Introduction

When I was looking for a zoom lens, I wanted a lens between the range of 70-300 or 80-400. I also wanted optical stabilization and to handhold the lens. I was left with three choices, the Sigma 80-400 OS, the Nikkor 80-400VR and the Nikkor 70-300VR.

The 70-300VR was the cheapest alternative amongst the three choices. Its street price is S$800. Both the Sigma and Nikkor 80-400mm are around $2500. When I tested out the lens in the shop, I was pleasantly surprised by its performance and bought it.

Focus – How good is the AFS?

I tried using the lens to shoot a variety of subjects; from sports to birds in flight. I am pleased to report that the autofocus is precise and fast enough in reasonable lighting conditions. The following pictures demonstrate the ability of the lens to hold focus.

Above: 1/30th f/16 at 70mm. The AF was reliable when I panned this shot.

Below: 1/2000th f/8. Head on focus definitely can make it!

Image Quality

This lens produces amazing quality at this price point($800). This crocodile was shot at 180mm f/5 1/250th VR on. I found that the lens is sharp throughout its zoom range at wide open!

Handling

Needless to say, it is lighter than the Nikkor 80-400 VR, Canon 100-400L, Sigma 80-400 OS and the Nikkor 70-200 VR.

However, it does not feel too plastic, is well made and light weight. It’s 725g weight is certainly welcomed when I shot the terns!

Others

I became adventurous and tried using the lens together with my Raynox DCR250 close up attachment.

On the top, I shot a creeping daisy using the 70-300vr at 70mm with a Raynox DCR250 close up filter. I shot this at1/320th f/5.6

The bokeh of this lens is very nice. And the details are good enough! Very versatile I must say.

I really enjoyed shooting with this lens. Looking at the results so far, it is going to be really great shooting with it for a long time more to come. For once, my wife is happy because I did not have to spend several thousands on it!

 

In Summary

To sum up, here are my pros and cons of the Nikkor 70-300mmf/4.5-5.6 AFS VR IF-ED.

Pros

• Light and great handling

• VR is useful up to 3 stops; not 4 stops as indicated by Nikon.

• Great Value for money at $800

• AF is fast enough for most situations, including birds in flight.

• This copy I have is sharp even wide open

• Very good image quality(Not quite on par with primes of course)

Cons

• Some hunting when focusing in low light conditions

• Lack of focusing limit button
Click for an interesting link on discussion of the lens [1]
___________________above article, photographs contributed and copyright of Mendis Tan