Nikon AF-P DX 70-300mm F4.5-6.3G ED VR - Review 2021

The Nikon AF-P DX 70-300mm F4.5-6.3G ED VR is the latest in a long line of 70-300mm DX lenses that Nikon have released and one of the sharpest 70-300mm you could buy. I share sample images and my thoughts on why I think that this 70-300mm XD lens is the best lens to buy if you’re looking at buying zoom lens for your Crop-Sensored (APS-C) Nikon DSLR camera.
26/07/2021 * I've just realised that I've left out that you can use this lens with the Nikon D7100*
I’ve previously talked about using the Nikon 18-140mm F/3.5-5.6 G ED VR AF-S lens for Landscape Photography and in this video discuss why I bought the Nikon AF-P 70-300mm DX VR for Landscape and Wildlife Photography.
Video Time-line
00:00 Nikon AF-P DX 70-300mm F4.5-6.3G ED VR - Best Yet!
01:20 Why did I buy the Nikon AF-P DX 70-300mm VR
06:05 JPG photos taken with the Nikon AF-P DX 70-300mm F4.5-6.3G ED VR lens
Social media Links!
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Flickr: bit.ly/3bYoHXE

[@georgecastro4188]

I have had my 70 to 300mm lens for 5 years and I absolutely love it 💯%! Here's a little tip for you!... The sweet spot of this lens is...f/8! 📷

[@CharlesNPhotography]

Thanks for the tip! Yes agree with you, but like I stated in the video I wanted to see how sharp it was wide-open

[@DiscusRussell]

@@CharlesNPhotography What do you mean by wide open

[@CharlesNPhotography]

@@DiscusRussell "Wide Open" means using the small aperture (F Stop) you can use at a certain focal length. So at 300mm the lowest F stop is F6.3. So using the lens "Wide Open" at 300mm would be F6.3

[@DiscusRussell]

@@CharlesNPhotography Thank you

[@premiumedjr]

@@CharlesNPhotography Just a correction. Several people make this same kind of error as yours. When it comes to aperture, the smaller the 'f' number, the wider the aperture. Therefore, at f/6.3, which is 'wide open' at 300 mm, it represents the widest aperture the lens can achieve at that focal length. Consequently, more light will reach the camera's sensor at f/6.3.

[@brianeibisch6025]

I’ve got a copy of this lens and I was immediately impressed at how fast this thing focusses. I use my lens for bird photography because it gives you a “stand off” facility but still be able to capture an image that does not need to be cropped. On the DX system this maximum 300mm is actually giving you 450mm FF equivalent because of the 1.5 crop factor. This is a DX lens and should only be used on DX style cameras. Wider focal length lenses can be thought of as “scene” lens but this lens can be thought of as a “subject” shot lens. The budget aspect of these DX lenses is also important if you are a hobbyist photographer other than a true professional because equivalent FF lenses will cost you many times more due to the much larger glass elements. Cheers

[@the_original_skytiger]

"On the DX system this maximum 300mm is actually giving you 450mm FF equivalent because of the 1.5 crop factor." A DX lens on a cropped sensor (DX) camera, there is no crop factor. Only happens when using an FX lens is used on a DX camera.

[@daveyboy6210]

I thought you could also crop the DX from 1.5 down to 1.3 which will give you a 2 X crop factor maximum reach

[@brianeibisch6025]

@@daveyboy6210 yes, you are right. But I don’t think any DX camera crops down to X1.3. In the case of the D3500 and the D5600, I don’t think they do that “extra” crop however the D7500 does and probably the D500 as well. The downside is that I think they end up as a 10 MP image instead of 24 MP. But of course the ZOOM is then X2 giving that perceived extra reach relative to the stated focal length of your lens. Cheers mate.

