Nikkor lens comparison

[ElizabethAnne]

Hello all! I found the Photo Forum on a google search while looking for information on Nikkor lenses and am so happy to have found the group! I hope I will be able to offer some help to newbies, though I still have a lot to learn myself.

I bought my first DSLR 10 years ago and am getting ready to buy my second one, but I haven't been able to find the answer to what I hope is a simple question. If you had to choose between a 55-200 VR lens and a 70-300 non-VR lens, which would you choose? I currently have a 55-200 non-VR lens and would love the longer range of 300 mm, but the 70-300 VR lens is too expensive. So I'm wondering what's more important, long range (which would only be used occasionally but would be awesome) or VR (which might be helpful all the time).

Thanks for any advice offered!

 

[Designer]

Welcome!

Long reach is something that cannot be easily hacked or fudged. I'd say get the long lens, even though it might not include VR.

Get the non-VR lens and practice holding the rig to minimize movement. This will take practice, but it can be done. Study holding techniques and tips online.

 

[Derrel]

WHAT model lens to get depends a lot of the actual camera you want it to autofocus on: your older camera might, or might not, have an in-camera focus motor. Your next Nikon might, or might not, have an in-camera focusing motor.

A few thoughts:The old, inexpensive 70-300 G-series model (the one that has a screw-drive focusing system, one of VERY few G-series lenses that uses screw-driven focusing), is a substandard lens above about 220-240mm, and is often found in new old stock for at a low,low price!

The older 70-300 ED lens...again...as I recall, requires a camera with an in-body AF motor to autofocus.

There are two variants of the NEW 70-300 AF-P, which require NEW cameras for full functionality.

What exact cameras do or will you own?

 

[ElizabethAnne]

Thanks for the welcome, Designer, and for the recommendation. I replied yesterday but I must have failed to click the Post Reply button.

Derrel, my old camera is a Nikon D40 and I'm looking at a D3400. The lenses I'm looking at are the AF-P DX Nikkor 70-300mm f/4.5-6.3G ED and the AF-S DX Nikkor 55-200mm f/4-5.6G ED VR II. If I'm not mistaken, both of these lenses have autofocus built in. But I know I could be wrong - I've found camera equipment to be one of the most confusing things I've ever shopped for.

 

[Derrel]

YES, the AF-P lenses have in-lens focusing motors, and WILL FUNCTION on the very-new D3400 biody, and will work GREAT on it! The D40 however...the AF-Plenses are nbot for the D40.

The AF-P focusing protocol is not designed for older models like the D40.

The 70-300 f/4.5~6.3 AF-P VR was a FANTASTIC performer for Thom Hogan, on the Nikon D3400! Check his review at www.bythom.com Seriously.....chjeck out his review of the D3400 and the 70-300 AF-P VR lens!

 

[ElizabethAnne]

Derrel, I would love to buy the 70-300 VR lens, but I can't afford it. That's why I was asking the question: if you had to choose between a 70-300 NON-VR lens and a 55-200 VR lens, which would you choose? In other words, which is more important - longer range, or VR?

 

[astroNikon]

VR is important if you are using slower shutter speeds and hand holding the camera.
So it comes down to the situation you are using it.

Keep in mind, VR will not help capturing a more detailed image if that image is moving with a slower shutter speed.

VR gives you more flexibility in lower light situations either from the available light or the less light coming in the lens.