens to cover a broader range of compositions without swapping glass.

Importance: LOW

5.5x

Maximum angle of view

What it is: The widest scene the lens can capture at its shortest focal length.

When it matters: When you need to fit more of a room, skyline, or landscape into the frame.

Importance: LOW

28.8 °

Minimum angle of view

What it is: The narrowest scene the lens captures at its longest focal length.

When it matters: When you want tighter framing on faraway subjects without moving closer.

Importance: LOW

5.3 °

Focus & Controls

1.7

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Focus motor

What it is: The autofocus drive system responsible for moving lens elements into focus.

When it matters: When fast, quiet autofocus matters for video, wildlife, street shots, or moving subjects.

Importance: LOW

SWM

Minimum focus distance

What it is: The shortest distance at which the lens can focus on a subject.

When it matters: When you like shooting details, food, flowers, or products from a very short distance.

Importance: MEDIUM

Maximum reproduction ratio

What it is: The highest magnification the lens can achieve when focusing at its closest distance.

When it matters: When close-up magnification matters for macro work, textures, or small product details.

Importance: MEDIUM

Full-time manual focus

What it is: The ability to adjust focus manually without leaving autofocus mode.

When it matters: When you want to fine-tune focus instantly without switching out of autofocus.

Importance: HIGH

Internal focusing

What it is: A focusing design in which internal elements move while the outer barrel length stays unchanged.

When it matters: When you use polarizers, gimbals, or close-up setups that benefit from a lens that does not extend while focusing.

Importance: HIGH

Stabilization

7.3

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Optical image stabilization

What it is: A hardware system that shifts optical elements to counteract camera shake and reduce blur.

When it matters: When you want steadier handheld shots and less blur, especially in low light or at longer focal lengths.

Importance: HIGH

Stabilization effectiveness (CIPA stops)

What it is: The rated stabilizer benefit, measured in stops, under CIPA testing standards.

When it matters: When you are comparing stabilized lenses and want to know how much handheld shutter-speed advantage they offer.

Importance: HIGH

Build & Handling

6.1

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Weight

What it is: The total mass of the lens, affecting portability and handling balance on the camera body.

When it matters: When you carry a lens all day for travel, hiking, or event coverage and want to keep your kit manageable.

Importance: HIGH

Lens length

What it is: The physical length of the lens body from mount to front edge.

When it matters: When bag space, balance, or front clearance matters in a compact travel or video setup.

Importance: HIGH

Lens diameter

What it is: The widest outer diameter of the lens barrel.

When it matters: When grip comfort, filter size, or fit inside a tight camera bag matters to you.

Importance: MEDIUM

Weather sealing (splashproof)

What it is: Protective sealing intended to resist splashes, dust, and light environmental exposure.

When it matters: When you often shoot outdoors in light rain, dust, or changing conditions.

Importance: HIGH

Metal mount

What it is: A lens mount made of metal rather than plastic for greater durability at the camera connection point.

When it matters: When durability matters because you change lenses often or use heavier gear for work.

Importance: HIGH

Lab Scores

9.0

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DxOMark overall score

What it is: The combined DxOMark lens rating based on lab-tested optical performance.

When it matters: When you want a quick lab-based summary of overall optical performance before comparing lenses in detail.

Importance: HIGH

DxOMark sharpness score

What it is: The DxOMark subscore that reflects how much detail the lens can resolve across the frame.

When it matters: When fine detail matters for landscapes, product work, or high-resolution cameras.

Importance: HIGH

DxOMark transmission

What it is: The measured light transmission of the lens, expressed as T-stop rather than nominal f-number.

When it matters: When real light loss matters for exposure consistency in studio, cinema, or mixed-lens shoots.

Importance: MEDIUM

DxOMark distortion

What it is: The DxOMark metric that measures how much the lens bends straight lines away from their true shape.

When it matters: When straight lines matter in architecture, interiors, copy work, or product photography.

Importance: MEDIUM

DxOMark vignetting

What it is: The DxOMark measurement of corner darkening relative to the center of the image.

