Nikon AF-P DX NIKKOR 70-300mm f/4.5-6.3G ED Lens for Nikon DSLR Cameras: Anybody have any experience with this lens? KEH has a good price on it, but I'm nervous since it doesn't have...

Bike guy Loc: Atlanta

Anybody have any experience with this lens? KEH has a good price on it, but I'm nervous since it doesn't have VR. I understand it does well for video because of the "step" motor?
I would use this on my Nikon 5300 to do video and use the 200-300 portion for wildlife (using at least a monopod).
Thanks

DaveO Loc: Northeast CT

If you shake a lot when you're nervous, you may benefit from VR.

PixelStan77 Loc: Vermont/Chicago

Go for it. VR is a way of charging you more for a lens.

bdk Loc: Sanibel Fl.

I have the 70-300 for my 5200 its a good lens, I on occasion put it on my 810...

joer Loc: Colorado/Illinois

Bike guy wrote:

Anybody have any experience with this lens? KEH has a good price on it, but I'm nervous since it doesn't have VR. I understand it does well for video because of the "step" motor?
I would use this on my Nikon 5300 to do video and use the 200-300 portion for wildlife (using at least a monopod).
Thanks

I have the VR version and its sharp and focuses quickly. Before you buy make sure its compatible with your camera.

Darrellh

I use it on aD7100, it's ok, need a lot of light for birding, in my experience anyway.

50teeslady Loc: Ormond Beach Florida

I just bought one last night on ebay for 159.99 ...its a grey market I know but for that price I thought I'd go for it.....I read many who have said they have no problem with it being grey.....its only compatible with certain cameras because there is no VR button on it....On my D7100 it doesn't turn the VR off which is fine for me....I can't be without VR....

cmcaroffino Loc: Sebring, FL

There are 2 versions of this lens one with VR and one without VR. There is a $50 price difference between the 2. I have the VR version and like it. It is sharp, fast focus and inexpensive. It does require a lot of light but hey for the price and IQ quality its a great lens. I would not get the nonVR version as it will be difficult to get sharp pictures and make sure it is compatible with your camera.

50teeslady Loc: Ormond Beach Florida

I would only get the VR version!

Bike guy Loc: Atlanta

Appreciate the responses. If I get a lens, I will need VR.

RSQRD Loc: SW Florida

suggest you look at the non DX comparable Nikon lens- its VRII & a sharp lens PLUS you will be using center of the lens in the DX camera. I have this lens with a 7200 its my walk around lens. Good Luck

MtnMan Loc: ID

Bike guy wrote:

Anybody have any experience with this lens? KEH has a good price on it, but I'm nervous since it doesn't have VR. I understand it does well for video because of the "step" motor?
I would use this on my Nikon 5300 to do video and use the 200-300 portion for wildlife (using at least a monopod).
Thanks

It will work on your D5300.

But I would get the VR version. Check walmart.com. They have had a VR grey market one for about $200. It is a new lens but no useful warranty. But at that price, who cares?

If you get the VR one you need to update your D5300 firmware (free download from Nikon) to be able to turn off VR in a menu. But you needn't bother.

MtnMan Loc: ID

RSQRD wrote:

suggest you look at the non DX comparable Nikon lens- its VRII & a sharp lens PLUS you will be using center of the lens in the DX camera. I have this lens with a 7200 its my walk around lens. Good Luck

A bid advantage of the AF-P 70-300 is light weight. It gets great reviews on image quality.

MtnMan Loc: ID

RSQRD wrote:

suggest you look at the non DX comparable Nikon lens- its VRII & a sharp lens PLUS you will be using center of the lens in the DX camera. I have this lens with a 7200 its my walk around lens. Good Luck

Sorry...it did post.

MtnMan Loc: ID

50teeslady wrote:

I just bought one last night on ebay for 159.99 ...its a grey market I know but for that price I thought I'd go for it.....I read many who have said they have no problem with it being grey.....its only compatible with certain cameras because there is no VR button on it....On my D7100 it doesn't turn the VR off which is fine for me....I can't be without VR....

That is an awesome deal! I ordered one.

I had been wanting one for the light weight for air travel. While my 28-300 likely takes as good images it weighs three or four times as much.

I normally don't buy extended warranties. But in this case the lens is gray market so doesn't have a warranty but I have read good things about the offered squaretrade warranty. Three years for $27. So I went for it too. Still under $200 with free shipping and no sales tax.

Oh...no lens cap included. So I also ordered the offered one for $13. Still under $200 total.