Name: Nikon AF-S VR Zoom NIKKOR 70 300mm F 4 5 5 6G IF ED
Brand: Nikon

Technical Specifications of Nikon AF-S VR Zoom NIKKOR 70 300mm F 4 5 5 6G IF ED

Overall score

7.4

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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

Full-frame

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

67 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

70 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

4.3x

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

34.3 °

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

8.2 °

Focus & Controls

7.4

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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

7.0

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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

6.2

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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 VR Zoom NIKKOR 70 300mm F 4 5 5 6G IF ED vs the average camera lens

Why is Nikon AF-S VR Zoom NIKKOR 70 300mm F 4 5 5 6G IF ED better than the average camera lens?

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Has optical image stabilization
Nikon AF-S VR Zoom NIKKOR 70 300mm F 4 5 5 6G IF ED 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 VR Zoom NIKKOR 70 300mm F 4 5 5 6G IF ED has optical image stabilization, the average camera lens does not. 29% of camera lenses include optical image stabilization.
Has focus distance scale
Nikon AF-S VR Zoom NIKKOR 70 300mm F 4 5 5 6G IF ED has a focus distance scale, the average camera lens does not. 48.6% of camera lenses include a focus distance scale.
What it is: A marked scale that shows the approximate focus distance set on the lens.
When it matters: When you pre-focus manually for street, zone focusing, or repeatable tripod setups.
Importance: MEDIUM
Nikon AF-S VR Zoom NIKKOR 70 300mm F 4 5 5 6G IF ED has a focus distance scale, the average camera lens does not. 48.6% of camera lenses include a focus distance scale.
8.5% better value for money
Nikon AF-S VR Zoom NIKKOR 70 300mm F 4 5 5 6G IF ED has a better value-for-money score than the average camera lens (7.97 vs 7.346).
What it is: An indicator that combines the camera lens's overall rating with its cost.
When it matters: When you want to know how much overall quality you get for the price.
Nikon AF-S VR Zoom NIKKOR 70 300mm F 4 5 5 6G IF ED has a better value-for-money score than the average camera lens (7.97 vs 7.346).7.97 vs 7.35
2.12x cheaper
Nikon AF-S VR Zoom NIKKOR 70 300mm F 4 5 5 6G IF ED is cheaper than the average camera lens (£250 vs £530).
Nikon AF-S VR Zoom NIKKOR 70 300mm F 4 5 5 6G IF ED is cheaper than the average camera lens (£250 vs £530).£250 vs £530
Has focus distance scale
Nikon AF-S VR Zoom NIKKOR 70 300mm F 4 5 5 6G IF ED has a focus distance scale, the average camera lens does not. 48.6% of camera lenses include a focus distance scale.
Has optical image stabilization
Nikon AF-S VR Zoom NIKKOR 70 300mm F 4 5 5 6G IF ED has optical image stabilization, the average camera lens does not. 29% of camera lenses include optical image stabilization.

Why is Nikon AF-S VR Zoom NIKKOR 70 300mm F 4 5 5 6G IF ED worse than the average camera lens?

