Choosing a Lens (70-300)

[niranjan]

I saw two nikro lenses on official nikon site.
1. Nirror VR IF 70-300 4.5-5.6 and
2. Nikkor 70-300 4-5.6 G

the second one dosent have SWM.

If my camera has a built in Focus Motor, is the second lens good as to start. (they both have quite a large price diff)

 

[Solarflare]

I wouldnt want to live without VR on a long lens, but thats your choice.

 

[Sportster77]

The difference in price is directly related to the 2 differences in the lenses, VR and SWM. If your body has the built in focus drive , living w/o the SWM is fine and has no effect on the decision of which lens to buy. It then becomes a choice of wether you want, need or can afford the VR stabilitation. Your uses and style of photography will be a consideration then, since I shoot high speed sports with my long lenses, VR was not a need for me and I therefore did not look for that when I bought my 70-210 f2.8, 70-300 f4.5-5.6 or my 170-500 f4.5-5.6.
http://i193.photobucket.com/albums/z145/Sportster77/NEM photos/64370031_602rework.jpg
Shot with a Nikon N50 with Tamron 70-300 on B/W Kodak T-Max 400

 

[digital flower]

The VR version is a far, far better lens IMHO. Even then it is not so great.

 

[greybeard]

I have an older version of the 70-300, the AF-Nikkor. It works just fine with my D7000 however, I purchased it years ago for my old n80 35mm film Nikon. If I were buying one today I would definately go for the VR model. With my 70-300 I have to keep the shutter speed at 1/500 or above when shooting at 300mm. I also have a 55-200 AF-S VR and I can tell you that the VR does work as I've been able to pull off some pics at 1/30th and 200mm. (jmho)

 

[nmoody]

You might also want to consider the Tamron 70-300, I love mine

 

[agelisgeo]

Take a look at Tamron 70-300 vc.
Great lens for the price.

 

[Bukitimah]

I have tried the VR and non VR, IMO you need VR hand held. It makes a big difference for me. The AFS 7-300 VR is trading around $500+ pre-owned. It is value for money if you don't need a fast lens. I am using one and love it. The only reason I would sell it is when I trade it with 70-200 f2.8. Of course that is another different level.

 

[KmH]

Nikon's AF-S VR IF 70-300 mm f/4.5-5.6 is one of Nikon's best lens values out of the 75 or so lenses they currently offer, and is a very good lens for it's price.

Note that it is an FX lens, not a DX lens, so it is often used by those that have full frame Nikon bodies, which also expands the lenses resale potential.

You can look at some technical specs and a summary here - Nikkor AF-S 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 G IF-ED VR - Review / Lab Test Report - Analysis

The much less expensive AF 70-300 mm is barely worth it's low cost, and is one of Nikon's worst lens values.