[@daveyboy6210]

@@brianeibisch6025 I just caught the sunrise on Portsmouth harbour this morning and forgot to try out 1.3 on my D7500 .0.5 c cold .yes it's not great for mp ,cheers

[@brianeibisch6025]

@@daveyboy6210 good onya Cobber!! Making the effort to get that beautiful morning light may not work all the time but when it does … the image is thrilling. Keep up the good work. Cheers

[@nicerides9224]

I was lucky enough to buy this lens along with the 18-55 when I bought my d3500. It's well worth it if you have a dx camera. It's very hard to beat the quality, weight and price of this lens.

[@CharlesNPhotography]

You're right, this lens is great value for the dollar

[@OptimusPrime01100]

I was going to buy the Nikon D5600 with the 18-55 mm afp kit lens only, but after seeing your review I have decided to buy the 70-300 mm afp lens also. Great review and excellent sample images. Thank you.

[@CharlesNPhotography]

Glad I could help!

[@ildikosumegi2458]

Thanks, Charles, for the excellent review! I would totally agree! The AF-P that I have (18-55 & 70-300 VR DX) are unbelievably good value for money. I'm after the 10-20 to complete the trio. I have put the 18-55 up against a "Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 16-80mm f/2.8-4E ED VR" and a "Sigma 17-70mm f/2.8-4 DC Macro OS HSM Contemporary" and even the "Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 35mm f/1.8G" and it holds up VERY well. As a match for the D5600, this AF-P trio seem perfect. And I can pick up any number of 18-55 on KIJIJI for $100CAD or less, and the other two for not much more.

[@CharlesNPhotography]

Thank you so much for your comments and your thoughts on thee AF-P lens.

[@charleslemaire2329]

Great video Charles! we can really feel the passion you have for photography, it's awesome!

[@CharlesNPhotography]

Thank you I appreciate that! 🙏

[@pilbara67]

Watched your video and I have now upgraded my 55-300 mm to this lens .

[@CharlesNPhotography]

Please let me know how much improvement you find using the AF-P 70-300mm lens

[@davidsouzmr]

Great review! ive been looking so much for content about this lens but i couldnt find that much! i just bought a kit with nikon d5300 + 18+55 afp + 70-300 afp and its amazing! really great lens, im going to do a review in portuguese about this lens cos it just really hard to find content about it and your review is simply the best!

[@CharlesNPhotography]

Awesome, thank you so much for letting me know

[@CambodiaNomadTips]

You've convinced me to go and buy this superb lens. Had it in my hands a few days ago and was wondering if it could match my 140mm. Thanks for your review. It definitely made an impact 😁😁

[@CharlesNPhotography]

Good choice! And glad that this video was able to help you with choosing this lens

[@55whiplash]

Thanks for your hard work on your videos, always straight forward, and I found your advice excellent. The 18-140, which is a great lens for the money.

[@CharlesNPhotography]

Thank you very much for your compliments, much appreciated 🙏

[@egyptiansphinx]

Great review thanks. I am seriously considering this lens. My always-on lens is the Nikkor 18mm-200mm AFS VR II but could do with the extra reach.

[@CharlesNPhotography]

Good choice! It's a great lens and very sharp

[@andrewgynn2252]

Always good to watch charles i got this lens new off ebay for 200 uk pounds dose a good job on my d7500 keep the good up.

[@CharlesNPhotography]

Thanks Andrew, I was very surprised by how good it was and how sharp the images are.

[@moyg2932]

wow,, great reviews tnx sir,, u answered my questions even wout asking u, thank u, compatible with my D3400, ill go with this lens

[@CharlesNPhotography]

Great that I was able to help you out. 😉👋

[@moyg2932]

@@CharlesNPhotography uve said that this lens is ok w my D3400 😅 i ordered in LAZ the Nikon AF-P NIKKOR 70-300mm f4.5-6.3G ED VR then u replied that this is not compatible, was shocked and hurriedly cancelled my order🤣🤣🤣

[@CharlesNPhotography]

@@moyg2932 I cannot see my reply where I said that it wasn't compatible. But I know that it is compatible. explorecams.com/photos/pair/nikon-d3400=af-p-dx-nikkor-70-300mm-f-4-5-6-3g-ed-vr

[@robertdavis1255]

