Opinions on Opinions on Nikkor AF-S VR 70-300mm f4.5-5.6G IF-ED ?

HectorJ · Oct 16, 2022

Hi everyone!

I am looking to get an inexpensive zoom to add to my D600 (inexpensive meaning sub €300 used).

I have read and viewed reviews of the Nikkor AF-S VR 70-300mm f4.5-5.6G IF-ED which say it is ok, but DXOMark does not rate it very highly.

So I am wondering if anyone here has used one and if it's ok for EDC / Landscape etc, or if there is a better lens from Sigma or Tamron ?

Thanks,

H

fpapp · Oct 16, 2022

HectorJ said:
Hi everyone!

I am looking to get an inexpensive zoom to add to my D600 (inexpensive meaning sub €300 used).

I have read and viewed reviews of the Nikkor AF-S VR 70-300mm f4.5-5.6G IF-ED which say it is ok, but DXOMark does not rate it very highly.

So I am wondering if anyone here has used one and if it's ok for EDC / Landscape etc, or if there is a better lens from Sigma or Tamron ?

Thanks,

H

It's an "okay" lens if you're looking for an inexpensive, light, amateur grade, walk around telephoto. If you are expecting professional quality edge to edge sharpness you will be disappointed.

I've read there's a lot of sample variation and some aren't very sharp at 300mm. Mine is actually quite good at 300mm, but it was also completely rebuilt by Nikon under warranty.

All the reviews say the newer AF-P version is better in every way, but of course is more expensive.

IMO I would take anything DXOMark says with a "grain of salt".

Yannis K · Oct 16, 2022

fpapp said:
HectorJ said:

Hi everyone!

I am looking to get an inexpensive zoom to add to my D600 (inexpensive meaning sub €300 used).

I have read and viewed reviews of the Nikkor AF-S VR 70-300mm f4.5-5.6G IF-ED which say it is ok, but DXOMark does not rate it very highly.

So I am wondering if anyone here has used one and if it's ok for EDC / Landscape etc, or if there is a better lens from Sigma or Tamron ?

Thanks,

H

Click to expand...

It's an "okay" lens if you're looking for an inexpensive, light, amateur grade, walk around telephoto. If you are expecting professional quality edge to edge sharpness you will be disappointed.

I've read there's a lot of sample variation and some aren't very sharp at 300mm. Mine is actually quite good at 300mm, but it was also completely rebuilt by Nikon under warranty.

All the reviews say the newer AF-P version is better in every way, but of course is more expensive.

IMO I would take anything DXOMark says with a "grain of salt".

I have a very decent copy with an early serial number (there is sample variation but generally is great from 70-180mm), super happy with it (the whole range), don't see myself parting with it any time soon.

As long as there is light or you carry a tripod is should be fine. Mind you, I use it on DX, full frame should have a bit of loss of quality around the edges.

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Mole Delta · Oct 17, 2022

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HectorJ · Oct 17, 2022

Thanks for your replies, I will go ahead with the purchase

Kazmarov · Oct 17, 2022

Given your budget, little else available in that consumer range that is better. Below are 2 images taken from 700 metres, heavily compressed for preview up-load & on an apsc camera. They are both wide open for that focal length. As already mentioned on ff the outer edges are marginally less clear and also as mentioned there is significant sample variation.

At approx 100mm & f/4.5

At approx 280mm f/5.6

GarysInSoCal · Oct 17, 2022

fpapp said:
HectorJ said:

Hi everyone!

I am looking to get an inexpensive zoom to add to my D600 (inexpensive meaning sub €300 used).

I have read and viewed reviews of the Nikkor AF-S VR 70-300mm f4.5-5.6G IF-ED which say it is ok, but DXOMark does not rate it very highly.

So I am wondering if anyone here has used one and if it's ok for EDC / Landscape etc, or if there is a better lens from Sigma or Tamron ?

Thanks,

H

Click to expand...

Mine is actually quite good at 300mm,

IMO I would take anything DXOMark says with a "grain of salt".

Agreeing with these assessments... quite happy with my 70-300 ED-VR... and I use it 'full frame' on my D810... BUT... I went thru 2 copies before I found my 'pretty sharp keeper'.

Some 70-300 samples among the images here: http://www.viewbug.com/member/garyabigt

NicholasD · Oct 18, 2022

HectorJ said:
Thanks for your replies, I will go ahead with the purchase

I think this makes sense given your (previously noted) budget. I've own both the AF-P (full frame) and former "G" versions. I was generally satisfied with the older version. There is some softening at longer focal lengths but certainly not horrible. Note that it is a consumer lens - don't expect 70-200 level IQ.... From a practical standpoint, I would say the variability of buying used is likely to cause more issues than IQ differences between the 2 versions. If you're able to return a copy that is not as advertised, I don't see any reason to avoid. Considering size and weight, it's a no-brainer.

As an aside, the only reason I purchased the AF-P was that in a distracted moment, I placed the lens and camera on the roof of the car while dealing with a dog. Drove off and heard a distinct bang as I made a turn....

HectorJ · Oct 18, 2022

Would anyone be able to recommend a better lens, even if it if outside of my budget?

For example, is the Nikon AF-S FX NIKKOR 28-300mm f/3.5-5.6G ED a better choice ? Or will that not work with my D600 ?

