Product Description

The AF-S VR 70-300 mm f/4.5-5.6G IF-ED lens from Nikon is a high-performance tele-lens zoom designed to satisfy both digital and traditional 24 x 36 camera users' needs. Offering a 4.3 x amplitude and a focus range of 70 - 300 mm (or 105 - 450 mm on a digital camera from the DX Nikon series), this built-in lens, as well as 2 auxiliary ED glass lenses, guarantee high optical performances with reduced dispersion. In addition, the AF-S VR 70-300 mm f/4.5-5.6G IF-ED uses Nikon's new generation vibration reduction system (VR II) to allow you to take handheld photos thanks to its shutter speed that is 4 times slower than that of traditional cameras, for great results (according to performance tests by Nikon). The SWM (Silent Wave Motor) and internal focus (IF) assure a quick and silent operation. Furthermore, the circular diaphragm with 9 glass slides gives natural and harmonious results for unfocused elements in the background. With the AF-S VR 70-300 mm f/4.5-5.6G IF-ED, you have a state-of-the-art lens that will enable you to take many splendid long distance photos, with spectacular and realistic visual results.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #5592 in Consumer Electronics
• Brand: Nikon
• Model: 2161
• Released on: 2008-02-07
• Dimensions: 3.10" h x 3.10" w x 5.60" l, 1.64 pounds

Manufacturer's Description
The AF-S VR 70-300 f/4.5-5.6G IF-ED is a high-performance super telephoto zoom lens that has been designed to meet the demands of both digital and 35mm format SLR users. It offers a 4.3x zoom with a range of 70-300mm (105-450mm on a DX Nikon D-SLR) and features ED (Extra-low Dispersion) glass elements that ensure superior optical performance. This lens incorporates Nikon's second-generation vibration reduction system (VR II) that allows flexible hand-held shooting by stabilizing the image to the equivalent extent of using a shutter speed that is four stops faster when compared with a conventional lens (as determined by Nikon performance test). The SWM (Silent Wave Motor) and IF (Internal Focusing) ensure fast and quiet focusing action, and the nine-blade rounded diaphragm makes out-of-focus elements blend smoothly to produce natural-looking, harmonious backgrounds.

Customer Reviews

Nikon 70-300 AF-S VR - Cracker of a lens
I'm very impressed with this lens. Before I bought it, I read reviews on various websites, some saying it was brilliant, some saying it wasn't very sharp, too big, too heavy etc.I took the plunge and bought one and haven't regretted it. I've used this on d40 and d300 bodies and it works superbly on both.

The autofocus is very fast, quiet and accurate. The VRII system is also very impressive allowing very slow shutter speeds - I've had sharp, handheld images at 1/30 sec at 300mm which would be completely impossible without it. As for the size and weight, for a lens with a maximum focal length of 300mm with a built in focusing motor and an optical stabilisation system it's not really a problem (the canon equivalent is the same size but 100g lighter). The build is also fairly solid with smooth zoom and focus rings. Mine has had it's share of knocks and bumps as well as being caught in rain and has carried on unaffected (note that the lens mount has a seal round it, helping to stop rain from seeping between camera and lens). I can't really complain about sharpness either, the only times I think the image is a bit soft is at the longer focal lengths which could as easily be due to bad panning technique, relying on the autofocus too much in poor light etc....

For a 300 mm lens at this price, it's got genuinely useful features, it's compact, not too heavy and impressively sharp - Fantastic value!

The VR does the trick!
Having already owned a Tamron 70-300 I discovered that that range was my most popular shot. I love the sniping shots. This Nikon lens is amazing and the VR makes all the difference! Hold down the shutter button and you can feel it cut in and notice suddenly the image through the viewfinder is very still!
I have no problems with the quality of the results. I have heard that its at its sharpest between 170 and 270mm though but I have yet to try that.
Its a little heavy for me as I do a lot of walking and its rather longer that the Tamron so I had to get a new camera bag but Im more than pleased with it.

Beware of the seller if you want cashback
This review is more about Simply Electronics than the lens itself. I ordered this lens at the same time as a Nikon D80 and another lens (which was delivered by a different seller). Nikon are currently running a cashback offer of £50 if you buy a D80 and one lens, or £75 if you buy a D80 and two lenses.

When this lens turned up it turned out to be sourced from the US, so is not included in the cashback offer. When I complained to Simply Electronics about this they just said that most of their items are sourced from the UK but in this case it came from the US, so unlucky. They said it was my fault for not checking with them first!

So if you are buying this lens from Simply Electronics be aware that it may cost you an extra £25!

Oh, by the way, the lens is excellent!