Just to clarify, It was my opinion only that it seemed sharper to me at 200-300. Personal observation, not based on any science as such.
In all these areas others may have a different opinion to mine.
They are both great lenses. I recommend if you get the chance to go to your local photography store and try one out. Nothing like seeing first hand.
Yes and to avoid any confusion this -- (I thought the older version at 20-300mm was not as sharp) should have said 200-300mm not 20-300mm
I am writing this to share an experience and hopefully it will be informative enough for others to make a decision such as I was contemplating.
I recently bought a Nikon D5500 which came with a 18-55mm APF VR lens (New Stepper Motor version Nikon have just introduced). I was then looking at buying other lenses to add to my new purchase, one of which was a 70-300mm.
I spent hours and hours looking at reviews and then decided on the new 70-300 AFP VR, as I was so impressed with the 18-55 AFP VR kit lens which came with the camera. Why, because it was super sharp, almost silent focus and has a super fast focus system.
When looking at the reviews though it was intimating that the older 70-300 AFS VR was a better build quality and optics. Then I looked at the price, see below, its nearly £200 more expensive. I was on a budget like most of us and decided to go for the less expensive model, and am I glad I did, and here's why.
Prices from Jessops UK
Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6G IF-ED VR Lens---weight 725g ---Dimension 80 x 143mm = £499
Nikon AF-P DX NIKKOR 70–300mm f/4.5–6.3G ED VR Lens ---weight 415g --- Dimension 72 x 125mm= £298 (I actually found one for £250)
When the lens arrived they had sent me the AFS VR older version. This gave me the chance to take a look at it. First impression boy was it heavy, I could not have carried it around all day comfortably. The auto-focus was ok but still made a noise and was not as fast as the AFP lens I had, especially at 300mm. It also made various clicking noises which now I know is normal for that lenses VR. I contacted the company and they sent out the AFP lens I had originally purchased.
When it arrived I promptly took it out and started testing it. I am absolutely convinced I made the right decision purchasing the new version and here's all the points I found of the new AFP version over the older more expensive AFS version. If anyone wants to ask any questions then please do.
Pros
-£200 cheaper
- 310g lighter
- Almost silent focusing (great for Movies)
- No annoying noises from the VR system
- Sharp all the way through the lens (I thought the older version at 20-300mm was not as sharp)
- Lightning fast Autofocus
- Front focus ring is really smooth and has instant override
- Does not extend as far as the older version
- Although people say its a plastic lens its, still a very good build quality.I think you would be hard pressed to nock it except it has no metal mount or gasket. (which is a shame)
Cons
No metal mount or environmental gasket
WARNING
The AFP only works newer DX cameras that have the firmware installed. Check the Nikon web site first.
I will upload some picks later.
Hope this is of interest to people and helps others make a decision.
I asked the question to Nikon regards the amount of information they allow 3rd party suppliers to access and its clear from their response it is all of it. its up to the software developer how much they utilise.and here is their response.
"Dear John,
Thank you for your email.
It is very possible that third party software does not fully utilise the Nikon RAW files 100%. However you would need to check with the third party software makers to check how much of the RAW file they utilise as Nikon are not involved in the writing of their software.
Nikon provide the information needed for third party companies to make their software compatible with our NEF files.
Could you expand on that please, say with some examples.
I have just purchased a YONGNUO 50mm Lens for my Nikon D5500. Just starting out in photography and wanted an all round lens which was good in low light and gave a nice Bokeh.
The build quality seems really good, I was expecting a really plasticky copy of the Nikon lens. However it seems to be all metal (could be plastic ,but its hard to tell) with metal connections and feels really solid. Pictures have been very good image wise, using for Portrait, street etc and all for £70 UK pounds with UV filter and Lens Hood. Purchased from Amazon.
My Observations
-Motor not to noisy (However compared to the AF-P Nikon 18-55mm kit lens which you struggle to hear, no contest)
-Focus speed good and accurate
-Focus ring smooth but a little stiff
-Has a focus window
Hi that sounds like very good advice. I have Elements 10 which I used a long time ago, when I did not know what RAW was. It quite inexpensive to upgrade so I think i will go down that route. I don't need to do any professional work on photos, just wanted the ability to enhance a few. Plus elements also gives the ability to play around with photos as well, and its all in the one program.
Since getting a bit more involved in this I have found a wealth of other programs which seem as powerful or more powerful than some of the well known ones you have to buy. Here is one worth a look and its all free. It seems there are some pretty enthusiastic developers out there benefiting the community.
http://rawtherapee.com/blog/rawtherapee-4.2-is-out
What are the differences between Capture NX2 to Capture NX-D?
Capture NX-D is designed for a broad range of Nikon camera users wanting to use a variety of functions to develop RAW images taken with their cameras (NEF/NRW). Capture NX 2 will no longer be updated, Capture NX-D can be considered a successor to Capture NX 2.
What are the differences between the two applications?
Capture NX-D is available free of charge.
Capture NX-D does not include U Point functions (for portional editing).
Adjustments performed with Capture NX-D are saved in a sidecar file format rather than with the original NEF file.
The user interface has been changed.
There are no differences in color reproduction with RAW images developed in Capture NX-D and Capture NX 2. Images saved in Capture NX 2 can be opened in Capture NX-D in their original form.
What are the primary functions of Capture NX-D?
Adjustment functions have been specialized for RAW development.
Editing of JPEG and TIFF images is also possible.
A variety of image display formats are available.
Comparison display of multiple images is possible.
Adjustments are saved in a sidecar file format that preserves the integrity of RAW files (non-destructive).
Multiple thumbnails can be selected for simultaneous adjustment of multiple images.
Troublesome or complicated adjustment processing can be performed at once with batch processing.
RAW images can be developed and then transferred to another application in TIFF (16 bit) format.
It offers support for Picture Control.
It offers a function that enables coordinated action with Camera Control Pro 2, convenient for studio photography.
This is the first time I have used this forum and I am pretty impressed with the responses. This really feels like a community that cares and has the passion for photography. It inspires me to do better. Thanks everyone.
Just had a play and you can adjust the current picture controls and save them as additional options.
Great , glad someone has benefited. However I could not see the purpose of picture control utility, as it in the other programs Capture NX-D and ViewNX-I.
I am new to this, so was happy that Nikon actually give away Post Processing software. However I cant seem to find any Video tutorials that are worth watching to find out how to use it. I have found plenty of Light Room tutorials on YouTube, which seems an easy program to use. maybe I should switch. As an example in Light room adjusting for Blacks , Whites and colours seems quite straight forward , but the Nikon software has confused the hell out of me. Help anyone?
Can someone enlighten me as to what this application is for please.