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2.8 higher f-number at telephoto end
Nikon AF-S VR Zoom NIKKOR 70 300mm F 4 5 5 6G IF ED 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 VR Zoom NIKKOR 70 300mm F 4 5 5 6G IF ED has fewer aspherical elements than the average camera lens (0 vs 2). The average lens has 2 aspherical elements.
1.2 m longer minimum focus distance
Nikon AF-S VR Zoom NIKKOR 70 300mm F 4 5 5 6G IF ED has a higher minimum focus distance than the average camera lens (1.5 m vs 0.3 m). The average lens has a minimum focus distance of 0.3 m.
1.5 stops weaker stabilization
Nikon AF-S VR Zoom NIKKOR 70 300mm F 4 5 5 6G IF ED has a lower stabilization effectiveness than the average camera lens (2.5 stops vs 4 stops). The average lens has stabilization effectiveness of 4 stops.
Not weather-sealed
Nikon AF-S VR Zoom NIKKOR 70 300mm F 4 5 5 6G IF ED does not support weather sealing, the average camera lens does. 50.3% of camera lenses support weather sealing.
51.5 mm longer lens
Nikon AF-S VR Zoom NIKKOR 70 300mm F 4 5 5 6G IF ED is longer than the average camera lens (143.5 mm vs 92 mm). The average lens has a length of 92 mm.
Older release date
Nikon AF-S VR Zoom NIKKOR 70 300mm F 4 5 5 6G IF ED was released earlier than the average camera lens.
August 2006
3 mm wider lens barrel
Nikon AF-S VR Zoom NIKKOR 70 300mm F 4 5 5 6G IF ED is wider than the average camera lens (80 mm vs 77 mm). The average lens has a diameter of 77 mm.
7.5 µm higher chromatic aberration
Nikon AF-S VR Zoom NIKKOR 70 300mm F 4 5 5 6G IF ED has a higher chromatic aberration than the average camera lens (16 µm vs 8.5 µm). The average lens has chromatic aberration of 8.5 µm.
2.1 T-stop higher transmission value
Nikon AF-S VR Zoom NIKKOR 70 300mm F 4 5 5 6G IF ED has a higher T-stop value than the average camera lens (5.2 T-stop vs 3.1 T-stop). The average lens has a T-stop value of 3.1 T-stop.
3 points lower DxOMark score
Nikon AF-S VR Zoom NIKKOR 70 300mm F 4 5 5 6G IF ED has a lower DxOMark overall score than the average camera lens (23 vs 26). The average lens has a DxOMark overall score of 26.
Not weather-sealed
Nikon AF-S VR Zoom NIKKOR 70 300mm F 4 5 5 6G IF ED 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 VR Zoom NIKKOR 70 300mm F 4 5 5 6G IF ED 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 VR Zoom NIKKOR 70 300mm F 4 5 5 6G IF ED 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 VR Zoom NIKKOR 70 300mm F 4 5 5 6G IF ED 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
51.5 mm longer lens
Nikon AF-S VR Zoom NIKKOR 70 300mm F 4 5 5 6G IF ED is longer than the average camera lens (143.5 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 VR Zoom NIKKOR 70 300mm F 4 5 5 6G IF ED is longer than the average camera lens (143.5 mm vs 92 mm). The average lens has a length of 92 mm.143.5 mm vs 92 mm
1.2 m longer minimum focus distance
Nikon AF-S VR Zoom NIKKOR 70 300mm F 4 5 5 6G IF ED has a higher minimum focus distance than the average camera lens (1.5 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 VR Zoom NIKKOR 70 300mm F 4 5 5 6G IF ED has a higher minimum focus distance than the average camera lens (1.5 m vs 0.3 m). The average lens has a minimum focus distance of 0.3 m.1.5 m vs 0.3 m
7.5 µm higher chromatic aberration
Nikon AF-S VR Zoom NIKKOR 70 300mm F 4 5 5 6G IF ED has a higher chromatic aberration than the average camera lens (16 µm vs 8.5 µm). The average lens has chromatic aberration of 8.5 µm.
What it is: The DxOMark metric that quantifies unwanted color fringing caused by different wavelengths focusing unevenly.
When it matters: When you want to avoid color fringing on high-contrast edges in backlit scenes or detailed subjects.
Importance: MEDIUM
Nikon AF-S VR Zoom NIKKOR 70 300mm F 4 5 5 6G IF ED has a higher chromatic aberration than the average camera lens (16 µm vs 8.5 µm). The average lens has chromatic aberration of 8.5 µm.16 µm vs 8.5 µm
1.5 stops weaker stabilization
Nikon AF-S VR Zoom NIKKOR 70 300mm F 4 5 5 6G IF ED has a lower stabilization effectiveness than the average camera lens (2.5 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 VR Zoom NIKKOR 70 300mm F 4 5 5 6G IF ED has a lower stabilization effectiveness than the average camera lens (2.5 stops vs 4 stops). The average lens has stabilization effectiveness of 4 stops.2.5 stops vs 4 stops
2.1 T-stop higher transmission value
Nikon AF-S VR Zoom NIKKOR 70 300mm F 4 5 5 6G IF ED has a higher T-stop value than the average camera lens (5.2 T-stop vs 3.1 T-stop). The average lens has a T-stop value of 3.1 T-stop.
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
Nikon AF-S VR Zoom NIKKOR 70 300mm F 4 5 5 6G IF ED has a higher T-stop value than the average camera lens (5.2 T-stop vs 3.1 T-stop). The average lens has a T-stop value of 3.1 T-stop.5.2 T-stop vs 3.1 T-stop
Older release date
Nikon AF-S VR Zoom NIKKOR 70 300mm F 4 5 5 6G IF ED was released earlier than the average camera lens.
August 2006
What it is: The date when the lens model was first officially introduced.
When it matters: When you prefer a newer optical design with more modern autofocus, coatings, or stabilization features.
Importance: LOW
Nikon AF-S VR Zoom NIKKOR 70 300mm F 4 5 5 6G IF ED was released earlier than the average camera lens.2006 vs 2016