When it matters: When even corner brightness matters for skies, studio backdrops, or clean product shots.

Importance: MEDIUM

Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 55 300mm F 4 5 5 6G ED VR vs the average camera lens

Why is Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 55 300mm F 4 5 5 6G ED VR better than the average camera lens?

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Has optical image stabilization
Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 55 300mm F 4 5 5 6G ED VR has optical image stabilization, the average camera lens does not. 29% of camera lenses include optical image stabilization.
What it is: A hardware system that shifts optical elements to counteract camera shake and reduce blur.
When it matters: When you want steadier handheld shots and less blur, especially in low light or at longer focal lengths.
Importance: HIGH
Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 55 300mm F 4 5 5 6G ED VR has optical image stabilization, the average camera lens does not. 29% of camera lenses include optical image stabilization.
0.09 x higher maximum reproduction ratio
Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 55 300mm F 4 5 5 6G ED VR has a higher maximum reproduction ratio than the average camera lens (0.3x vs 0.192x). The average lens has a maximum reproduction ratio of 0.192x.
What it is: The highest magnification the lens can achieve when focusing at its closest distance.
When it matters: When close-up magnification matters for macro work, textures, or small product details.
Importance: MEDIUM
Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 55 300mm F 4 5 5 6G ED VR has a higher maximum reproduction ratio than the average camera lens (0.3x vs 0.192x). The average lens has a maximum reproduction ratio of 0.192x.0.28 x vs 0.192 x
0.09 x higher maximum reproduction ratio
Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 55 300mm F 4 5 5 6G ED VR has a higher maximum reproduction ratio than the average camera lens (0.3x vs 0.192x). The average lens has a maximum reproduction ratio of 0.192x.
Has optical image stabilization
Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 55 300mm F 4 5 5 6G ED VR has optical image stabilization, the average camera lens does not. 29% of camera lenses include optical image stabilization.

Total

Focus & Controls

Stabilization

Why is Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 55 300mm F 4 5 5 6G ED VR worse than the average camera lens?