Thanks for sharing...looks a great lens as I already have the 70-300mm AF S model with VR but I purchased s/h& it has fungus on front glass & rather than having it repaired I may as well but the AF P version for my D500... cheers 😀

[@CharlesNPhotography]

Thanks for sharing

[@charliemac9503]

Hello Charles, I have started following your videos, very informative, I have a question as a beginner , I have the Nikon 70-300mm would there be any benefit in buying the 18-140mm as well. Would the 70-300mm not cover the same ground. I saw your review of the 18-140mm. Cheers

[@CharlesNPhotography]

The 70-300mm is a very good zoom lens, but it's not the ideal walk-around lens like the 18-140mm. Quite a few photographers will have the 18-140mm and the 70-300mm in their kit, as these lenses work great together.

[@charliemac9503]

@@CharlesNPhotography Thanks Charles your opinion is good enough for me. Cheers

[@majchx5352]

FIN-AL-LY...someone really enthousiastic and full behind NIKON. I just can agree. I got a D5600 with Lens KIT 18-55 VR , i wanted a full range of Lens so i got 3 minutes later...my 10-20 vr UW lens.. and 2 days later my Tele 70-300 ED VR. AND I LOVE THEM ALL 🙂 Actually i didnt got such really great shots like you did, same are really really good, i need to progress a bit, and i hope to reach a level closer to your level.And the way you did this video, such a communicativ enthusiasm , i like it.I hear to often people making NIKON bad...i used CANON before but i got humungus problems..so CANON.. never again. Finally : your video deserve much more audience..you are doing great. Thanks, Take Care , Stay by good Health.

[@CharlesNPhotography]

Thank you so much, very much appreciated.🙏

[@ashokan134]

Thanks Charles. As always, a very useful post. 👍🏾

[@CharlesNPhotography]

Glad it was helpful! and thank you for letting me know that you appreciate my videos.

[@boramiNYC]

I've had this lens ever since it came out and it's very sharp. Not quite can't match the Canon ef II 100-400 but much lighter. Get the grey market version for little over 100 sometimes. I've used it to shoot my best hummingbird picture with it and 1.4x tc on Z50 which can AF past f10. For the size weight cost and performance, the best bang for buck to shoot 450mm. This lens could be a reason to pickup a used D500.

[@CharlesNPhotography]

Yes, for the price it's a great lens

[@DianaSofia27]

Excuse me, which 1,4x TC is compatible with this lens? I'm asking because I've been reading and watching some reviews and all of them tell that this lens will lose AF with a TC. Is it true? (I've purchased one and I'm planning on using it to photograph birds, so a TC would be an asset. 😁 ANy help will be much appreciated. Thanks in advance!

[@rvnaut]

The D5600 with the 18-140 was in the Nikon Refurbished shop at $699, which in itself is a great value. I knew I was going to want a low light lens, so a couple of weeks later I added the f1.8 35mm lens, and today I picked up, also from the Nikon refurbished store the 70-300 AfP DX ED VR for a measly $199. Yes, refurbed.. the way I see it a skilled tech had to do a once over on this lens, which should make it as good as new and much less cost.. ( knock on wood)

[@CharlesNPhotography]

You did well, I think all refurbished lenses have a 6 month warranty so you should be good.

[@DianaSofia27]

Hi! Do you think this lens can be used with a TC without losing AF? I've just purchased it, and I was thinking on perhaps buying a 1,4x TC... Thanks in advance!

[@CharlesNPhotography]

@@DianaSofia27 No, you cannot use a TC on this lens

[@Steve-qi7hc]

Nice review. The AF-P full frame is a incredible lens also.

[@CharlesNPhotography]

Totally agree! and if could find one reasonably priced I'd buy one to use with my Z6II

[@Steve-qi7hc]

@@CharlesNPhotography I use it for bird and wildlife photos. I like the close focus and on my D500 it's incredibly fast and quiet focusing. The extra reach is a plus also.

[@CraigWhargoul]

Lol, was someone running the vacuum at 3:28? Cheers.