Expert reviews

kenrockwell.com

10/12/2006

Summary of the review

Nikon 70-300mm VRGo to product viewer dialog for this item. Review

Ken Rockwell calls the Nikon 70-300mm VR an exceptional, affordable telephoto zoom for FX and film, highlighting its effective Vibration Reduction (VR), fast AF-S focusing, and lightweight portability. The lens is praised for offering a metal mount and sharp performance, making it a superior, lighter alternative to heavier professional zooms for handheld shooting. Conversely, the lens has a "semi-plasticy" amateur build compared to professional-grade equipment, leading Rockwell to recommend it only for users not requiring constant fast apertures. He suggests that while it is an excellent performer, serious shooters might prefer to step up to professional alternatives like the 70-200mm VR, especially for more robust construction.

ephotozine.com

09/06/2011

Summary of the review

Nikon 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6G AF-S VR Nikkor Lens Review

The ePHOTOzine review highlights the Nikon 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6G AF-S VR as a high-performing, cost-effective telephoto lens offering sharp, center-frame images, fast AF-S autofocus, and effective Vibration Reduction. It is praised for its robust build, excellent handling, and overall value, making it a strong choice for budget-conscious photographers. Conversely, the lens shows a noticeable drop in sharpness at the 300mm end, necessitating a stop down in aperture for optimal results. Performance limitations include visible chromatic aberrations and vignetting when shooting wide open in high-contrast scenarios, along with less-than-optimal performance on high-resolution sensors compared to newer alternatives.

cameralabs.com

15/11/2011

Summary of the review

Nikkor AF-S VR 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 G IF-EDGo to product viewer dialog for this item. Review

The review highlights several prominent advantages and disadvantages of this highly recommended lens. On the positive side, it features highly effective Vibration Reduction (VR) anti-shake technology, fast and quiet Silent Wave Motor (SWM) autofocusing, and full-frame camera compatibility. However, its drawbacks include a zoom ring that is a bit stiff to turn, and a physical design that is notably larger and heavier than entry-level options. Additionally, it costs nearly twice as much as the budget DX 55-200mm VR lens, making price a potential con for photographers operating on a strict budget.

lenstip.com

12/03/2010

Summary of the review

Nikon Nikkor AF-S 70-300 mm f/4.5-5.6G IF-ED VRGo to product viewer dialog for this item. review - Build quality and image stabilization