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2.8 higher f-number at telephoto end
Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 55 300mm F 4 5 5 6G ED VR has a dimmer maximum telephoto aperture than the average camera lens (f/5.6 vs f/2.8). The average lens has a maximum telephoto aperture of f/2.8.
2 fewer aspherical elements
Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 55 300mm F 4 5 5 6G ED VR has fewer aspherical elements than the average camera lens (0 vs 2). The average lens has 2 aspherical elements.
No full-time manual focus
Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 55 300mm F 4 5 5 6G ED VR does not support full-time manual focus, the average camera lens does. 68.4% of camera lenses support full-time manual focus.
Requires switching to MF.
No internal focusing
Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 55 300mm F 4 5 5 6G ED VR does not support internal focusing, the average camera lens does. 83.7% of camera lenses support internal focusing.
1.1 m longer minimum focus distance
Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 55 300mm F 4 5 5 6G ED VR has a higher minimum focus distance than the average camera lens (1.4 m vs 0.3 m). The average lens has a minimum focus distance of 0.3 m.
Rotating front element
Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 55 300mm F 4 5 5 6G ED VR does not have a non-rotating front element, the average camera lens does. 97% of camera lenses have a non-rotating front element.
Front/filter thread rotates during focusing.
1 stops weaker stabilization
Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 55 300mm F 4 5 5 6G ED VR has a lower stabilization effectiveness than the average camera lens (3 stops vs 4 stops). The average lens has stabilization effectiveness of 4 stops.
Not weather-sealed
Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 55 300mm F 4 5 5 6G ED VR does not support weather sealing, the average camera lens does. 50.3% of camera lenses support weather sealing.
31 mm longer lens
Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 55 300mm F 4 5 5 6G ED VR is longer than the average camera lens (123 mm vs 92 mm). The average lens has a length of 92 mm.
Older release date
Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 55 300mm F 4 5 5 6G ED VR was released earlier than the average camera lens.
August 2010
94.6 g heavier
Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 55 300mm F 4 5 5 6G ED VR is heavier than the average camera lens (620 g vs 525.4 g). The average lens weighs 525.4 g.
Not weather-sealed
Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 55 300mm F 4 5 5 6G ED VR does not support weather sealing, the average camera lens does. 50.3% of camera lenses support weather sealing.
What it is: Protective sealing intended to resist splashes, dust, and light environmental exposure.
When it matters: When you often shoot outdoors in light rain, dust, or changing conditions.
Importance: HIGH
Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 55 300mm F 4 5 5 6G ED VR does not support weather sealing, the average camera lens does. 50.3% of camera lenses support weather sealing.
2.8 higher f-number at telephoto end
Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 55 300mm F 4 5 5 6G ED VR has a dimmer maximum telephoto aperture than the average camera lens (f/5.6 vs f/2.8). The average lens has a maximum telephoto aperture of f/2.8.
What it is: The widest aperture available at the long end of the zoom range, affecting light intake and background blur.
When it matters: When you shoot at the long end in low light or want stronger background blur for portraits and sports.
Importance: HIGH
Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 55 300mm F 4 5 5 6G ED VR has a dimmer maximum telephoto aperture than the average camera lens (f/5.6 vs f/2.8). The average lens has a maximum telephoto aperture of f/2.8.5.6 vs 2.8
No full-time manual focus
Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 55 300mm F 4 5 5 6G ED VR does not support full-time manual focus, the average camera lens does. 68.4% of camera lenses support full-time manual focus.
Requires switching to MF.
What it is: The ability to adjust focus manually without leaving autofocus mode.
When it matters: When you want to fine-tune focus instantly without switching out of autofocus.
Importance: HIGH
Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 55 300mm F 4 5 5 6G ED VR does not support full-time manual focus, the average camera lens does. 68.4% of camera lenses support full-time manual focus.
No internal focusing
Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 55 300mm F 4 5 5 6G ED VR does not support internal focusing, the average camera lens does. 83.7% of camera lenses support internal focusing.
What it is: A focusing design in which internal elements move while the outer barrel length stays unchanged.
When it matters: When you use polarizers, gimbals, or close-up setups that benefit from a lens that does not extend while focusing.
Importance: HIGH
Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 55 300mm F 4 5 5 6G ED VR does not support internal focusing, the average camera lens does. 83.7% of camera lenses support internal focusing.
1.1 m longer minimum focus distance
Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 55 300mm F 4 5 5 6G ED VR has a higher minimum focus distance than the average camera lens (1.4 m vs 0.3 m). The average lens has a minimum focus distance of 0.3 m.
What it is: The shortest distance at which the lens can focus on a subject.
When it matters: When you like shooting details, food, flowers, or products from a very short distance.
Importance: MEDIUM
Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 55 300mm F 4 5 5 6G ED VR has a higher minimum focus distance than the average camera lens (1.4 m vs 0.3 m). The average lens has a minimum focus distance of 0.3 m.1.4 m vs 0.3 m
31 mm longer lens
Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 55 300mm F 4 5 5 6G ED VR is longer than the average camera lens (123 mm vs 92 mm). The average lens has a length of 92 mm.
What it is: The physical length of the lens body from mount to front edge.
When it matters: When bag space, balance, or front clearance matters in a compact travel or video setup.
Importance: HIGH
Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 55 300mm F 4 5 5 6G ED VR is longer than the average camera lens (123 mm vs 92 mm). The average lens has a length of 92 mm.123 mm vs 92 mm
1 stops weaker stabilization
Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 55 300mm F 4 5 5 6G ED VR has a lower stabilization effectiveness than the average camera lens (3 stops vs 4 stops). The average lens has stabilization effectiveness of 4 stops.
What it is: The rated stabilizer benefit, measured in stops, under CIPA testing standards.
When it matters: When you are comparing stabilized lenses and want to know how much handheld shutter-speed advantage they offer.
Importance: HIGH
Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 55 300mm F 4 5 5 6G ED VR has a lower stabilization effectiveness than the average camera lens (3 stops vs 4 stops). The average lens has stabilization effectiveness of 4 stops.3 stops vs 4 stops
2 fewer aspherical elements
Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 55 300mm F 4 5 5 6G ED VR has fewer aspherical elements than the average camera lens (0 vs 2). The average lens has 2 aspherical elements.
What it is: Specially shaped lens elements used to reduce distortion and improve sharpness with fewer optical compromises.
When it matters: When edge sharpness and lower distortion matter in wide-angle, travel, or everyday shooting.
Importance: MEDIUM
Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 55 300mm F 4 5 5 6G ED VR has fewer aspherical elements than the average camera lens (0 vs 2). The average lens has 2 aspherical elements.0 vs 2

