In search of a zoom-to-300mm lens for Nikon D5300 camera
May 15, 2018 19:59:05 #
Looking to replace my Nikon 55-200mm non-VR kit lens. Have looked at the Sigma 18-300mm 3.5-6.3 DC MACRO OS HSM Contemporary lens. Even though the lens gets pretty good reviews, and is on sale now for $400, I'm concerned about some of the comments I read re inconsistent sharpness, distortion, zoom creep, mediocre bokeh, etc. And I've taken note of Gene's and other's comments re the design compromises inherent in large range zooms.
So I'm also looking at a used Nikon AF-P DX Nikkor 70-300mm 4.5-6.3G ED VR, thinking that this lens might give me the reach with better image quality than the Sigma.
In addition to the 55-200mm I have a Nikon 18-55mm and a Nikon 35mm. I want to replace the 55-200 with a lens giving me more reach, better image quality, and VR. I will keep the other two.
I'd like to keep the wallet drain to less than approx $500. I've done some research but find conflicting and confusing info.
Wise words of wisdom will be very much appreciated.
So I'm also looking at a used Nikon AF-P DX Nikkor 70-300mm 4.5-6.3G ED VR, thinking that this lens might give me the reach with better image quality than the Sigma.
In addition to the 55-200mm I have a Nikon 18-55mm and a Nikon 35mm. I want to replace the 55-200 with a lens giving me more reach, better image quality, and VR. I will keep the other two.
I'd like to keep the wallet drain to less than approx $500. I've done some research but find conflicting and confusing info.
Wise words of wisdom will be very much appreciated.
May 15, 2018 20:21:53 #
Make sure the lens u get will work with the d5300. I am not sure the new Nikon afp lenses will work. The newer version of the 55-200mm Nikon is reported to be very sharp, has VR and sells for well under $200. Nikon also makes a 55-300mm dx lens. I would look at that model.
May 15, 2018 20:43:22 #
srt101fan wrote:
Looking to replace my Nikon 55-200mm non-VR kit le... (show quote)
Do yourself a favor and get the best lens you can for your d5300. I fooled around for years with a 55-200 and 55-300, both Nikon lenses. The 55-200 was a better, sharper lens than the 55-300 but auto focus was slow on both. Finally, I bought the Nikkor AF-P 70-300 ($750) and could not be happier. It is a full-frame lens that will get you out to 450mm on your dx body. And, the AF is close to instantaneous and the quality is exceptional compared to the less expensive lenses. I use mine on a d7100 without a problem. You should check with Nikon to be sure that this lens is compatible with your d5300 before buying. Given that it is you won't be sorry you spent the extra money.
May 15, 2018 20:48:01 #
May 15, 2018 22:12:43 #
67skylark27
Loc: Fort Atkinson, WI
I had the Tamron SP VC 70-300 and it was excellent, very sharp and under 300 bucks.
May 15, 2018 23:22:13 #
srt101fan wrote:
Looking to replace my Nikon 55-200mm non-VR kit le... (show quote)
Get the latest FX 70-300 lens more $$$ - but worth it IMO.
..
May 16, 2018 01:00:14 #
We love our Sigma 18-300 with VR. When I say "we", IO'm talking mostly about my wife, as I can rarely pry it off her camera! Stop down a couple of stops and it's actually even better, corner to corner, than the comparable Nikkor models, and they don't have the same zoom range. Very happy campers are we....
Andy
Andy
May 16, 2018 01:43:39 #
The cheaper Nikon 28-300 3.5-5.6 VR is also a fairly good lens. The photo on my avatar was taken out the window of an airplane at Denali. It is fairly shop and you won't pay out the nose like a 2.8 lens.
May 16, 2018 06:24:37 #
The af-p lenses should work with the d5300, as long as the firmware is updated.
So that leaves you with
Nikkor 18-300 old and new
Nikkor 55-300 DX AF-S
Nikkor 70-300 DX AF-P
Nikkor 70-300 FX AF-S
Nikkor 70-300 FX AF-P
Most reviews have said the AF-P lenses are better, and the FX is better than the DX.
For a d5300, I wouldn't bother with the 28-300 FX lens.
So that leaves you with
Nikkor 18-300 old and new
Nikkor 55-300 DX AF-S
Nikkor 70-300 DX AF-P
Nikkor 70-300 FX AF-S
Nikkor 70-300 FX AF-P
Most reviews have said the AF-P lenses are better, and the FX is better than the DX.
For a d5300, I wouldn't bother with the 28-300 FX lens.
May 16, 2018 07:10:17 #
I would sell your 2 current lenses and buy a Tamron 18_400mm lens. That is what I would do
May 16, 2018 07:26:32 #
srt101fan wrote:
Looking to replace my Nikon 55-200mm non-VR kit le... (show quote)
Here are my links covering the zoom-300mm range.
Tamron 28-300mm
https://www.thephoblographer.com/2014/10/31/review-tamron-28-300mm-f3-5-5-6-di-vc-pzd-canon-ef/
http://www.photographyblog.com/reviews/tamron_28_300mm_f_3_5_6_3_di_vc_pzd_review
https://www.dpreview.com/products/tamron/lenses/tamron_28-300_3p5-6p3_di_vc_pzd
Nikon
https://nikonrumors.com/2010/10/24/nikon-24-120mm-f4g-ed-vr-vs-nikon-28-300mm-f3-5-5-6-ed-vr.aspx/
http://www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/24-120mm.htm
http://www.dxomark.com/Lenses/Compare/Side-by-side/Nikon-AF-S-NIKKOR-70-200mm-F4G-ED-VR-on-Nikon-D610-versus-AF-S-NIKKOR-28-300mm-f-3.5-5.6-ED-VR-versus-Nikon-AF-S-Nikkor-70-200mm-F28-G-ED-VR-II-on-Nikon-D610___1071_915_323_0_406_915
http://nikondp.com/2012/12/dx-nikkor-55-300mm-vr-vs-nikkor-70-300mm-vr/
May 16, 2018 07:44:40 #
Right now, the AF-P VR ED DX 70-300 Nikon lens (wt. under 15 oz.!) is for sale at Walmart for $155.00! (A lot less than the $750.00 someone else paid for one, probably FX, which you don't need). It will work on the D5300 with a firmware update.
May 16, 2018 07:45:56 #
I doubt that the Nikon 70-300mm FX would give sharper image than the DX version on the D5300.
May 16, 2018 07:53:41 #
Charlie'smom wrote:
AF-P lenses work with my D5500.
OP has a D5300.
May 16, 2018 08:01:35 #
srt101fan wrote:
Looking to replace my Nikon 55-200mm non-VR kit le... (show quote)
This page from Nikon's website shows that with a firmware upgrade, the D5300 is fully compatible with the AF-P lenses.
https://www.nikonimgsupport.com/eu/BV_article?articleNo=000035705&configured=1&lang=en_GB
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