The Nikon Nikkor AF-S 70-300 mm f/4.5-5.6G IF-ED VR lens stands out for its robust build quality, featuring a shorter, wider inner tube that extends during zooming, a generous zoom ring, and a clear distance scale. Its optical construction consists of 17 elements in 12 groups, including two low-dispersion ED glass elements and a 9-blade circular aperture. Weighing 745 grams and utilizing 67 mm filters, the lens provides a minimum focusing distance of 1.5 meters. Additionally, it comes packaged with a petal-type lens hood and a soft case. Key pros of this lens include its solid design, steady manual focus ring, and a large front element that helps limit vignetting. Furthermore, its Silent Wave Motor (SWM) delivers quiet autofocusing, and its real-world stabilization efficiency reaches a strong 3.4 EV. On the con side, its maximum variable aperture drops slightly faster than its Canon competitor, moving from f/4.5 to f/5.6 rather than starting at a brighter f/4.0. Despite Nikon's official claim of a 4 EV stabilization benefit, testing reveals it falls just short of that mark, performing closely to alternative options.

focus-review.com

12/07/2013

Summary of the review

Review Nikon 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6G IF-ED VR AF-S

The Nikon 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6G IF-ED VR AF-S is a highly capable and attractively priced telephoto zoom lens compatible with both FX and DX sensor formats. It features a solid, lightweight build comprised mostly of high-quality plastic with a metal lens mount, and it comes packaged with a lens hood and nylon case. Equipped with a Silent Wave Motor (SWM) and Internal Focusing (IF), the lens provides fast, quiet autofocusing while keeping the physical length of the lens body unchanged. Performance highlights include a highly effective second-generation vibration reduction (VR II) system, a 9-rounded-blade aperture that delivers beautiful bokeh, and an exclusive Nano Crystal Coating that virtually eliminates flare and ghosting. Despite its excellent value, the lens shows typical consumer-grade limitations at longer focal lengths, particularly beyond 200mm where overall sharpness drops and edge sharpness decreases. The primary pros of this lens include its great image quality in JPEG files (which benefit from minimal visible distortion, low vignetting, and in-camera chromatic aberration correction), its compact size, and its powerful built-in stabilization. On the downside, the cons involve lower corner and edge...

computerbild.de

10/05/2008

Summary of the review

Review of the Nikon AF-S Nikkor 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6G ED Lens

The COMPUTER BILD review provides a balanced evaluation of the Nikon AF-S Nikkor 70-300 mm 1:4.5-5.6 G ED telephoto zoom lens, which earned a final test score of 2.65. The publication notes that this 4.3x zoom lens allows DSLR users to fully maximize the potential of their cameras, producing highly detailed images, particularly at the shorter 70mm focal length. Additionally, the review praises its optical control, highlighting that image distortions and vignetting (darkened edges) are almost completely nonexistent. Mechanically, the lens performs well, with zoom and focus rings that are easy to handle and operate with high precision. However, the review outlines clear drawbacks regarding the physical design and long-range performance of the lens. As the focal range stretches closer to 300mm, the review observes a noticeable degradation in image quality, as the level of detail falls off the further you zoom into distant subjects. Furthermore, its physical footprint is quite large and heavy, weighing in at 776 grams and extending between 168 to 217 millimeters in length. This high weight is explicitly cited as a major counterargument for users...

digitalkamera.de

20/03/2007

Summary of the review

Nikon D40 with AF-S 70-300 mm 4.5-5.6 VR G IF ED Lab Test

The digitalkamera.de laboratory test of the 6-megapixel Nikon D40 paired with the AF-S 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 VR G IF ED lens highlights a portable, lightweight setup that delivers impressive image quality for amateur users. The combo provides a versatile 4.3x super-telephoto reach (up to 450mm equivalent) enhanced by effective Vibration Reduction (VR II) for stable, long-focal-length shooting. Conversely, the review identifies significant limitations, including the D40's outdated 3-point autofocus system and poor high-ISO noise performance, which restrict performance in low-light scenarios. Additionally, the lens's variable maximum aperture (f/4.5-5.6) and the camera’s limited dynamic range make it challenging to capture high-contrast or fast-moving subjects effectively.