[@CharlesNPhotography]

It's feedback from my microphone.

[@mlks007]

Also Nikon D3500 is fully compatible with Nikon AF-P DX 70-300mm F4.5-6.3G ED VR.

[@CharlesNPhotography]

Yes it is.

[@Tboi007]

Excellent review and the valuable information you provided. I do have a question regarding my current camera setup, which is the Nikon D5500 with an 18-140mm lens. I am considering purchasing a longer range lens and have been considering the Nikon 70-300mm and 18-300mm options. I am unsure whether to sell my 18-140mm lens to acquire the 18-300mm, or to keep the 18-140mm lens and purchase the 70-300mm instead. I would greatly appreciate your advice on this matter. Thank you in advance for your time. Best regards

[@CharlesNPhotography]

Personally I would keep the 18-140mm lens and buy the 70-300mm, the 70-300mm lens is a excellent lens. I know people like a ens does does it all, but you'll find that it's a compromise.

[@haroldjohnson1451]

Fantastic review on this lens, thanks 😊

[@CharlesNPhotography]

My pleasure, glad it was helpful to you 😉

[@meab2220]

Great video as usual thank you sir!!!

[@CharlesNPhotography]

You are very welcome, and very nice of you

[@KanjozkoJay]

Thanks for thebgreat review, do you really advise the VR version? I have a d5600 and was wondering if a non VR version also works good like you explained in the video about the in-camera VR setting. Im kinda confused 😛 Thank you

[@CharlesNPhotography]

There is no Non-VR version of the Nikon AF-P DX 70-300mm F4.5-6.3G ED. VR is controlled by the camera and not the lens

[@KanjozkoJay]

@@CharlesNPhotography thanks for your reaction sir

[@DianaSofia27]

Great review, thanks a lot! I've just purchased this lens for 300€, to use at my Nikon D5500 and I have a question: do you think I can use it with a TC 1,4x, without losing AF? Because I will use it mainly for birds, so an extra range would be an asset. I'm not a fan of wider zoom lenses because they weigh too much for me. Thanks in advance! ☺️

[@CharlesNPhotography]

Maybe, but this lens isn't designed for use with a tc, and you'll lose autofocus altogether if you use a f-stop greater than f8, has this camera needs f8 or lower to focus

[@DianaSofia27]

@@CharlesNPhotography, thanks a lot! I always shoot at 300mm and f/8, because I love the bokeh at that aperture. Would a TC be a possibility in this case? Thank you so much!

[@CharlesNPhotography]

@@DianaSofia27 No! From what I have been able to read from Nikon's forum is that! No Nikon TC can be used for the lens. The problem is the front element of the TC hits the rear element on the lens

[@DianaSofia27]

@@CharlesNPhotography, ok, then. I won't use it. On the other hand, if this is such a sharp lens, I think that maybe I can make a good use of crop. Thanks a lot! ☺️ Merry Christmas! 🌲

[@markschneider3915]

Great review! I'm thinking you really bumped up your saturation, maybe on vivid, I love how the.JPEGs pop on Nikon's.

[@CharlesNPhotography]

No! I use the Landscape profile.

[@rosey2578]

Great review, thanks

[@CharlesNPhotography]

Glad it was helpful!

[@mimesko1987]

Too bad it's not going to work on a Nikon d3200 becasue that's the one I have.. is there another version of this lens compatible with my camera model, do you know? Thanks in advance! P.S. I loved this review! :)

[@CharlesNPhotography]

Yes! The Nikon 70-300mm DX version will work fine, or you can get the FX version which will give you a focal length of 105-450mm

[@mimesko1987]

@@CharlesNPhotography Thank you!

[@PeterStiller915]

Is the nikon d3100 supported? I didn't see it on the list but I just wanted to clarify.

[@CharlesNPhotography]

Support only started at the Nikon D3300

[@lucasrodrigues3702]

Great review. I'm an amateur and I had a question. After firmware update, is the D3300 fully compatible? Including auto focus? Thanks.

