Nikon 70-300 afs fx vs. afp: I've read various reviews on both lenses but have not seen a direct comparison of the two and how they perform via a vis sharpness, IQ, and color...

bobgreen Loc: Maryland

I've read various reviews on both lenses but have not seen a direct comparison of the two and how they perform via a vis sharpness, IQ, and color rendition. I know the FX is built better, is bigger and heavier and have read how sharpness falls off towards 300. Does the afp's sharpness do the same and is it better or worse? I've read good things about the afp's autofocus speed and accuracy, light weight, etc.

rjaywallace Loc: Wisconsin

Bob - Not clear what you mean by "afp". Going by the context of your post, you may have meant to say "APS-C", a reference to so-called crop sensor cameras/lenses. If so, you might want to correct the title and text of your post.

DaveO Loc: Northeast CT

I would imagine he was referring to the Nikon AF-P NIKKOR 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6E ED VR Lens versus the Nikon AF-S VR Zoom-NIKKOR 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6G IF-ED.

rjaywallace Loc: Wisconsin

DaveO wrote:

I would imagine he was referring to the Nikon AF-P NIKKOR 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6E ED VR Lens versus the Nikon AF-S VR Zoom-NIKKOR 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6G IF-ED.

Dave, this is not intended as criticism of you, but it is criticism of Nikon. Look up the word "obfuscation". When a manufacturer intentionally offers two quite similar products without providing a clear, straightforward explanation as to why or differentiation between them, I find the choice is very simple - quickly pass on both products and look for an honest manufacturer who doesn't play games. Nikon would be better served to use its development dollars creating a better APS-C version of this lens instead of a "cheapy" version targeted at low budget first time camera buyers. /Ralph

bobgreen Loc: Maryland

rjaywallace wrote:

Bob - Not clear what you mean by "afp". Going by the context of your post, you may have meant to say "APS-C", a reference to so-called crop sensor cameras/lenses. If so, you might want to correct the title and text of your post.

My apologies - I used my cell phone to create the post and I had some editing difficulties. I was referring to the AF-S vs AF-P focusing motor system on the Nikon lens. The AF-P applies only to DX/APS-C systems.

i should have checked and edited accordingly before posting.

bobgreen Loc: Maryland

DaveO wrote:

I would imagine he was referring to the Nikon AF-P NIKKOR 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6E ED VR Lens versus the Nikon AF-S VR Zoom-NIKKOR 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6G IF-ED.

Quite correct! Thanks for clearing this up. To avoid further confusion, I'll repost - with greater clarity.

imagemeister Loc: mid east Florida

Ken Rockwell does a good comparison at his cite......check the MTF charts for relative optical IQ performance.

bobgreen Loc: Maryland

imagemeister wrote:

Ken Rockwell does a good comparison at his cite......check the MTF charts for relative optical IQ performance.

Excellent! Thanks! Not sure how I missed Ken because I usually read his reviews.

DaveO Loc: Northeast CT

rjaywallace wrote:

Dave, this is not intended as criticism of you, bu... (show quote)

What's tough as well is that the P lens won't work on some of the F mounts or with limited capabilities. Got to be careful.

Leitz Loc: Solms

rjaywallace wrote:

When a manufacturer intentionally offers two quite similar products without providing a clear, straightforward explanation as to why or differentiation between them ... /Ralph

Very little mental acuity is required for one to educate oneself as to the difference between AFP and AFS Nikkor lenses.

Ctrclckws

Nikon has certainly added confusion with the 70-300mm lens choices.
1. FX, AF, No VR, cheap
2. FX, AF-S, VR
3. DX, AF-P, no VR, to include in kits
4. DX, AF-P, VR
5. FX, AF-P, VR

#1 requires a focus motor in the camera
#2 will work with all digital cameras.
#3,4,&5 may not be fully compatible, even with firmware updates

Read carefully before you spend your money.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

bobgreen wrote:

I've read various reviews on both lenses but have not seen a direct comparison of the two and how they perform via a vis sharpness, IQ, and color rendition. I know the FX is built better, is bigger and heavier and have read how sharpness falls off towards 300. Does the afp's sharpness do the same and is it better or worse? I've read good things about the afp's autofocus speed and accuracy, light weight, etc.

These are links I have for the new lens. I can't imagine the new FX lens not being better than the older DX lens.

http://www.bythom.com/70300VRlens.htm
https://photographylife.com/reviews/nikon-70-300mm-vr
https://petapixel.com/2017/07/10/nikons-new-70-300mm-vr-lens-first-fx-lens-stepping-motor/

From B&H -
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/compare/Nikon_Lente_AF_Zoom_Nikkor_70-300mm_f_4-5.6G_Preta_vs_Nikon_Lente_AF-S_DX_NIKKOR_18-140mm_f_3.5-5.6G_ED_VR_vs_Nikon_Lente_AF-S_DX_NIKKOR_18-300mm_f_3.5-6.3G_ED_VR_vs_Nikon_Lente_Zoom_Telefoto_AF-S_VR_Zoom-NIKKOR_70-300mm_f_4.5-5.6G_IF-ED/BHitems/207359-GREY_999548-USA_1045736-REG_449088-USA

camerapapi Loc: Miami, Fl.

I do not use nor plan on using the new P lens that according to specs the new motor works better for video. I do not shoot video with my cameras.
The lens I have been using for about 5 years now is the "old" 70-300 FX VR, a sharp lens with excellent AF and excellent handling.

billnikon Loc: Pennsylvania/Ohio/Florida/Maui/Oregon/Vermont

bobgreen wrote:

I've read various reviews on both lenses but have not seen a direct comparison of the two and how they perform via a vis sharpness, IQ, and color rendition. I know the FX is built better, is bigger and heavier and have read how sharpness falls off towards 300. Does the afp's sharpness do the same and is it better or worse? I've read good things about the afp's autofocus speed and accuracy, light weight, etc.

I do not overly concern myself with a lens sharpness, I concern myself with studying about improving my skills as a photographer. I leave the sharpness issues to the lens manufactures and I concentrate on what is truly important. Taking the best images my training has prepared me for.

suntouched Loc: Sierra Vista AZ

billnikon wrote:

I do not overly concern myself with a lens sharpness, I concern myself with studying about improving my skills as a photographer. I leave the sharpness issues to the lens manufactures and I concentrate on what is truly important. Taking the best images my training has prepared me for.

Bully for you!
There are two 70-300 AF-P lenses. One has a max aperture of 5.6 and the other 6.3. The f 6.3 weighs almost half of the other. The f 6.3 lens build quality is ok but not at the level of the other. And the price of the f 6.3 is almost half of the faster lens. The f 5.6 has some weather sealing. Does it matter? You decide.
I purchased the 70-300 mm f 5.6 and I am very happy with the results. But on the other hand I have read reviews of the f 6.3 and it gets good ones. The f 5.6 can be used with a full frame camera. The other not.
Is the f 5.6 sharp- yes. I can't speak for the f 6.3 but I have read it is.
Good luck with your decision. You can always exchange it for the other so it's not as if it's a permanent purchase. It depends on how and where you are going to use that lens.
You need to check that the AF-P lenses are compatible with your camera.