Groundhog34

Can someone explain the difference between and comment which is better specifically regarding the Nikon AF-P and AF-S Nikkor Lens AF-S VR Zoom-Nikkor 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6G IF-ED and the P version. I have heard the P version does not allow the VR to be turned off at lens. Is this true and what are the other differences?

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

Have you tried any of the lens reviews? such as https://kenrockwell.com/nikon/70-300mm-vr-afp.htm

The VR switch is removed, as mentioned in the linked review, and it is now controlled from the camera menu. This is an example of one of the compatibility issues presented by AF-P lenses where some older Nikon bodies need a firmware update to support AF-P. The older older population of bodies do not have this firmware update available to enable AF-P compatibility.

RV Loc: Chicago

Guess I would do a Google search?

chase4 Loc: Punta Corona, California

Take a look at the Nikon website: nikonusa.com

PixelStan77 Loc: Vermont/Chicago

Welcome to the forum. Have fun.
AF-P is the designation used to distinguish these new lenses from Nikon's existing AF-S models. The full model name is 'AF-P DX NIKKOR 18–55mm f/3.5–5.6G' and the only difference between the two new AF-P models is that the cheaper lens does not have Nikon's VR image stabilization system.

Thomas902 Loc: Washington DC

"...which is better specifically regarding the Nikon AF-P and AF-S Nikkor Lens AF-S VR Zoom-Nikkor 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6G IF-ED and the P version. I have heard the P version does not allow the VR to be turned off at lens. Is this true and what are the other differences?" Groundhog34 you have been miss informed... likely by someone trying to sell you the antique AF-S version of the 70-300mm lol btw, there are two versions of both AF-P lens... the VR version being the premium.

Seriously the FX version (which you mentioned) has a VR switch (off-normal-sport)
The first (DX) version (my fav) has no VR switch thus VR is always on... and it's aperture at max is f/6.3 not f/5.6
I shoot them both and my favorite is the DX version which I scored as a "White Box" at less than half what Nikon sells it.

There is no BEST lens... this is totally dependent on a myriad of variables.
For me the feather light DX version is a dream come true... soooo easy to sneak into events if you don't have credentials... lol

My question to you is what are your perceived needs for a telephoto optic... lacking that knowledge only a fool would attempt to provide guidance... but there are lots and lots of fools on UHH so no worries...

I won't bother showing you imagery from the FX version since others will likely tell you it's the only one to get...
Instead below are images from a "white box" DX (VR) version on a Nikon D7100...
btw, the current street value (used) for this rig (BOTH body & lens) is about $500... so much for high end kit....

Groundhog34 please tell the UHH members what you want to use this optic on (and more importantly for), k?

Thanks!
And welcome to UHH
All the best on your journey...
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Groundhog34

I will use it for still wildlife and flying birds.

FreddB Loc: PA - Delaware County

Pretty girl - but you should take her out to dinner once in a while 😈😈😈

Bill_de Loc: US

AF-S NIKKOR lenses feature Nikon’s Silent Wave Motor (SWM). This technology converts “traveling waves” into rotational energy to focus the optics. This enables high-speed autofocusing that's extremely accurate and super quiet.

AF-P lenses use a “Pulse” motor or “Stepping” autofocus motor and are even quieter and smoother to autofocus than an AF-S lens, making these lenses ideal when shooting video with a DSLR.

The full explanation at NikonUSA:

https://www.nikonusa.com/en/learn-and-explore/a/tips-and-techniques/which-nikkor-lens-type-is-right-for-your-dslr.html

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Architect1776 Loc: In my mind

Compatibility issues is the big thing.

mas24 Loc: Southern CA

There are some AF-P lenses that are designed for DX cameras only. The 70-300mm AF-P lenses come without VR and with VR. If you were to purchase the AF-P VR version, it would cost you about an additional $50. The Non-VR version is mostly included in the Bundle Kits with two lenses. To keep the price lower, is the reason to having the Non-VR version in the Bundle Kit. As already mentioned, I have heard too, that you can't turn off the VR on the DX version of AF-P lenses. It is recommended that VR be turned off when the camera is on a tripod. If this is true, your tripod mounted camera will have VR on, always, while mounted on a tripod. Also, be sure your camera has the updated firmware to accept the AF-P DX lenses.

Chadp Loc: Virginia Beach

NCMtnMan Loc: N. Fork New River, Ashe Co., NC

Only certain models will allow you to turn the VR off. I have a D7200 and found out after buying a P series lens. Asked Nikon support about when there would be a firmware upgrade to enable this feature and was told that they were not aware that there would be one as that is all controlled by the programmers. A little frustrating since the D7200 is listed as being one of the bodies that the P series will work with after firmware upgrades. Lens still works great. Just one of those things that makes me scratch my head at the logic behind it.

bobgreen Loc: Maryland

I've read several online comparisons but thought I'd ask UHH folks- has anyone seen a difference in optic quality between the older AF-S VR FX version and the newer AF-P VR version. I know the P focuses faster and quieter and weighs a bit less.

amfoto1 Loc: San Jose, Calif. USA

AF-P and AF-S lenses are similar in that both have a focus motor in the lens itself (unlike "AF" Nikkors, which do not and instead rely upon a focusing motor in some of the Nikon camera bodies, D7000-series and higher).

As I understand it, the AF-P lenses use a stepper motor focus drive, while the AF-S use ultrasonic. The latter is typically faster to acquire and better following movement, better for sports and other fast action photography. Stepper motor is quieter and smoother, better for video. You might not notice any difference while shooting many subjects, such as portraits, scenics, etc. But if you are shooting very rapidly or try to shoot some sort of fast action you'll probably find the AF-P lens' autofocus struggling to keep up with situations the AF-S lens can handle pretty easily.

Some of the AF-P lenses do not have a switch on the lens itself to turn VR on and off. Instead it's done in the menu of some of the newer camera bodies (D7500, D7200, for example). Some of the older bodies also can be made to work with the AF-P lenses, by updating them with new firmware (D7100). Still older bodies cannot be updated so are not fully compatible with the AF-P lenses. Check the Nikon website for more details about lens/camera incompatibilities and limitations.

Commonly stepper motor lenses are "fly by wire", meaning they have to be powered up to function in any way. Focus is done electronically so the lens cannot be focused manually when it's off the camera or the camera is not powered up. Ultrasonic motor lenses have direct mechanical focus so can be manually focused at an time, on or off the camera.

AF-P lenses tend to be "economy" versions, while AF-S lenses tend to be more premium.