Nikkor 70-300 AF-S VR 4.5-5.6 zoom lens: I have a Sigma 70-300 zoom with no VR and am looking to get this Nikkor lens. Does anyone out there have it and can recommend it? I have the...

BarbK Loc: Cinnaminson, NJ

I have a Sigma 70-300 zoom with no VR and am looking to get this Nikkor lens. Does anyone out there have it and can recommend it? I have the Nikkor 80-400 for bird and wildlife photography but have found the 70-300 to be the go to one for all else. Thanks in advance for any help. Barb

WayneT Loc: Paris, TN

What camera model?

BarbK Loc: Cinnaminson, NJ

The camera is a D5100. B&H said the lens is compatible with this camera.

orrie smith Loc: Kansas

the 70-300 is a great lens, but the 28-300 would give you more range. I find the 70-300 inconvenient at times when the subject to be photographed is too close. the 28-300 gives me more flexibility when out on a trail and wanting to photograph something up close that I would have to back up for when using the 70-300.

Macbadger Loc: Illinois

I have the 70-300, 80-400, and 18-200. I find that I seldom use the 70-300, as the 18-200 is my all purpose lens. If that's not enough reach for you, perhaps you should look at the 18-300.

WayneT Loc: Paris, TN

BarbK wrote:

The camera is a D5100. B&H said the lens is compatible with this camera.

Yes, very compatible, but it's designed for a full frame camera and a little overkill for your DX camera. I personally have a 55-300mm DX lens on a d7200. It's lighter and a little expensive than the 70-300mm and will give you a little more range. The absolute best lens you could get for your camera is the 18-300mm DX VR. It's a lot more expensive but gives you a much greater focal range.

https://www.amazon.com/Nikon-18-300mm-3-5-5-6G-Vibration-Reduction/dp/B008B14VAK/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1475762672&sr=8-2&keywords=nikon+18-300mm+vr

Mike D. Loc: Crowley County, CO.

A lot will depend on your budget. I use the 55-300 on a D7100 and it's ok but there are times when you will still have to back away from things to compose the shot that you want.

In close quarters I have found that sometimes even 18 mm is too much but if you can swing it, the 18-300 might be the best choice due to less lens swapping.

Madman Loc: Gulf Coast, Florida USA

BarbK wrote:

I have a Sigma 70-300 zoom with no VR and am looking to get this Nikkor lens. Does anyone out there have it and can recommend it? I have the Nikkor 80-400 for bird and wildlife photography but have found the 70-300 to be the go to one for all else. Thanks in advance for any help. Barb

I have had for several years a Nikkor 70-300 VR ED 4.5-5.6 version of that lens, first using in on a D80, and then on a D7100. I highly recommend the lens, however I don't use it very much these days. Most of my photography is of birds for which I use the Tamron 150-600.

RSQRD Loc: SW Florida

Yes have it & it is a very good lens close to primes - make sure to buy the VR-II version

CO

I have the Nikon 70-300mm AF-S f/4.5-5.6 and the Nikon 80-400mm AF-S f/4.5-5.6 lenses. The 70-300mm is a fantastic lens for the money. Nikon did a remarkable job with it. It's very sharp in the 70-200mm range. I would recommend getting it to replace the Sigma 70-300mm. Having VR with long lenses is important.

avemal Loc: BALTIMORE

I have this lens 70-300 and did use it. I also have the Tamron 18-270 which I use 90% of the time. Great lens & at this time pricing is great since there is a Tamron 16-300 available. Another choice as well. Good selecting. 🙂🙂🙂🙂🙂🙂🙂🙂

catfish252

BarbK wrote:

I have a Sigma 70-300 zoom with no VR and am looking to get this Nikkor lens. Does anyone out there have it and can recommend it? I have the Nikkor 80-400 for bird and wildlife photography but have found the 70-300 to be the go to one for all else. Thanks in advance for any help. Barb

Barb = Are you aware that Nikon announced 2 new versions of the 70-300mm VR lens? See it here: http://www.nikonusa.com/en/nikon-products/product/camera-lenses/af-p-dx-nikkor-70-300mm-f%252f4.5-6.3g-ed-vr.html and a non-VR version also: http://www.nikonusa.com/en/nikon-products/product/camera-lenses/af-p-dx-nikkor-70-300mm-f%252f4.5-6.3g-ed.html

The VR version MSRP is $400 and the non-VR is $350 -- They are both DX lenses.

camerapapi Loc: Miami, Fl.

The Nikon 70-300 VR is an excellent sharp optics. You will not be disappointed.

nimbushopper Loc: Tampa, FL

I've had the 70-300VR for many years now and use it more than any of my 13 lenses. It is an FX lens, so when using it on a DX camera it actually provides a better image because the outer edges of the lens aren't being used. I also find it very useful as a close up lens when zoomed out to 300mm. Here's a sample I took the other day.

(Download)

ccourtney59

I also have this lens and really like it. I shoot mostly landscapes so this lens is more for when I know I may be shooting wild life. I also have a D5300 so it gives me great reach. It isn't a great walk around lens but does great for what it's for.