Expert reviews

ephotozine.com

09/09/2010

Summary of the review

Nikon AF-S DX Nikkor 55-300mm f/4.5-5.6G ED VR Review

The ePHOTOzine review highlights the Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 55-300mm f/4.5-5.6G ED VR as a budget-friendly, lightweight super-telephoto lens delivering decent optical results and good build quality for DX-format cameras. Serving as an ideal extension for 18-55mm kit lenses, its pros include affordability and a compact 300mm reach, though it suffers from a rotating front barrel during focusing and a slow, disconcerting Vibration Reduction (VR) activation.

photographylife.com

02/07/2020

Summary of the review

Nikon 55-300mm f/4.5-5.6G VR Review

The Photography Life review of the Nikon 55-300mm f/4.5-5.6G VR evaluates this DX-format lens as a highly capable and cost-effective upgrade to the older 55-200mm kit lens, offering excellent optical value, a compact build, and effective Vibration Reduction. Pros include consistent sharpness up to 200mm, well-controlled chromatic aberration, and solid contrast performance, making it a good choice for general-purpose telephoto shooting. Conversely, the review identifies limitations, specifically sluggish autofocus, prominent vignetting past 135mm, and soft images at the 300mm end. Additional drawbacks include a lack of full-time manual focus override, a slightly jerky zoom ring, and a rotating front element that complicates the use of filters.

imaging-resource.com

29/11/2010

Summary of the review

Nikon 55-300mm f/4.5-5.6G ED VR DX AF-S Nikkor Review

📸 Performance Overview The Nikon 55-300mm f/4.5-5.6G ED VR DX AF-S Nikkor is a budget-friendly telephoto zoom lens designed for APS-C sensor digital bodies, offering an effective focal range of 80-450mm. Testing shows the lens achieves its sharpest, "tack-sharp" performance across the frame when stopped down to f/8 or f/11, particularly in the wider 70-100mm focal range. Optical strengths include strong resistance to chromatic aberration at wider focal lengths and negligible corner shading when stopped down. Additionally, its lightweight polycarbonate construction (580g) makes it highly portable, and it features a smooth, well-dampened zoom ring alongside a helpful vibration reduction system. ⚠️ Limitations & Verdict However, the lens comes with notable trade-offs, particularly regarding speed and handling. Despite its AF-S designation, autofocus operation is relatively slow, taking around 1.5 seconds to rack through focus, and the front lens element rotates during focusing, which complicates the use of polarizing filters. The design lacks an instant manual focus override, meaning users must use a physical switch to change modes, and the narrow quarter-inch focus ring makes precise manual adjustments difficult. Optically, sharpness degrades...

kenrockwell.com

01/09/2010

Summary of the review

Nikon 55-300mm VRGo to product viewer dialogue for this item. Review

According to Ken Rockwell, the Nikon 55-300mm VR is a cost-effective, sharp, and lightweight telephoto zoom lens designed for DX-format cameras. While the VR II image stabilization and vibrant color reproduction are major pros, significant cons include slow autofocus performance and a lack of manual focus override, requiring a physical switch for focus adjustments. The lens features a substantial 5.5x zoom range but suffers from a rotating front element, which complicates the use of polarizing filters. It is a DX-only lens, limiting its compatibility with full-frame or film cameras, and while suited for landscapes, it is not recommended for fast-action shooting.

