Product Description

Nikon AF S VR 70-300/4,5-5,6G IF-ED

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #6420 in Consumer Electronics
• Brand: Nikon
• Model: B000HJPK2C
• 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

VR is a revelation
I have traded in my D version 70-300 for the new VR and so far I don't regret it. The optical quality is very good, probably slightly sharper and higher contrast than its predecessor. The VR capability is extraordinary. It becomes possible to take handheld telephoto shots that previously could only work on a tripod. For instance, today I shot waves breaking on rocks at 300mm (450mm equivalent) at 1/30 second, with amazingly sharp rocks and lots of water movement.

The build quality of this lens is similar to the 18-70mm DX Nikon, which it complements beautifully. The major differences with the older 70-300mm Nikon lens are in size and weight. It's much bulkier and about 40% heavier, which becomes very noticable with one of the lighter budget Nikon DSLRs. Also the zoom ring is much tighter; Nikon have possibly responded to earlier complaints about zoom creep on the old D lens (but have maybe slightly overcompensated).

I love this lens but it does have flaws
I bought this lens and took it straight on safari, pairing it with a D80. I took about 2,000 shots with it over two weeks and some of the results are great. Most of the time of course I was shooting at 300mm with VR on in very bright light and it performed pretty well. It is particularly good at close focus (but it's not a macro) and generally good for fast-moving wildlife. It's sharp right through to 300mm but not razors (but hey, if I could afford £6,000 for a Nikon prime telephoto I would have bought one). Just two complaints - the autofocus sometimes gets a bit lost and hunts, and the manual focus ring slips so that it sometimes can't be focussed at all (clearly this is a fault and I'll get it fixed when I have a chance). Overall I'm very happy with this lens, but I will upgrade when I can.

Very sharp lens and VR works a treat
After owning the G and DX 70 300 lenses I have found this one to be very slightly sharper. The fringing is less on this lens than the other two. The 70 - 300 G lens is incredible value and mine was just as good image quality as the DX version. The focusing on this VR version is faster and quieter than the previous versions. VR works great but noticed a strange anomaly with the VR. If you sit down or rest against any fixed object then this reduces the effectiveness of the VR system. Also a useful tip is if you take many consecutive shots standing up you may find one of them very sharp. In fact using this technique I have taken a 300mm shot at 1/4 sec shutter speed tack sharp. I have proved that you must switch off VR when taking pictures (and the 18-200mm) at normal to high shutter speeds as VR takes the edge off of the picture when it is not needed. This lens is great. Stop it down one stop and the whole 70 - 300 is very sharp. I have taken a hand held shot of the moon with VR enabled and got a very nice picture showing the craters and scars across the moons surface. Very pleased with it.