Nikon 70-300 A New Version of an Old Standby

Author's Rating:

Pros: Faster, ED glass, lighter, cheaper

Cons: No rotating tripod collar

The Bottom Line: 
Nikon's update of the venerable 75-300 Nikkor is a bit lighter, a bit faster, and has better resolution.

Author's Review
The recently introduced Nikkor 70-300 f4.0-5.6 ED AF-D lens replaces one of Nikon's most popular consumer zooms, the 75-300 f4.5-5.6. The old model 75-300 was much loved by backpackers, hikers, cyclists, and travelers because of the wide range of focal lengths covered, simply add a lightweight 28-70 zoom and you had a two lens (relatively portable) kit that could cover almost everything.

The major improvements in the new Nikkor 70-300 over its predecessor are: weight (old 75-300 30 ounces, the new 70-300 18.7 ounces) the addition of the ED designation (extra low dispersion glass elements) which improve optical performance and resolution, especially wide open, and the new lens is a bit faster (f4.0 as opposed to f4.5)...the only real fault in the new design is the elimination of the rotating tripod collar.

The new 70-300 is also more compact at both the short and long ends than the older model was. Close focusing distance is five feet, and with the addition of Nikon's 5T close up diopter, the lens has macro capabilities, without any loss in lens speed. The New Nikkor uses the standard size 62mm filters that fit most Nikon consumer zooms. Nikon has listened to consumers and included a tough bayonet mount plastic lens hood (the hood can be reverse mounted for storage) with this lens. Lens hoods help reduce glare/flare and offer excellent front element protection, Nikon has always charged extra for dedicated lens hoods, hopefully this signals a new trend.

Computers and peripherals have been falling in price for many years, this makes for better deals for consumers....more competition equals lower price, however SLR cameras and peripherals have been steadily rising in price over the same period of time. The major reason for this disparity is that there are far fewer SLR shooters than computer fans. Nikon has tried in the past to offer consumers cheaper prices, while still providing some of the best optics on the planet. The "E" series lenses offered with the Nikon EM were much less expensive than comparable Nikkors, but the lenses were exceptional performers. The new 70-300 f4.0-5.6 ED AF-D lens is listed at a bit less than $500.00, which makes the new lens cheaper than the older lens. This doesn't happen very often.

If you enjoyed reading this lens review. Please read my other lens reviews:

Nikon Lenses

Prime Lenses

Nikon AF ED-IF 180/f2.8D Nikkor
http://www.epinions.com/content_50492313220

Nikon 105/f2.8D AF Micro-Nikkor
http://www.epinions.com/elec-review-ED0-62442B1-393AA9F1-prod5

Nikon 85/f1.4D AF IF
http://www.epinions.com/content_23241199236

Nikon 85/f1.8D AF
http://www.epinions.com/content_29370191492

Zoom Lenses

Nikon AF IF 24-85/f2.8-4.0D Zoom Nikkor
http://www.epinions.com/content_40820510340

Nikon AF IF 28-200/f3.5-5.6D Zoom Nikkor
http://www.epinions.com/elec-review-61AC-14E291B-3909BCF6-prod5

Nikon AF 75-240/f4.5-5.6D Zoom Nikkor
http://www.epinions.com/elec-Photo-Lenses-All-Nikon_75-240mm_f_4_5-5_6D_AF_Zoom-Nikkor

Nikon AF 70-300/f4.0-5.6D ED Zoom Nikkor
http://www.epinions.com/elec-review-4C5A-1489077-3909AEA3-prod5

Nikon AF 80-200/f2.8D IF-ED AF-S Zoom Nikkor
http://www.epinions.com/content_38412717700

Sigma Lenses

Sigma Designs AF 17-35/F2.8-4.0D EX HSM Zoom
http://www.epinions.com/elec-review-4C46-145B3FFF-39CE2ADE-prod3


Sigma Designs AF 28-70/f2.8D EX Aspherical Zoom
http://www.epinions.com/elec-review-5C92-1C455245-39CE9F60-prod6

Tokina Lenses

Tokina AT-X 20-35/f2.8D PRO Zoom
http://www.epinions.com/elec-review-2E59-2F3F6C0-390C5EB2-prod3


Choosing Lenses for your New Camera
http://www.epinions.com/elec-review-283E-10641A05-393D299A-prod1

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