zielfoto.com

25/11/2024

Summary of the review

Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 70-300mm F/4.5-5.6G IF-ED VR - Target Photo

The featured page from Zielfoto.com provides a highly positive evaluation of the Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 70-300mm F/4.5-5.6G IF-ED VR lens, which earns an aggregate community score of 4.1 out of 5 stars from its reviewers. It is heavily praised as an excellent budget-friendly, entry-level telephoto lens that remains remarkably relevant and fun to use across diverse photography formats, spanning from portraits and action shots to family pets and equestrian sports. Both users highlight its long-lasting physical durability and reliable performance. They note that it functions perfectly on older F-mount cameras and handles exceptionally well on modern Nikon Z-mount mirrorless systems when paired with an FTZ adapter. The specific pros emphasized in the community reviews include a fast, accurate autofocus system, a highly effective built-in vibration reduction mechanism, and a lightweight, compact design that handles effortlessly. Users are particularly pleased with its solid ergonomics, stable build quality for travel, and the attractive quality of the out-of-focus background (bokeh) achieved at the 300mm f/5.6 focal length. On the other hand, the cons or trade-offs mentioned indicate that while the overall image sharpness...

digitalkamera.de

11/05/2026

Summary of the review

Nikon AF-S 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6G IF-ED VR lens review

The Nikon AF-S 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6G VR IF-ED is a versatile, high-performance telephoto lens for full-frame cameras, featuring fast, silent SWM autofocus, high central sharpness when stopped down, and an effective VR II stabilizer. It also boasts exceptionally low distortion, minimal vignetting, and internal focusing, making it a well-regarded, cost-effective choice for photographers. However, the lens has notable disadvantages, including diminished edge sharpness at the 300mm end and visible chromatic aberration, especially when shooting wide open. While it features a durable metal mount and weather sealing, its overall plastic construction feels less premium, and the zoom and focus rings offer limited, less-than-ideal tactile performance, according to the digitalkamera.de review.

radojuva.com

11/10/2011

Summary of the review

Nikon 70-300mm VR AF-S ED IF Telephoto Lens Review

The Nikon 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6G ED-IF AF-S VR is a highly regarded full-frame telephoto lens, praised for balancing price with performance, internal focusing (IF), and quick SWM autofocus. It offers reliable VR II stabilization and produces sharp, high-contrast images with minimal aberration thanks to two ED elements and Super Integrated Coating. Key drawbacks include a significant loss in image sharpness, increased softening, and noticeable chromatic aberration when zoomed to 300mm. Despite a sturdy metal mount with a rubber gasket, the lens has a plastic body, a variable f/4.5–5.6 aperture, and is subject to mild vignetting and pincushion distortion on full-frame cameras.

rcefoto.com

N/A

Summary of the review

Nikon AF-S 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 G ED VR - Product Analysis

The Nikon AF-S 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 G ED VR is an exceptionally versatile full-frame and APS-C telephoto zoom lens tailored for sports, nature, and travel photography. Its standout advantages include an integrated Vibration Reduction (VR) stabilization system that effectively counteracts camera shake for sharper handheld photography. Optically, the lens utilizes Extra-low Dispersion (ED) glass to significantly minimize chromatic aberrations, delivering excellent center sharpness and vibrant color contrast between the 70mm and 200mm focal lengths. Additionally, the built-in Silent Wave Motor (SWM) ensures rapid, quiet autofocusing with a seamless manual focus override feature. Conversely, the lens exhibits noticeable optical limitations on the longer end of its zoom range, specifically experiencing a drop-off in corner sharpness and overall contrast between 200mm and 300mm. In harsh lighting or when shooting in uncompressed RAW formats, visible chromatic aberration and vignetting can become problematic on the edges of the frame. From a build perspective, while the lens features a solid metal mount and lightweight design, its barrel construction relies heavily on plastic components, and it lacks comprehensive, professional-grade weather sealing.

