55-300 or 70-300?

coopersim

coopersim

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Simon
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I thought this was an easy choice, until I read a lot about how soft the 70-300 is beyond 200, which makes me think it's a bit pointless, so I'm back to wondering if I should go the 55-300 route instead?

Full frame isn't a consideration I have to worry about for a good while, I'm more interested in sharpness as I'll be using it for wildlife (I know it's not ideal for that, but I don't have the funds for a longer lens presently)

So, the choice is:

Nikkor 55-300mm f/4.5-5.6G ED VR DX AF-S
or
Nikkor 70-300mm f/4-5.6 G IF ED VR AF-S

I can get the 70-300 for £367 new and the 55-300 £213 after cashback

My real question is; would I miss the lack of manual focus override, and is the 55-300 also soft after 200?

Thanks
 
I'm not sure is describe the 70-300 as soft over 200mm, perhaps towards 300 it can be. I took this at 1/250, handheld, 300mm


ring necked parakeet by damianmkv, on Flickr

For me, it's fine. This is also at 300mm, handheld at 1/200


kefalos moon by damianmkv, on Flickr
 
To be honest I can't see any softening of note past 200mm on my copy of the 70-300. Certainly at 300mm technique is probably as much as a factor as the lens itself anyway.

The 55-300 will deteriorate equally as much as the 70-300.
 
Thanks for the replies, the photos looks very nice and sharp!

So, if the 55-300 will perform similarly, am I best off saving the £150~ and going this route?
 
I couldn't comment as I have no experience of the 55-300. I guess it depends on what other lenses you have / may get in the future ?
 
There are a few differences in spec, such as the 55-300 doesn't have internal focus so if you're going to use filters that is a consideration.

However, an equally important question is: if you bought the 55-300 do you think you always wish you got the 70-300? If so then you should get the 70-300.
 
There is one big difference, the 55-300 is a dx lens where as the 70-300 will work on fx too. IQ is supposed to be fairly similar but the 70-300 focuses much faster, there were some figures knocking about for this but I can't find them off hand. The 70-300 also has full time manual overide if you need it. If none of the above matters to you, go for the 55-300, you'll save a chunk of money and its a lot lighter too.
 
I guess that answers it then, the faster focus and manual override would both be very useful features, it's a pity there's no cashback on this lens!
 
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