Nikkor 55-300mm ED VR Vs Nikkor 70-300mm ED VR

[vikyjoshi]

Hi Guys,

Its kind of wierd but, I am starting a new thread on DSLR Lenses. I did my research on photography sites like dpreview etc, however, now wanted to know your comments as well.

I have Nikon D3100 DSLR Camera with 18-55 mm lens. I want to buy the telephoto lens and I have zeroed down on :

1. 55-300mm ED VR Lens (Costs around 20K on major websites like Flipkart, homeshop18 etc)
2. 70-300mm ED VR lens (Costs around 30k)

What I got to know about each of the lens is that,
for 55-300mm
+ Cost effective
+wider range from 55 to 70 mm focus

for 70-300mm
+faster focus speed
+works on DX and FX bodies

Now, Although I have almost made up my mind on the 55-300mm model, I just wanted to have kind of first hand info of how 55-300 lens reports are? How is the performance? Does anyone (who has experience with either of the lenses) get a feeling that, any particular lens is better.

Regards.

 

[Highway Ranger]

Nikon AF-S VR Zoom-NIKKOR 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6G IF-ED has better glass, Better Build and Faster AF and manual focus override. Added to that the front element does not turn on zooming. Since it is a FX lens, on a DX body the field of vision will always be in the sweet spot of the lens.

So if you have the budget, I would recommend 70-300mm.

 

[vikyjoshi]

Since it is a FX lens, on a DX body the field of vision will always be in the sweet spot of the lens.

So if you have the budget, I would recommend 70-300mm.

This part of your comment has driven my inclination towards 70-300mm one. right now I have budgeted for 55-300 one. However guess will need to increase my budget.

My Other question is what is practical difference between a 55-70 mm focal length being unavailable in 70-300 lens. That translates to what min distance will i not be able to focus?

 

[Highway Ranger]

My Other question is what is practical difference between a 55-70 mm focal length being unavailable in 70-300 lens.

The range between 55 and 70mm (82.5 and 105 in 35 mm format) is too small to be missed in day to day shooting.

That translates to what min distance will i not be able to focus?

I do not understand your question.

 

[vikyjoshi]

The range between 55 and 70mm (82.5 and 105 in 35 mm format) is too small to be missed in day to day shooting.



I do not understand your question.

I mean, for 55-300 mm the minimum distance that could be clearly focused is around 1.4-1.5 m (that is what I have read on the net).

Similarly what is the minimum distance that is needed for 70-300 mm lens to clearly focus?

 

[Highway Ranger]

It has a minimum focusing distance of 1.5 m or 4.9 ft through out the zoom range.

 

[appus]

I have Nikon AF Zoom-Nikkor 70-300mm f/4-5.6G (without VR) 6000 rs. As i have D7000 with built in motor, it autofocus itself. Heard many people having problems with d3100/5100 etc. I know this wont do much good on 200-300mm without tripod. Actually, i wanted to get some blurring [wink]

If you have a local lens rental guys, just take it on rental for a day and try it out.
In Bangalore, there are many lens rental stores.

 

[Highway Ranger]

There is one 70-300 VRII for sale in Bangalore - 9 months old with 15 months warranty, all papers, and accessories. The asking price is 25000 rs. If the price can be brought down, I might end up buying it - after testing it (of course)

Any thought on what would be a fair price, assuming the glass is in excellent condition?

 

[vikyjoshi]

I have seen multiple ads on Quickr and olx. However dont know if I should go for the second hand (even they are barely used) or even if it is expensive, go for a new one.

Appus:

I have Nikon AF Zoom-Nikkor 70-300mm f/4-5.6G (without VR) 6000 rs. As i have D7000 with built in motor, it autofocus itself. Heard many people having problems with d3100/5100 etc. I know this wont do much good on 200-300mm without tripod. Actually, i wanted to get some blurring [wink]

I had almost ordered the 70-300 without VR .. and then realised that I have to do a manual adjustment and cancelled my deal at the very last moment. I was infact amazed at the offer. Thought it was STEAL DEAL. Dont know how that Lens works but since I have D3100, I thought it wise to go for one with inbuilt motor like the 55-300 ed vr or the 70-300mm VR lens.

 

[gego]

Both are good. The 55-300 is vfm lens just like 55-250 in canon. The 70-300 is much better built.

Go for 55-300... should be fine

 

[appus]

I had almost ordered the 70-300 without VR .. and then realised that I have to do a manual adjustment and cancelled my deal at the very last moment. I was infact amazed at the offer. Thought it was STEAL DEAL. Dont know how that Lens works but since I have D3100, I thought it wise to go for one with inbuilt motor like the 55-300 ed vr or the 70-300mm VR lens.

Yes. Manual focus required if you are on 3100. Works on d90 as you don't need a lens with motor.

Now I know the value of my D7000 :-)