Customer Reviews for Nikon Inc. AF-S VR Zoom-Nikkor 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6G IF-ED
This product is no longer available. Continue shopping at Nikon.
Nikon Inc. AF-S VR Zoom-Nikkor 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6G IF-ED
This high-power, high-performance 4.3x telephoto zoom with VR image stabilization lens allows better hand-held telephoto shooting ED glass.
Average Customer Rating:
(212 Reviews) 212
Rating Snapshot 212 reviews
5 stars
135
4 stars
54
3 stars
14
2 stars
4
1 star
5
199 out of 212(94%)customers recommend this product.
Customer Reviews for AF-S VR Zoom-Nikkor 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6G IF-ED
Review 1 for AF-S VR Zoom-Nikkor 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6G IF-ED
scottshot
Location Costa Mesa, CA.
Age 55-65
Favorite Subject Nature
Nikon Family 21+ years
Experience More than a year
Role Serious passion, hobbyist
I bought this lens because I could not afford the 70-200 and actually the lens is very good and you get the added 100mm. This lens is not heavy, focus is fast and is easy to use. I use it for architectural detail shots, landscape, nature and sports. The VR works as designed and is priced right!
Share:
+56points
Review 2 for AF-S VR Zoom-Nikkor 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6G IF-ED
Overall rating
Outstanding Lens !
PostedMay 28, 2013
TonySanJoseCA
Location San Jose, CA
Age 45-54
Favorite Subject Nature
Nikon Family 0-1 years
Experience 1-3 months
Role Serious passion, hobbyist
I have only two lenses at this point in time. The Nikkor 16-85 3.5-5.6 and the 70-00 4.5-5.6. I find myself continuously reaching for this lens. The lens is amazingly sharp, nice Bokeh!! Just looking through the view finder with this lens give you the feel that you are using professional quality glass. I would post some pictures here but they are severely reduced therefore you really can't see the true image quality.. Anyway, I too same as many other people doing the due dilegence research.But let me tell you now, if you are interested in this lens, don't waste your time any longer. Just go for it !!
Share:
+2points
Review 3 for AF-S VR Zoom-Nikkor 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6G IF-ED
Overall rating
Amazing Lens at an amazing price.
PostedMay 25, 2013
Neeraj
Amazing Lens at an amazing price. hard to believe that it would be so good
Share:
-1point
Review 4 for AF-S VR Zoom-Nikkor 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6G IF-ED
Overall rating
Yes, Buy t!
PostedMay 21, 2013
Krisanie
Location Mukilteo, WA, USA
Age 55-65
Favorite Subject Nature
Nikon Family 21+ years
Experience Less than a month
Role Serious passion, hobbyist
If you are wondering if you should buy this lens, the answer is "Yes!"
With my DX format camera it has an effective range of about 105-450, which I just love, as I do a lot of nature photography. The Vibration Reduction works quietly in the background, but really shows up in stunning, crisp images.
That said, for those of you who have never had a real glass lens, this one will feel heavy and you will need to learn to use your camera with the different balance. Go back to basics, support the lens with your left hand palm up, and you will be just fine. Some people might not like the extra weight, but a good photographer will just learn how to deal with it. I prefer the heavier camera/lens set, which seems to me to be easier to hold steady.
Share:
+3points
Review 5 for AF-S VR Zoom-Nikkor 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6G IF-ED
Overall rating
Great lens
PostedApril 2, 2013
cskid
Age 45-54
Favorite Subject Landscape
Nikon Family 0-1 years
Experience 1-3 months
Role Serious passion, hobbyist
I have had so much fun with this lens. From shooting the moon, wildlife, sun rises and sun sets, macroish shooting and panning for motion shots.
