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

Description:

Replaced by the Nikon 70-300 VRII New high-performance 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6G ED-IF AF-S VR Zoom-Nikkor lens offers 3 stops above the non-VR.

Nikon 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6G ED IF AF-S VR Telephoto Zoom Lens Top Angle View

This 4.3x  zoom is a great lens for outdoor sports shots, daylight candid and some nature shots. It's also makes an excellent portrait lens under studio lights in the 70-105 range. Due to the slower aperture, it isn't terribly useful for indoor sport shots.

Nikon 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6G ED IF AF-S VR Telephoto Zoom Lens Side Profile View

If you need a low light lens, this isn't it. If your primary objective is to take pictures in low light situation such as wedding and concerts, then get the 80-200mm f/2.8 or the 70-200mm f/2.8 instead

The makeup of the lens is virtually identical to that of the 18-200VR lens -- three switches for MA/M, VR on/off, and VR normal or active. Large outer ring for zoom, and smaller ring for focus.

Nikon 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6G ED IF AF-S VR Telephoto Zoom Lens View

Comprising many of Nikon's most advanced features such as Nikon Extra Low Dispersion (ED) glass, Silent Wave Motor (SWM) and enhanced Vibration Reduction (VRII), internal focus (IF), as well as optics perfected for use with both Nikon DX format digital and 35mm filmSLR cameras, the 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6G ED-IF AF-S VR Zoom-Nikkor is sure to appeal to a broad spectrum of Nikon photographers.

Nikon 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6G ED IF AF-S VR Telephoto Zoom Lens Mount View

• AF-S Autofocus lens featuring a Silent wave, coreless, integrated, focus motor (unwrapped in 1996). Basically an updated AF-I Autofocus-Silent sporting a "Silent Wave Motor" (ultrasonic) to focus near silently and fast.

• Two ED- (Extra-low Dispersion Glass Elements)
a necessary element of the Nikon telephoto lens Nikon engineered Extra-low Dispersion optical glass to facilitate the manufacture of lenses that provide superior color correction and sharpness by diminishing chromatic aberrations

• G - labeled after the f-number. All the newer AF lenses, including AF-S and specifically G, are also D. Nikon no longer makes an effort to mark the D. G-lenses contains no aperture ring, therefore aperture may only be electronically controlled by the camera and only autofocus camera bodies featuring function dials have the capacity to control G lenses

• IF- Internal Focusing
The ability to have a lens focus while it's size remains unchanged. Nikon’s IF engineering allows that to happen. All internal optical travel is contained within the inside of the non-extension lens container.

• M/A mode
AF-S Nikon lenses include the exclusive Nikon M/A focus function, that permits switching from auto to manual focus virtually without time lag - even while the AF servo is in operation regardless of the AF mode in play.

• RD- Rounded 9 Blade Diaphragm
Soft-focus images of point light resources create accepted polygonal shapes that mirror the form of the cavity produced by the diaphragm blades.

• SIC - Nikon Super Integrated Coating
Nikon uses an elite multilayer lens coating to augment the operation of its lens elements which also helps diminish ghosting and flare to minute levels. Nikon Super Integrated Coat also accomplishes several purposes,

• SWM- Silent Wave Motor
Nikon AF-S engineering is yet one more rationale why professional photographers like Nikon telephoto optical lenses.

VR - Vibration Reduction
Normal mode Employs a moving optical assembly to minimize the effects of photographic camera shake. Active Mode which provide for shooting from a moving vehicle.

• Picture angle is 34°20' - 8°10' with 35mm SLRs and 22°50' - 5°20' with Nikon DX format SLRs. (When used on a Nikon DX-format DSLR, the effective picture angle is similar to that of a 105-450mm lens on a 35mm film SLR.)

• Lens Case CL-1022

• Lens Bayonet Hood HB-36

• Supplied AccessoriesLC-67 67mm snap-on front lens cap

• LF-1 rear lens cap

*Supplied accessories may differ depending on country or area.

Great lens; Great price., August 28, 2009

By K. Shreffler "TwinDude" (Delmar, NY United States)

Some of the reviews I've read about this lens say it doesn't autofocus well, but I have not found that is a problem at all. This lens has worked great for me so far. The vibration reduction is definitely worth it. On my 18-105mm I couldn't see the difference, but on this lens the difference is very obvious. It is definitely worth the extra money.

By Engineer (Seattle)

After owning a Nikon D40 with a 55-200mm lens, a larger lens was the next step. This lens is much larger and heavier than the 55-200mm Nikkor. I had read the reviews on the lens and was aware of the near 300mm difficulties. By compensating for these issues the lens can be a remarkable instrument. Once in focus, photos taken at 300mm can show excellent resolution and color. I've found best results with the autofocus when the focus is close to the optimum setting before using autofocus. The magnification is astounding, as much as I would want. The vibration reduction is very effective. A tripod hasn't been needed for daylight photos. When carrying the pair, I cradle the lens instead of holding by the camera. The lens was a demo from Cameta Camera for $379 with free shipping. It was indistinguishable from new and has given no problems. A great bargain for its capability. Always get a UV filter! It's cheap insurance.

By James Atkinson (Ft. Campbell, KY)

This lens gets 5 stars for its performance vs price. Many pro photographers are using this lens in place of the 70-200mm VR for fraction of the cost. It it very sharp and has accurate and fairly quick focus. Zooming the lens does not provide the silky feeling you get with the pro lenses as the barrel is plastic, but it's hardly a concern.