radojuva.com

17/07/2013

Summary of the review

Review Nikon DX AF-S NIKKOR 55-300 mm 1: 4.5-5.6 G ED VR SWM HRI

The review of the Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 55-300mm f/4.5-5.6G ED VR on Radojuva highlights its 5.5x zoom range (equivalent to 450mm on DX), effective Vibration Reduction (VR II) system, and good image quality, making it a solid, budget-friendly option for amateur photographers. The lens is praised for its ability to deliver sharp handheld shots at 300mm with a sturdy metal mount, providing versatile telephoto capability for wildlife and portraits. YouTube · However, the lens is noted for having a sluggish, "horribly implemented" autofocus system and a lack of full-time manual focus override. Key disadvantages include a slow maximum aperture range (f/4.5-5.6), a rotating/extending front element that complicates filter use, and a requirement to toggle the M/A switch for manual focus adjustments. As a result, the reviewer often advises users to consider alternatives like the Nikon 70-300mm VR or 55-200mm VR II if budget allows.

cnet.com

29/11/2010

Summary of the review

AF-S DX Nikkor 55-300mm f/4.5-5.6G ED VR review

The Nikon AF-S DX Nikkor 55-300mm f/4.5-5.6G ED VR is a decent, lightweight telephoto lens designed specifically for Nikon's DX-format crop-sensor cameras like the D3100, D5000, D90, and D7000. Weighing 530 grams, it features a black plastic casing with rubberized focus and zoom rings, alongside physical switches for automatic/manual focus and vibration reduction. Its main advantage is offering a highly accessible, extensive focal length reach for the price, while remaining well-balanced on lighter camera bodies. Furthermore, its extra-low dispersion (ED) glass successfully minimizes chromatic aberrations, and its integrated autofocus motor ensures compatibility across DX bodies. However, the lens suffers from notable performance trade-offs, particularly regarding speed and sharpness. It is a slow lens with a maximum aperture of f/4.5-5.6, and its autofocus struggles to lock onto subjects under one second, especially when fully zoomed in. Image quality also degrades severely at longer focal lengths; while sharpness remains reasonable from 55mm up to 135mm, images taken at the full 300mm extension appear mushy, unsharp, and exhibit minor vignetting. Ultimately, it is a budget-friendly option best utilized within the 55-150mm range, but...

kenrockwell.com

01/09/2010

Summary of the review

Nikon 55-300mm VR (DX) Review

According to Ken Rockwell, the Nikon 55-300mm VR is a high-powered, reasonably priced, and lightweight telephoto zoom lens designed specifically for DX crop-sensor cameras. It is praised for producing superb optical sharpness and excellent color, with highly effective vibration reduction that makes it a strong choice for general photography. Conversely, the lens is limited by slow, noisy autofocus and a rotating front filter thread that complicates polarizer usage. Lacking instant manual focus override, it requires a manual switch for focus adjustment and is not recommended for fast action, with the 70-300mm VR suggested as a faster alternative.

kameratester.com

14/12/2014

Summary of the review

Nikon/Nikkor 55-300mm 4.5-5.6 Lens Review

The Nikon AF-S DX 55-300mm f/4.5-5.6G ED VR is a highly affordable, compact telephoto zoom lens engineered specifically for Nikon DX crop-sensor cameras. On a crop body like the Nikon D5100, its focal range multiplies to an equivalent of 82.5–450mm, making it highly functional for wildlife, landscape, and outdoor concert photography. Its core advantages include its lightweight profile, an integrated Vibration Reduction (VR) stabilization system to minimize blur, and a built-in AF-S autofocus motor. Despite its extensive zoom capability, the lens delivers impressively minimal optical distortion and reliable image sharpness for its entry-level price point. However, users must accept a few trade-offs, primarily its lightweight plastic build and an external focusing system that rotates attached filters during operation. Performance limitations include a relatively sluggish autofocus system that can hinder fast-moving action and a narrow maximum aperture of f/4.5-5.6. This slower, limited light gathering capacity restricts its effectiveness in dimly lit environments like evening concerts unless the camera's ISO settings are raised substantially. Additionally, its 55mm starting focal length limits wide-angle use, and the narrow aperture restricts creative depth-of-field control for...