Share:
+2points
Review 6 for AF-S VR Zoom-Nikkor 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6G IF-ED
Overall rating
great lens in affordable price
PostedMarch 28, 2013
Sky_line
Location Seoul, South Korea
Age 35-44
Favorite Subject Nature
Nikon Family 2-5 years
Experience Less than a month
Role Serious passion, hobbyist
bought this lens last month and I'm very happy with it, the photos were sharp, It was also an additional to my D7000. I also had a 85mm f 1.8.
My product recommendations
D7000
(1,420)
AF-S NIKKOR 85mm f/1.8G
(19)
SB-700 AF Speedlight
(20)Share:
-2points
Review 7 for AF-S VR Zoom-Nikkor 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6G IF-ED
Overall rating
Love it!!
PostedMarch 14, 2013
Samaire
Age 25-34
Favorite Subject Family & Friends
Nikon Family 0-1 years
Experience Less than a month
Role Serious passion, hobbyist
Just received it today and it's going to work perfect for my everyday outings with my kids!
Share:
-4points
Review 8 for AF-S VR Zoom-Nikkor 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6G IF-ED
Overall rating
Outstanding Lens
PostedJanuary 19, 2013
Ford Man
Location MI
Age 25-34
Favorite Subject Portrait
Nikon Family 11-20 years
Experience More than a year
Role Occasional user, memory keeper
Great lens for the money. sure the 70-200 II VR is way better but for the price you cant beat it. I use this lens when I am going to be at events that can get out of control, so my 70-200 II VR does not get hosed.
My product recommendations
D7000
(1,420)
SB-910 AF Speedlight
(10)
AF-S NIKKOR 50mm f/1.4G
(85)Share:
-2points
Review 9 for AF-S VR Zoom-Nikkor 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6G IF-ED
Overall rating
Perfect zoo lens for crop sensor DSLR
PostedDecember 12, 2012
Berkehaus
Age 45-54
Favorite Subject Nature
Nikon Family 2-5 years
Experience More than a year
Role Semi-professional photographer
This is my "go to" lens for most animal shots and zoo pictures. The 300mm zoom really lets you get in close on an animal for a perspective that shorter lenses do not allow. The VR works flawlessly and I can shoot handheld to 1/60th sec exposure. I even use this lens for isolation shots where I want a smooth blurred background. Bokeh is silky smooth with a 9 blade round diaphragm. Usually at the zoo I use this lens as primary on a shoulder strap and then carry a 2nd body with f/1.8 35mm in the bag. Love it.
Share:
+12points
Review 10 for AF-S VR Zoom-Nikkor 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6G IF-ED
Overall rating
EXCELENTE
PostedNovember 22, 2012
RODOBETO
Location Guadalajara, JAL, México
Age 35-44
Favorite Subject Nature
Nikon Family 0-1 years
Experience Less than a month
Role Serious passion, hobbyist
ES UN EXCELENTE OBJETIVO. TIENE MUY BUENAS PRESTACIONES. TENGO EN REALIDAD POCO TIEMPO QUE COMPRE ESTE OBJETIVO Y ESTOY COMPLETAMENTE SATISFECHO CON SU DESEMPEÑO, HE REALIZO MUY BUENAS FOTOGRAFIAS DE ACCION, ADEMAS DE QUE NO TENGO QUE ACERCARME DEMASIADO A LO QUE DESEO FOTOGRAFIAR.
VALIO MUCHO LA PENA LA COMPRA Y RECOMIENDO AMPLIAMENTE ETE OBJETIVO.
VALIO MUCHO LA PENA LA COMPRA Y RECOMIENDO AMPLIAMENTE ETE OBJETIVO.
Share:
+4points
Review 11 for AF-S VR Zoom-Nikkor 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6G IF-ED
Overall rating
Great telephoto
PostedNovember 18, 2012
SimpsonTruckDriver
Location Deltona, FL
Age 35-44
Favorite Subject Landscape
Nikon Family 6-10 years
Experience More than a year
Role Serious passion, hobbyist
Need I say more? Takes wonderful shots, great price, I can't say enough. Photo taken on Daytona Beach, with a Circular Polarizer filter, on Labor Day this year.
