Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 55-300mm f/4.5-5.6G VR Lens

KentYeti · #1 (**permalink**) 28-02-2011, 08:41 AM

This lens was released last September and I wonder if anyone here has been using it?

I'm just getting into birding after a lifetime of photographing steam locos, and for a few years when some decent types were still flying, aircraft.

All those years I only used prime lenses, 35mm and 6 x 6 formats. Until I got my Nikon D80 with it's 18-135mm kit lens. Just about OK for online posted steam loco photos, but from my first experiences of photographing birds, (that is the last few days), only acceptable for close up work. All sorts of limitations, but not unexpected!

So from that experience and quite a few reviews on zoom lenses in general I know I need a decent prime lens, and the Nikon 300mm f4 with a Nikon teleconverter seems about right to start with.

But until I am happy that photoing birds is going to be something I'll keep going with I'd rather invest somewhat less than that Nikon prime lens. If it is really no good I can of course send it back, or if it is only just usable I can sell it later if I move up to the f4. Or keep it for steam locos, although the narrow d.o.f at long lengths will be a problem there.

So. Any experience here with the Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 55-300mm f/4.5-5.6G VR Lens?

PS. I'm not that bothered about the VR bit. Age has made me cynical, (like it does), and I will need a lot of convincing that such a system does not impact on image quality one way or another. It surely must be a trade off.

pressld2 · #2 (**permalink**) 28-02-2011, 08:54 AM

RobinP has one and as long as he (or maybe she - you can never tell on forums and I know Robins of both sexes) spots this thread I'm sure he'll post. If not, send him a PM.

Quote:

Originally Posted by KentYeti

PS. I'm not that bothered about the VR bit. Age has made me cynical, (like it does), and I will need a lot of convincing that such a system does not impact on image quality one way or another. It surely must be a trade off.

There is a thread on that very subject at VR (or IS) - Is it worth it?

Welcome to the forum, by the way!

Dave P.

marvin · #3 (**permalink**) 28-02-2011, 11:57 AM

hi

second hand 70-300mm vr might be a better option as you'll lose less money, if anything, if you do decide to sell.

tim

KentYeti · #4 (**permalink**) 28-02-2011, 12:49 PM

Thanks for the info so far.

My apologies for posting this in the wrong part of this Forum.

Which part of Photo Equipment didn't I understand?

I'll wait to see if RobinP posts and then send a PM if not. First hand use experience will help.

I did check Ebay, (never used it yet!), and was a little surprised at the number of Nikon 70-300mm lenses for sale. Especially supposed new ones for a very low price. Less than £100 in some cases.

Hmmmmm........ I wonder why?

For the present I'll stick to my original choice and wait for more info here. But many thanks for the suggestion. It did get me to find some traders there who could be useful in the future.

Endrick · #5 (**permalink**) 28-02-2011, 01:30 PM

There are two Nikon 70-300s.

The Nikon 70-300 VR lens has an internal focussing motor and can autofocus on cameras like the d40 and d5000 that don't have focusing motors within the camera body and it also has VR. This is the better one. Many people think this is the best of the Nikon 300 zooms - even better than the 28-300 which has an issue with close up photography at 300mm.

The other 70-300 will autofocus on the D90, D300 etc (I can't remember if the D80 has it's own focussing motor) but is only manual focus on the D40, D5000 etc. It is cheap, compact and OK in my book - but I care less about absolute lens sharpness than most.

Supposedly the 55-300 is just as good for still subjects as the 70-300VR but it's autofocus is very slow so birds in flight may be a problem. I haven't tried it however.

Malcolm

pressld2 · #6 (**permalink**) 28-02-2011, 02:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KentYeti

My apologies for posting this in the wrong part of this Forum.

Which part of Photo Equipment didn't I understand?

Woops, I didn't notice that! No worries, I've moved it.

Dave P.

Lancashire Lad · #7 (**permalink**) 28-02-2011, 03:08 PM

I have a Nikon AF-S 70-300mm ED VR lens, which I use with my D80. (Must admit it only gets occasional use - as my interests are more in macro & wide angle landscape).

Bearing in mind that this lens is generally accepted as the first "long" zoom that most new Nikon users go for, and taking its price into consideration, it is a reasonably competent lens. I certainly think it was worth the money for the standard of results it gives.

Regards,
Mike.

KentYeti · #8 (**permalink**) 01-03-2011, 10:23 AM

Just ordered the Nikon AF-S 70-300mm ED VR. Not the 55-300mm.

Comments here got me to research the 70-300mm lens. More expensive but it seems it's got a better autofocus system and an easier change to manual focus. Plus some very good general reviews, if they can be believed! (I am a bit of a cynic, but I got my Nikon F1.8mm 50mm lens just on the basis of vast numbers of outstanding reviews, and it is a superb lens).

Focus on moving birds is going to be one of the issues I have to address. Trains and aircraft focussing is easy as you know where they are going to go! So the adverse comments about the 55-300mm focusing put me off in the end.

I think I'll unwrap this lens very carefully indeed. And immediately test it at home, (bird feeding station that Sunnydale set up for me: thank you so much Sunny), and then over on Sheppey. And if I can see it's not up to what I want I'll send it straight back.

I've ordered if via Amazon, (an Amazon fulfilled company), and over the years I've built up a lot of confidence dealing with them. Even if it may cost a few pounds more.

Quite excited about this. Haven't bought myself anything "big" like this for a while, (I don't really need anything more re material things much, I'm very happy with what I've already got etc). Be like a kid with a new toy!

Many thanks for the comments here. They have helped a lot. Got me to open my mind up a bit.

marvin · #9 (**permalink**) 01-03-2011, 11:32 AM

good luck with lens. hope it works out ok

tim

Tricia · #10 (**permalink**) 01-03-2011, 07:29 PM

Oooh! Don't forget to come back and let us know what you think of the new lens and some photos if possible

I am trying to decide between the Nikkor 55-300mm and 70-300mm. There is about £120 difference in the price. I will probably go for the 70-300mm as well.

Enjoy your new lens