digitalkamera.de

24/06/2015

Summary of the review

Nikon AF-S 55-300mm f/4.5-5.6G DX ED VR with D7200 Lab Test

The Digitalkamera lab test of the Nikon AF-S 55-300mm f/4.5-5.6G DX ED VR on a D7200 highlights excellent control over chromatic aberration, minimal vignetting, and effective Vibration Reduction, with peak sharpness achieved at f/8–f/11. However, the lens suffers from slow autofocus, significant resolution drop-off beyond 135mm, and complex distortion, along with a rotating front element that complicates filter use.

radojuva.com

17/07/2013

Summary of the review

Review of Nikon DX AF-S NIKKOR 55-300mm f/4.5-5.6G ED VR SWM HRI

The Radojuva review characterizes the Nikon 55-300mm f/4.5-5.6G ED VR DX as a budget-friendly APS-C telephoto zoom featuring a 5.5x range, effective VR II stabilization, and a robust metal mount with weather sealing. Optically, the lens utilizes specialized ED and HRI elements to produce sharp images with good contrast across most of the range. YouTube · Conversely, the review notes significant limitations, including slow autofocus, the lack of continuous manual focus override, and a rotating front element that complicates filter usage. Additionally, the lens shows noticeable sharpness degradation at the 300mm end and suffers from typical consumer-grade zoom distortions.

dxomark.fr

10/05/2026

Summary of the review

Performance Test and Optical Measurements: Nikon AF-S DX Nikkor 55-300mm f/4.5-5.6G ED VR

The Nikon AF-S DX Nikkor 55-300mm f/4.5-5.6G ED VR review on DXOMARK evaluates this telephoto zoom lens mounted on a Nikon D5300 camera. Introduced in September 2010, the lens achieved an overall DXOMARK score of 15, with its optimal performance reached at a focal length of 100mm and an aperture of f/4.8. The testing metrics reveal key performance indicators, including a sharpness score of 9 P-Mpix, a light transmission of 5.3 TStop, a low distortion rate of 0.4%, a vignetting profile of -1 EV, and lateral chromatic aberration measuring at 9 µm. Analyzing these metrics uncovers several distinct pros and cons regarding the lens's optical capabilities. On the positive side (pros), the lens exhibits controlled vignetting at -1 EV and shows minimal geometric distortion at just 0.4%, meaning straight lines will remain relatively straight across the zoom range. Furthermore, its control over chromatic aberration (9 µm) ensures color fringing is kept at a reasonable level. Conversely (cons), the lens delivers modest overall sharpness, resolving only 9 P-Mpix on the D5300's higher-resolution sensor. Additionally, its light transmission drops to 5.3 TStop,...

dxomark.fr

27/07/2026

Summary of the review

Nikon AF-S DX Nikkor 55-300mm f/4.5-5.6G ED VR - DXOMARK Review

📸 DXOMARK evaluated the Nikon AF-S DX Nikkor 55-300mm f/4.5-5.6G ED VR telephoto zoom lens mounted on a Nikon D5200 DSLR body, giving the combination an overall performance score of 14. The testing data highlights that the lens hits its absolute optimal performance sweet spot when shot at a focal length of 100mm with an aperture of f/4.8. 📉 In terms of performance pros and cons, the optic demonstrates excellent control over geometric distortion, keeping it at a minimal 0.4%, alongside relatively well-managed vignetting that drops to -1.1 EV. However, the review reveals distinct optical drawbacks, including a low sharpness profile tracking at just 7 P-Mpix, heavy light loss shown by a dim light transmission score of 5.3 TStop, and noticeable chromatic aberration coming in at 9 µm. Want to explore how this zoom glass compares against newer Nikon Z mirrorless lenses, or want to look at the sharpness breakdown across its full 55-300mm range? Just let me know!