Share:
-3points
Review 12 for AF-S VR Zoom-Nikkor 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6G IF-ED
Overall rating
Very good lens
PostedNovember 7, 2012
jack
perfect for nature and landscape, even for street photography in good light. bad for action in low light
Share:
+1point
Review 13 for AF-S VR Zoom-Nikkor 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6G IF-ED
Overall rating
Very good lens
PostedNovember 1, 2012
Noname
Sharp, ultra tele on DX, light and cheap. Best for nature and street photography.
Share:
0points
Review 14 for AF-S VR Zoom-Nikkor 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6G IF-ED
Overall rating
Tremendous value!
PostedAugust 27, 2012
Photo Enthusiast
Location Pala, California
Age 55-65
Favorite Subject Nature
Nikon Family 2-5 years
Experience More than a year
Role Serious passion, hobbyist
I briefly considered the Nikkor 70-200mm f/2.8 but with the price hovering around $2K used it was beyond my means. I have had the 70-300mm 4.5-5.6 VR for over 1 year and have not been disappointed in the least. I have used it for wildlife photos, distant landscapes and even for the occasional "macro" prior to purchasing the Nikon 105mm f/2.8 VRII. For me it has rendered very good quality images out to about 250mm and then gets a tad soft but still quite usable. This lens has VRII which allows for up to a 4 stop advantage in lower light or at longer focal lengths. For certain it is responsible for allowing me to obtain hand-held images that would have otherwise been impossible. The autofocus hunts quite a bit starting at 200mm and increases as one moves to 300mm. In very poor lighting the hunting becomes more of a safari above 200mm. I've viewed outstanding pictures taken with the 70-200mm f/2.8 and several similar scenes taken with the 70-300mm and frankly, at the same focal lengths and apertures, the differences of contrast and general clarity between the two does not permit me to rationalize the hefty $1800 price difference. For some the performance difference may be critical to their work or perhaps needing the larger aperture one is just willing to pay for the top of the line product. I recommend this lens without reservation. I am currently using it on a Nikon D7000.
My product recommendations
D7000
(1,420)Share:
+39points
Review 15 for AF-S VR Zoom-Nikkor 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6G IF-ED
Overall rating
the price is right of what it takes
PostedJuly 7, 2012
Dyolz
Location Inazawa, Aichi Prefecture, Japan
Age 45-54
Favorite Subject Landscape
Nikon Family 0-1 years
Experience 1-3 months
Role Serious passion, hobbyist
i just bought my
AF-S VR Zoom-Nikkor 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6G IF-ED
yesterday July 7,2012 and its great...
AF-S VR Zoom-Nikkor 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6G IF-ED
yesterday July 7,2012 and its great...
Share:
+9points
Review 16 for AF-S VR Zoom-Nikkor 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6G IF-ED
Overall rating
Not a pro
PostedMay 11, 2012
Newbie
I have owned this lens for nearly a year now and shoot with a D5100 and am amazed by the difference between the kit lens and this wonderful piece of glass. Wonderful bokeh even at 300mm, Sharpness and VR...
I love this lens.
Share:
+25points
Review 17 for AF-S VR Zoom-Nikkor 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6G IF-ED
Overall rating
I Never Leave Home Without It!
PostedApril 17, 2012
Old School Shooter
Location Yonkers, NY, USA
Age 45-54
Favorite Subject Sports
Nikon Family 0-1 years
Experience 1-3 months
Role Serious passion, hobbyist
The AF-S 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 is unequivocally the best modern telephoto zoom lens if you want a dedicated zoom tele with light weight and a moderate price.
This lens works perfectly on all Nikon digital cameras, along with most Nikon autofocus film cameras made before 1990. This lens is a G-type lens, meaning it has no aperture ring. It won't work on any manual focus camera.
