Nikon 70-300 vs 55-300

dentonkarl

dentonkarl

Messages
247
Name
Karl
Edit My Images
Yes
Hi

Been looking at getting the 55-300 Nikon lens but since noticed there is a 70-300 lens. Is it worth the extra money ?

I've just purchased a D90 so will be running it on that.

Karl
 
Hi Karl,
I bought a used 70-300 just before the 55-300 came out at the same price new as I paid second hand, and I think the price differences respectively are still about the same. I've been happy with the 70-300 but I think I might have thought long and hard about buying the 55-300 had it been available at the time. Obviously both being Nikon, one would assume the more expensive 70-300 is the better lens, but will you see the difference? I suppose the best thing to do is try and try both out on your D90 and see if you can tell the difference. Before I bought mine and was trying to see if I could tell the difference with the VR on and off, John Lewis let me use my own memory card on their equipment so that I could view on my PC, ( there was of course an immense difference) so I am sure you could find a retailer who stocks both lenses who would let you do the same.
 
I looked into this choice not long ago, the first difference is:70-300 VR is an FX format, the 55-300 is DX only.

The 70-300 is a better quality lens, and more professional. It has the manual focus override, much faster auto focus etc etc, and shares the same filters as the 18-105 kit lens that the D90 comes with (if you took that option).

The 55-300 is smaller and lighter, and is very similar to the cheaper 18-55 05 55-200 lenses that the cheaper Nikons (D3100 or D5000) tend to include with their kits.

I chose the 70-300 VR and am very happy with my choice. It was worth the extra cost (plus, second hand they are still less than the 55-300 new)
 
Go for the 70mm-300mm vr lens, it is a great lens for the money, you won't regret it!
 
Chappers. said:
I looked into this choice not long ago, the first difference is:70-300 VR is an FX format, the 55-300 is DX only.

The 70-300 is a better quality lens, and more professional. It has the manual focus override, much faster auto focus etc etc, and shares the same filters as the 18-105 kit lens that the D90 comes with (if you took that option).

The 55-300 is smaller and lighter, and is very similar to the cheaper 18-55 05 55-200 lenses that the cheaper Nikons (D3100 or D5000) tend to include with their kits.

I chose the 70-300 VR and am very happy with my choice. It was worth the extra cost (plus, second hand they are still less than the 55-300 new)
Click to expand...

What he said. The 70-300 is the superiour lens in a few respects, not saying the 55-300 is bad but the former is better and that the 70-300 takes the same size filters as the 18-105 it makes perfect sense to get the pair (the 55-300 takes the same size filters as the 18-50 kit lens, making them perfect partners). Also, the 70-300 will work on Full Frame cameras should you ever make the jump (I use my 70-300 with my 35mm film SLR).
 
BUILD QUALITY!!
The 55-300mm is pretty much the same build quality as the kit lenses....ie plasticky!
While the 70-300mm is not up to pro standards, its a whole lot better built than the former. As mentioned it also is designed for FX cameras which means on a DX camera such as the D90 you'll be using only the central part of each element in the lens...ie the best bits!

Go for it...I did and dont regret it for a moment.

Neil
 
Thanks guys. Bought a 70-300 from a very nice seller on these forums. Looking forward to some great pics with it.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top