Nikon AF-P DX Nikkor 70-300mm F4.5-6.3G VR

Nikon F (DX/FX)

Review

The Nikon AF-P DX Nikkor 70-300mm F4.5-6.3G VR is a versatile telephoto zoom lens designed specifically for Nikon's DX format DSLRs. With a focal length range that satisfies a multitude of shooting scenarios, this lens is particularly appealing for wildlife and sports photography, as well as portraiture and landscape work under certain conditions.

Build and Design

This lens boasts a compact and lightweight design, weighing in at approximately 415g. Its plastic construction keeps the weight down, making it suitable for extended shoots without causing fatigue. The lens features a retractable barrel, which adds to its portability. However, while lightweight and easy to handle, the plastic housing may raise concerns regarding durability compared to metal-bodied counterparts.

Image Quality

The optical performance of the Nikon AF-P DX Nikkor 70-300mm is generally impressive, especially given its price point. It incorporates Nikon's Super Integrated Coating (SIC) to minimize ghosting and flare, promoting improved contrast and color accuracy. The lens produces sharp images throughout much of its range, although softness can be noticeable at the maximum apertures, particularly at 300mm. Stopping down to around f/8 yields optimal results.

Autofocus and VR

One of the standout features of this lens is its silent wave motor, which delivers fast and accurate autofocus performance. This is beneficial for capturing fleeting moments in dynamic environments. Additionally, the Vibration Reduction (VR) system helps to stabilize images, particularly at longer focal lengths, producing clearer shots even in lower light situations. The VR feature is a crucial advantage for handheld shooting, allowing for slower shutter speeds without introducing significant blur.

Compatibility

As a lens designed for Nikon's DX format, it is not compatible with full-frame cameras without a crop factor. This limitation may deter some photographers, but for users of DX cameras, it offers an effective focal length equivalent to approximately 105-450mm, amplifying its appeal for telephoto applications.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Compact and lightweight design ideal for travel and outdoor shooting.
• Impressive image quality with good sharpness and color rendition.
• Fast and accurate autofocus with a silent wave motor.
• Effective Vibration Reduction (VR) for stabilized handheld shots.
• Great value for photographers looking for a versatile telephoto option.

Cons

• Plastic build may compromise durability compared to metal-bodied lenses.
• Softness at maximum apertures, particularly at longer focal lengths.
• Not compatible with full-frame cameras without cropping.

Verdict

The Nikon AF-P DX Nikkor 70-300mm F4.5-6.3G VR is a well-rounded telephoto zoom lens that strikes an excellent balance between performance and portability. Ideal for nature enthusiasts and hobbyists, its affordable price point, combined with the advantages of VR and a lightweight design, make it a solid option within the DX ecosystem. While it has some limitations in terms of build quality and maximum aperture performance, the benefits it provides outweigh these drawbacks, making it a worthwhile addition to any Nikon DX camera kit.