The 70-300mm VR is very sharp with low distortion, an easy manual focus and a fast and accurate autofocus. The VR II, the new version of vibration reduction gives extremely sharp pictures. I've actually gone 4 stops sharper! I don't have to lug a tripod around. The autofocus is quiet and the instant manual focus is.......well, instantaneous.
This lens is perfect for fast action shooting such as sports. I wouldn't use this lens for indoor or outdoor low light shooting. The 70-200mm f/2.8 VR II is much faster in low light.
While the 70-300mm can be stopped down to f/32-40, my advice is don't! Diffraction will give you soft images at these f-stops. Diffraction is a softening effect similar to using a soft-focus filter or shooting through a window screen.
This lens does not produce any lateral chromatic aberration (LCA) with any modern Nikon model since 2006. Distortion on DX is non-existent. With FX cameras there is moderate distortion which can be corrected with Photoshop's lens distortion filter.
There is a phenomenon called falloff. Falloff occurs towards the corners of a DX frame and appears as darkened corners. While the 70-300mm has very little, I haven't seen any on my images. The 18-200mm VR by contrast has falloff at 200mm and f.5.6 on DX cameras. Falloff also occurs and maybe more noticeable on FX and film cameras.
There is no vignetting with this lens, even when I stacked several filters. There typically is no problem with film cameras either with stacked filters. If any vignetting does occur with a film camera, it will be at 100mm. If you're planning on using three or more stacked filters on a film camera, check there first.
There are no problems with flare and ghosting. This lens also has no problem with shadow created by a flash, even at the closest focus distance.
As for sharpness, the 70-300mm is sharp at most settings. It's normal for tele zooms to have the worst distortion at the long end. It is worse at f/11, but much better at f.16. Use f/8 if you can or f/16 if you want depth of field. At f/22 and f/32 there is diffraction, as with all lenses. There is no lens that can overcome the laws of physics.
In a quiet room you'll hear the VR running. It's noisy, but, this is normal. You will feel the VR system when it's working. The VR starts with a "klunk" and stops with a "klunk" after you release the shutter.
Many zoom lenses tightly pack the focal lengths together at one end of the scale. The 70-300mm VR has them evenly spaced and a big-fat zoom ring that is easy to use. There is a little focus shift while simultaneously zooming. The best technique with this lens is; zoom first then focus.
Of all Nikon's tele zooms the 70-300mm VR is the best compromise of size, weight, price and image quality. This lens is like the American Express card, I never leave home without it! This combination of performance, size and weight is my favorite to carry around all day.
Share:
+77points
Review 18 for AF-S VR Zoom-Nikkor 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6G IF-ED
Overall rating
Heavy but worth it.
PostedApril 3, 2012
Robert S.
Experience 6-12 months
Bought this to replace a kIt lens and am very happy with the purchase. Nice bokeh, quick and accurate focusing and sturdy, Sometimes does not read my mind as to focus points but other than that a wonderful lens.
Share:
+7points
Review 19 for AF-S VR Zoom-Nikkor 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6G IF-ED
Overall rating
I like this lens ideal for wildlife
PostedMarch 8, 2012
Mikey B
Location Glendale AZ.
Age 55-65
Favorite Subject Nature
Nikon Family 6-10 years
Experience More than a year
Role Semi-professional photographer
I got this lens a year ago. to shoot wildlife and I like the range. I have used it for wildlife and action sports with my D300s
Share:
+18points
Review 20 for AF-S VR Zoom-Nikkor 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6G IF-ED
Overall rating
Great Product!
PostedFebruary 23, 2012
NE-WA Photog
Age Under 18
Favorite Subject Portrait
Nikon Family 2-5 years
Experience More than a year
Role Just getting started with photography
I love this lens! I am a Portrait photographer and this is nice when I want to be across the creek or something like that. That pictures are sharp and it has a relativly high f/stop for a telephoto lens!
I can't say enough good things about it!
I can't say enough good things about it!
Share:
+9points