nikonschool.it

27/07/2026

Summary of the review

Nikon AF-S Nikkor 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 G IF-ED VR, the irreplaceable zoom

The Nikon AF-S Nikkor 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 G IF-ED VR review highlights it as a highly versatile tele-zoom lens. It is ideal for travel, landscapes, sports, and wildlife photography. When paired with DX-format crop sensor cameras, its focal range expands to a powerful 105-450mm equivalent. Key strengths include its second-generation Vibration Reduction (VR) stabilization, a fast Silent Wave Motor (AF-S) autofocus system, and a macro mode capability. Furthermore, its internal focusing (IF) mechanism keeps the lens barrel stable during focusing operations. The optics deliver high-quality performance and beautiful background blur (bokeh) while maintaining a well-balanced weight that pairs seamlessly with medium-sized DSLRs like the D200 or D300. On the downside, its physical size and 144mm length make it look highly imposing and unbalanced on smaller entry-level bodies like the D40 or D40x. This mismatch in size requires an ergonomic adjustment from the photographer. Additionally, its maximum aperture range of f/4.5-5.6 is moderate rather than exceptional. The reviewer notes that the variable aperture was a deliberate engineering choice to keep the lens's overall weight and production costs within acceptable limits. This design...

focus-review.com

12/07/2013

Summary of the review

Review of the Nikon 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6G IF-ED VR AF-S lens for Nikon Full Frame

The Focus Review analysis concludes that the Nikon 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6G IF-ED VR AF-S is a highly appealing, budget-friendly telezoom lens suitable for both full-frame (FX) and APS-C (DX) format cameras. Built with a solid yet lightweight plastic body and a durable metal mount, it features advanced ED lens elements and an integrated Silent Wave Motor (SWM) for fast, quiet internal focusing. The evaluation highlights its highly effective second-generation vibration reduction (VR II) system, which efficiently counters its limited maximum aperture and enables sharp handheld captures even in low-light conditions. Furthermore, Nano Crystal Coating effectively limits flare and ghosting, while in-camera corrections successfully minimize vignetting and distortion in JPG files. However, the review details distinct performance limitations, particularly when handling uncorrected files or working at longer focal lengths. Beyond 200mm, sharpness decreases, and corner resolution stays visibly inferior compared to premium alternatives like the Nikon 80-400mm VR II. In terms of optical defects, uncorrected RAW files exhibit prominent lateral chromatic aberration—appearing as blue and yellow color fringes in high-contrast corners—alongside more noticeable vignetting. Additionally, its background bokeh is somewhat busy, and...

focus-review.com

18/07/2013

Summary of the review

Review: Nikon 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6G IF-ED VR AF-S (on APS-C)

The Nikon AF-S 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6G IF-ED VR is a budget-friendly super-telephoto zoom lens evaluated on a DX-format Nikon D5200 camera, where its 4.3x zoom provides an effective 105-450mm equivalent focal range suitable for nature photography. The build is solid and comfortably balanced, pairing a lightweight plastic housing with a durable metal lens mount. Autofocus is handled by a swift, quiet Internal Focusing Silent Wave Motor, keeping the 67mm filter ring stationary during operation. The standout feature is its highly effective second-generation Vibration Reduction (VR II), allowing handheld shooting at shutter speeds as slow as 1/6 of a second while maintaining identical sharpness to non-stabilized shots taken at 1/100 of a second. Additionally, because the lens is designed for larger FX sensors, vignetting is virtually nonexistent when used on a DX body, and physical distortion is completely unnoticeable in real-world scenarios. However, the lens exhibits noticeable optical limitations at longer focal lengths and wider apertures. Optical resolution drops significantly as you zoom past 200mm, with corner sharpness lagging visibly behind the center when shooting wide open—a flaw requiring the user to...

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