Nikon AF-S DX Nikkor 55-300mm f/4.5-5.6G ED VR

Nikon F (DX/FX)

Review

The Nikon AF-S DX Nikkor 55-300mm f/4.5-5.6G ED VR is an impressive zoom lens designed for Nikon's DX-format DSLRs, offering a versatile focal range that is perfect for a wide array of photography styles, from wildlife to portraiture. This lens is particularly appealing for those who want the flexibility of a zoom while still maintaining sharpness and good image quality.

Build Quality and Design

This lens features a solid construction, which feels durable and reliable in hand. It weighs in at around 690 grams, making it a relatively lightweight choice for a telephoto zoom. The lens also incorporates a rubber gasket at the mount, providing some level of weather resistance, which is always a bonus for outdoor shooting. The zoom mechanism operates smoothly, allowing for quick adjustments as needed.

Image Quality

In terms of image quality, the 55-300mm lens shines, especially considering its price point. The ED (Extra-Low Dispersion) glass elements help to reduce chromatic aberrations, and the lens produces sharp images across most of its focal ranges, particularly between 70mm and 200mm. The bokeh is pleasing as well, making it suitable for portrait photography. However, at the extreme ends of the zoom range, particularly at 300mm, you may notice some softening, especially if the aperture is wide open.

Autofocus Performance

The lens utilizes Nikon's Silent Wave Motor (SWM) technology for fast and nearly silent autofocus. This feature is great for shooting videos or capturing candid moments without drawing attention. While the autofocus is generally reliable, it may struggle slightly in low-light conditions, resulting in hunting and slower performance than in well-lit environments. Nevertheless, for most scenarios, it will deliver the results you need.

Versatility

One of the standout features of this lens is its versatility. The 55-300mm range allows you to capture diverse subjects without needing to change lenses constantly, which is ideal for travel and outdoor photography. Additionally, the vibration reduction (VR) system helps to counteract camera shake, enabling you to shoot at slower shutter speeds without introducing significant blur.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Solid build quality with some weather sealing
• Versatile focal range suitable for various photography styles
• Sharp images at most focal lengths, particularly in the middle range
• Fast and quiet autofocus performance
• Effective vibration reduction (VR)

Cons

• Softness at the extreme ends of the zoom range, especially at 300mm
• Autofocus can struggle in low-light conditions
• Relatively narrow maximum aperture, which may limit low-light performance

Verdict

Overall, the Nikon AF-S DX Nikkor 55-300mm f/4.5-5.6G ED VR is an excellent choice for photographers looking for a versatile telephoto zoom lens suitable for Nikon's DX-format cameras. With its solid build quality, sharp image production, and effective autofocus system, it performs well in various settings. While it has a few limitations, particularly at the longer focal lengths, it remains a strong contender in its class and offers great value for those wanting to expand their photographic capabilities.