Kazmarov · Oct 18, 2022

That is a "reasonable" 1 lens solution. In my opinion though the AF-P 70-300mm E lens far outperforms it and can be had used at a decent price. Nikon say it is compatible with your D600 after firmware update. Below is a shot with it from 550 metres at night for you to see if it satisfies your needs.

from 550 metres away.

HectorJ · Oct 19, 2022

Kazmarov said:
That is a "reasonable" 1 lens solution. In my opinion though the AF-P 70-300mm E lens far outperforms it and can be had used at a decent price. Nikon say it is compatible with your D600 after firmware update. Below is a shot with it from 550 metres at night for you to see if it satisfies your needs.

from 550 metres away.

Thanks for your reply and the photo! I have read on the Nikon website that the AF-P will not be able to manual focus on my D600, which is a bit of a deal killer.

I am currently looking at a Tamron AF-SP 70-300 f/4.0-5.6 Di VC USD, which seems to not have the issues that the Nikon 70-300 have..

briantilley · Oct 19, 2022

HectorJ said:
Thanks for your reply and the photo! I have read on the Nikon website that the AF-P will not be able to manual focus on my D600, which is a bit of a deal killer.

I don't think that is correct, though your D600 may need a firmware update to version 1.03 or later. It would be worth re-checking.

Member said:
I am currently looking at a Tamron AF-SP 70-300 f/4.0-5.6 Di VC USD, which seems to not have the issues that the Nikon 70-300 have..

Jim Keye · Oct 19, 2022

I would pass, though you might be ok on a d600. I used with it on a a 12 MP DX sensor and then a 20 & 24 MP DX sensor. The lens was ok (but not great) at 12, but really fell apart when the sensor resolution jumped up. The D600 isn't going to push it, which is why I say you might be OK. That said, I still wouldn't expect great things in the edges/corners or at 200-300mm.

The newer 70-300 AF-P is far better optically. The manual focus is focus by wire, so be aware if that is something you care about. The only thing that bothers me about the lens that the telephoto end is sharper at close/mid focusing distances than it is further out. But after using it I'd never go back to the G version.

Kazmarov · Oct 19, 2022

HectorJ said:
Thanks for your reply and the photo! I have read on the Nikon website that the AF-P will not be able to manual focus on my D600, which is a bit of a deal killer.

I am currently looking at a Tamron AF-SP 70-300 f/4.0-5.6 Di VC USD, which seems to not have the issues that the Nikon 70-300 have..

Bit surprised at that but if you have confirmed then I guess it is not an option. Shame though. Incidentally personally I can't imagine how you couldn't manually focus if you set the AF switch on the D600 (or on the lens body) to M. Just tried it with my D7200 and on D610 and it seems to manually focus as I would expect it to.

fpapp · Oct 19, 2022

HectorJ said:
Thanks for your reply and the photo! I have read on the Nikon website that the AF-P will not be able to manual focus on my D600, which is a bit of a deal killer.

With AF-P lenses on the D600, the camera does not offer the "Manual focus ring in AF mode" custom setting for enabling/disabling focus ring operation in autofocus mode.

You will still have manual override in AF mode, or full manual focus if you wish.

HectorJ · Oct 20, 2022

fpapp said:
HectorJ said:

Thanks for your reply and the photo! I have read on the Nikon website that the AF-P will not be able to manual focus on my D600, which is a bit of a deal killer.

Click to expand...

With AF-P lenses on the D600, the camera does not offer the "Manual focus ring in AF mode" custom setting for enabling/disabling focus ring operation in autofocus mode.

You will still have manual override in AF mode, or full manual focus if you wish.

Thank you for the clarification. The chart I saw on Nikon's Singapore site did not go in to that much detail.

Still, the AF-P version of that lens, even used, is 3x the cost of the Tamron 70-300 VC, which means it is way out of my budget. But the Tamron isn't so I'll likely be going with the Tamron.

HectorJ · Oct 20, 2022

Kazmarov said:
HectorJ said:

Thanks for your reply and the photo! I have read on the Nikon website that the AF-P will not be able to manual focus on my D600, which is a bit of a deal killer.

I am currently looking at a Tamron AF-SP 70-300 f/4.0-5.6 Di VC USD, which seems to not have the issues that the Nikon 70-300 have..

Click to expand...

Bit surprised at that but if you have confirmed then I guess it is not an option. Shame though. Incidentally personally I can't imagine how you couldn't manually focus if you set the AF switch on the D600 (or on the lens body) to M. Just tried it with my D7200 and on D610 and it seems to manually focus as I would expect it to.

The post just below yours explained it in detail. Thanks for your reply.

HectorJ · Oct 20, 2022

briantilley said:
HectorJ said:

Thanks for your reply and the photo! I have read on the Nikon website that the AF-P will not be able to manual focus on my D600, which is a bit of a deal killer.

Click to expand...

I don't think that is correct, though your D600 may need a firmware update to version 1.03 or later. It would be worth re-checking.

briantilley said:

I am currently looking at a Tamron AF-SP 70-300 f/4.0-5.6 Di VC USD, which seems to not have the issues that the Nikon 70-300 have..

Click to expand...

Indeed, Fpapp explained it in detail, something that was missing for the chart I read.

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Opinions on Opinions on Nikkor AF-S VR 70-300mm f4.5-5.6G IF-ED ?

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