Nikon AF-S DX 55-300mm F4.5-5.6 G ED VR Review

General information

This is a zoom lens manufactured by Nikon and the lens was released 2010.
The lens belongs to the category telephoto zoom lenses, a telephoto lens where you have the possibility to zoom in and out.

Product description from Nikon

At launch 2010 Nikon wrote this regarding Nikon AF-S DX 55-300mm F4.5-5.6 G ED VR:

"Compact 5.5X DX-format telephoto zoom lens with High Refractive Index lens element and ED glass is Ideal for capturing distant subjects at athletic events, family pictures, dramatic sunsets, travel and more. VR II image stabilization for handheld shooting at up to 4 shutter speeds slower than would otherwise be possible, assuring dramatically sharper still images and stable video capture.

Compact DX-format zoom lens with High Refractive Index lens element, ED glass and VR II image stabilization Expanded photo and video opportunities thatīs designed to bring the action closer to the photographer.

Nikon VR II Image Stabilization
Vibration Reduction, engineered specifically for each VR NIKKOR lens, enables handheld shooting at up to 4 shutter speeds slower than would otherwise be possible, assuring dramatically sharper still images and video capture.

HRI (High Refractive Index) Lens Element
HRI lens element is essential to keeping the lens compact while offering high contrast even at maximum aperture.

Exclusive Nikon Silent Wave Motor (SWM)
Enables fast, accurate and quiet autofocus.

Minimum focus distance to 4.6 feet at all focal lengths

5.5X Telephoto Zoom lens
Ideal for capturing distant subjects at athletic events, family pictures, dramatic sunsets, travel and more. Angle of view equivalent to a focal length of 82.5 to 450mm in FX/35mm format D-SLR.

Tripod Detection Mode
Reduces vibration that may occur due to shutter release when mounted on a tripod.

2 Extra-low Dispersion (ED) Elements
Effectively minimizes chromatic aberration, even at the widest aperture settings.

Nikon Super Integrated Coating (SIC)
Enhances light transmission efficiency and offers superior color consistency and reduces flare.

Rounded 9-Blade Diaphragm
Renders more natural appearance of out-of-focus image areas."


Compatibility, autofocus and focal length

This lens is designed and meant for Nikon cameras with a smaller sensor (often referred to as 'APS-C') which means that the lens does not fit all camera models. By clicking on the link below you can make sure that the lens works with your camera model and you should do an additional check with your local dealer as well, before you buy the lens just to be sure.

The ability to use autofocus is available for all cameras.

The lens has a focal length of 55-300 mm. Since the lens is designed to be used on a camera with smaller sensor ('APS-C') the focal length will be equivalent to 82-450 mm on your Nikon camera.

A positive thing is that this lens has a versitale zoom range, where the difference between 'maximum zoomed out' to 'maximum zoomed in' increases the lens versatility since you as a photographer easily can compose your picture without moving yourself physically.

Lens brightness and image stabilizer

The lens brightness and aperture value is f/4,5-5,6.

This lens is not considered to have a good aperture value and brightness. It is something to consider before you purchase the lens. To compensate for this you might, while photographing in less favorable light conditions, be forced to either use higher ISO settings (which generates more noise in the image), slower shutter speeds (which may give some motion blur) or flash lightning. Read more at the link below what lens brightness means to you as a photographer.

One thing to consider is that the lens has a variable brightness, which means that depending on how much you are zooming the lens will have a different maximum aperture value. At 55 mm the lens brightness is f/4,5 and at 300 mm the brightness is f/5,6. Through the link below you can read more about what this could mean for you as a photographer.

Inside the lens there is an image stabilizer, which helps to fend off possible movements and tremors. This is very positive and can be of great help in situations and conditions where the light is inadequate and not enough for decent shutter speeds.

Filter and Lens Hood

The lens has a traditional filter thread on the front and its measuring 58 mm which also the filter you will use must have. If you use for example an UV filter can be a cheap insurance against scratches and dust.

If you buy this lens it will come with a lens hood, whose model name is "HB-57".

Images of Nikon AF-S DX 55-300mm F4.5-5.6 G ED VR

In order to see larger product images of the lens, click the link below.

Things to consider before buying

Below you will find some summarized points and facts that can be considered as the 'pros and cons' of this lens. These are based entirely on the facts and values that are accessible through the lens specification, so we highly recommend that you also read the reported reviews available (see tab 'Reviews'); this in order to get a more complete view of the lens and its capabilities. Reviewer opinions reflect the lens, its use and its optical performance in a more accurate way, but any way - here a few different points to consider before buying this lens.

  • The price (more info)
  • Has a built-in image stabilizer
  • An impressive focal range
  • Has a built-in autofocus motor
  • A lens hood is included
  • Works only on cameras with APS-C sensor
  • Poor aperture value with its f/5,6
  • A variable lens brightness at different focal lengths
  • The lens is not sealed against moisture and dust

Our Review Ratings

Time to grade Nikon AF-S DX 55-300mm F4.5-5.6 G ED VR.

Build Quality     
Image Quality     
Autofocus     
Sharpness     
Versatility     
Value     
Overall rating 3 of 5

Best deals on Nikon AF-S DX 55-300mm F4.5-5.6 G ED VR

Make sure to check out our price information page for best offers on this lens.