Nikon 70-300mm f/4-5.6D ED AF

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Introduction

Looking at the price, you would think this is a piece of junk plastic. Testing the lens, it actually proves pretty good.You can obtain quite good results with this lens, at the cost of speed tough.If you are never going to print larger then 15x20,and you don't need a constant f/2.8 aperture,this is the lens for you.The build quality on this lens is pretty good,better then most of the cheap zooms out there.The lens is firm when you zoom to 300mm,there is no wobble at all.

Specifications

Lens Construction: 13 elements in 9 groups (1 ED)

Picture Angle: 34 degrees 20 minutes-8 degrees 10 minutes (35mm),
22 degrees 50 minutes-5 degrees 20 minutes (Nikon DX format)

Filter Size: 62mm

Nikon Lens Hood: HB-15

Included Accessories: HB-15 Hood, Front & Rear Lens Caps

Size and weight: Length 2.9 x 4.6 in, Weight 18.2 oz (515 g)

Diaphragm: 9-bladed

price from: $ 294.95 USD

Manufacturers web site: www.nikon.com

Positives

• Price. You get allot for your money with this lens.
• Weight. At 515 grams this is a lightweight lens that wont destroy your back on hikes etc.(1 kilo lighter then 80-200 AF-S)
• Size. Fits into any backpack,and leaves you allot of room

From the left 70-300 f/4-5.6, 80-200 f/2.8 AF-D, 80-200 f/2.8 AF-S

Drawbacks

• Dof. No depth of field scale
• Soft. This lens is a bit soft wide open(worst is 300mm),if you stop down to f/11 @ 300mm and f5.6 @ 70mm you can get good results
• Rotating front. Makes it harder to use pola filters, and grad filters

Verdict

This lens is definitely worth its money, its 5 times cheaper then the current pro grade equivalent, the 70-200mm f/2.8 AF-S(the 70-200 is way sharper btw). The size and weight of this lens makes it great for backpackers and light travelers. This is a very good entry level lens for starting photographers.

Alternatives

Nikon AF 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6 G ED-IF AF-S VR DX. From: $749.95

Nikon AF 80-200mm f/2.8 ED AF-D. From: $ 799.95 USD

Nikon AF 80-200mm f/2.8 ED-IF AF-S (discontinued)

Nikon AF 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6G IF-ED AF-S VR. From: $469.95 USD

Nikon AF 70-200mm f/2.8D G-AFS ED-IF VR. From: $ 1,549.95 USD

Sample Pictures

70-300 @ 70mm 1/400 sec f/11

Crop @ 100%

70mm @ f/4

70mm@ f/11

200mm @ f/5.6

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