digitalcamaralens.com

10 de noviembre de 2010

Summary of the review

NIKKOR AF-S 55-300 mm f/4.5-5.6G DX ED VR Review

The DigitalCamaraLens review evaluates the NIKKOR AF-S 55-300mm f/4.5-5.6 G DX ED VR, a basic-range telephoto zoom lens tested on a Nikon D300 camera. Structurally, the lens weighs 530 grams, spans 123mm in length, and is designed with 17 elements in 11 groups (including 2 ED elements and 1 HRI element) to fit APSc crop sensor cameras. The reviewer highlights several high-quality design traits unexpected for its entry-level positioning, such as an anodized aluminum bayonet mount, a rubber O-ring seal at the base for weather protection, and a generously sized, comfortably ridged rubber zoom ring. However, the review details a few notable structural and operational drawbacks. The linear telescopic extension mechanism requires a 90-degree turn of the zoom ring, which suffers from a slight stiffness or sticking in the longer 200-300mm focal range. While the manual focus ring features a reasonable size and rubber grip, its execution feels coarse. Furthermore, manual focusing operates via a rotating and extending front barrel system, which restricts the user to using a standard circular lens hood rather than a petal-style one. Lastly, the second-generation...

radojuva.com

17/07/2013

Summary of the review

Review of the Nikon DX AF-S NIKKOR 55-300mm f/4.5-5.6G ED VR Lens

The Radojuva review characterizes the Nikon DX AF-S 55-300mm f/4.5-5.6G ED VR as a budget-friendly, compact telephoto zoom for APS-C sensors, featuring effective second-generation VR, good contrast, and an HRI element to control aberration. The lens offers a versatile 5.5x range, a sturdy metal mount, and a rubber gasket for basic weather protection. However, the lens is limited by a slow, compact Silent Wave Motor (SWM) autofocus, significant focus breathing, a rotating front element, and a lack of full-time manual override. Optically, it suffers from reduced sharpness and contrast at the 300mm end when used wide open.

fotografiaprincipiantes.wordpress.com

08/01/2013

Summary of the review

Nikon 55-300mm f/4.5-5.6 Lens

The provided review highlights the Nikon 55-300mm f4.5-f5.6 DX VR lens as a highly cost-effective, original telephoto lens that offers surprisingly high image quality for beginners and enthusiasts alike. The reviewer purchased this "non-luminous" (variable aperture) lens during a promotional sales event to pair with their Nikon D5100 camera. After real-world testing, they found its sharpness, image quality, and minimal chromatic aberration (color fringing) to be vastly superior to third-party options they had previously used, such as a Tamron 75-300mm lens. Additionally, the reviewer appreciates that it is relatively lightweight (just over half a kilogram), physically compact, and comes well-packaged with practical accessories including a velvet-like carrying pouch and a lens hood. However, the reviewer points out several notable limitations. The primary disadvantage is the slow autofocus performance when fully extended to 300mm, though they note this can be bypassed slightly by focusing on a closer object first. Furthermore, the lens suffers from fragile material construction; the internal gear rings are made of plastic, meaning sudden or rough twisting of the zoom ring could easily damage the focusing mechanism. Lastly,...

rcefoto.com

Undated

Summary of the review

Nikon AF-S DX 55-300mm f/4.5-5.6 G ED VR - RCE Photo

The Nikon AF-S DX 55-300mm f/4.5-5.6 G ED VR is a highly capable, entry-level telephoto zoom lens optimized for DX-format crop-sensor DSLR cameras, offering a powerful 35mm equivalent focal range of 82.5–450mm. This review highlights the lens's excellent optical value, noting that its dual Extra-low Dispersion (ED) glass and High Refractive Index (HRI) elements deliver impressive contrast and sharp center resolution throughout the lower and mid-range focal lengths. Additionally, its 4-stop second-generation Vibration Reduction (VR II) system is highly effective at steadying handheld shots and keeping the viewfinder stable, making it a portable and practical choice for outdoor wildlife, daytime sports, and travel photography. It also gains praise for an upgraded metal mount and a tight, damp zoom ring that eliminates lens creep entirely. However, professional assessments and user reviews indicate distinct performance tradeoffs to maintain its budget-friendly price point. The primary drawback is its sluggish and hunting autofocus speed, which makes capturing fast-moving action or erratic wildlife a challenge. Furthermore, image sharpness begins to degrade toward the 300mm maximum extension, where noticeable corner softness and color fringing (chromatic aberration)...

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