[@CharlesNPhotography]

Yes, absolutely! www.nikonimgsupport.com/eu/BV_article?articleNo=000035705&configured=1&lang=en_GB

[@janjanlangphotography7660]

What's the model/size of AF-P DX 70-300mm Flower hood? Thank you

[@CharlesNPhotography]

It's a HB-77

[@janjanlangphotography7660]

@@CharlesNPhotography I mean the other one like on your video. I saw it there's a flower type hood, not the rounded one. Is it compatible with AF-P 70-300?

[@SeanLaw2288]

Would this work with Nikon Z fc camera?

[@CharlesNPhotography]

Yes, this lens will work with the Zf, but you'll need the Nikon ftz adaptor.

[@arniet1]

I wonder how this DX 300mm lens would perform on a D750?

[@CharlesNPhotography]

Not really suitable, has this is a DX lens so you'll have a dark edges around the corners

[@natem7129]

I noticed how dark the shadows are seems too dark for me do you shoot in the normal picture profile for those pictures?

[@CharlesNPhotography]

Hi Nate, in some of the photos the shadows any seem a bit dark, but these photos are jpg's straight out of the camera without any editing done. I use the Landscape Picture Profile,

[@natem7129]

@@CharlesNPhotography ok thanks

[@Rick90026]

Hi Charles, question. Does this lens have manual focus..? I just purchased the lens, but the manual focus doesn't work. I'm using a d3400.

[@Rick90026]

It's in mint condition, from mpb. Hope you can answer the question... Thanks...

[@CharlesNPhotography]

This lens is fully compatible with the D3400, and the manual focus ring is located at the front of the lens

[@CharlesNPhotography]

just answered

[@linorajan8429]

I just now bought 70-300 VR AFP lens for my Nikon D 5300.... Plz advise me more details about more updates

[@CharlesNPhotography]

Will keep you posted

[@siddharthadeb9625]

I have Nikon 18- 140 mm VR DX lense. Whether it will be worthy to exchange it for purchass of 18- 300 Nikon VR lense.?

[@CharlesNPhotography]

I would keep the 18-140mm lens and buy a 2nd hand 70-300mm lens

[@Roobnoon]

great video! I'm an amateur and I wanted to know if this lens would fit and support my D3500?

[@CharlesNPhotography]

Yes, absolutely. It's a great Allround lens. 😁

[@Roobnoon]

@@CharlesNPhotography thank you😄

[@carlosurbina1591]

what do u think about the 70-300 afs version? If the 2 lenses are on the same price, which one would u choose?

[@CharlesNPhotography]

If your Nikon dlsr is compatible with the AF-P version 70-300 I would chose that one.

[@ezm73]

Is it good with nikon 7100

[@CharlesNPhotography]

Yes

[@NinskeeEnriquez]

AF-P DX 70-300mm F4.5-6.3G ED VR is compatible with nikon d3300?

[@CharlesNPhotography]

This lens is compatible with D3000 series cameras from the D3300 onwards

[@NinskeeEnriquez]

@@CharlesNPhotography thank you

[@NinskeeEnriquez]

sorry i mean a AF-P DX 70-300mm F4.5-6.3G ED non VR

[@CharlesNPhotography]

@@NinskeeEnriquez Whether it's the VR or Non-VR version they both work

[@markberry5542]

Hi Charles, found your video after researching the Nikon 70 300 mm. i am just about ready to commit . 1 Question. You say that the D7200 is VR compatible? where do I find the VR control on the camera body? I have looked in shooting menu and cannot find it.. is it automatic? Great videos always find them interesting and informative. Many thanks

[@CharlesNPhotography]

VR is is switched on automatically on this lens. Also make sure that you have the latest firmware for your D7200. downloadcenter.nikonimglib.com/en/download/fw/287.html

[@striderwhiston9897]

By the way, is it worth spending the extra £140 (£200 to £340) for the FX version of this lens for a d3400? I have heard the FX version is sharper and has better build quality than its DX counterpart.

[@CharlesNPhotography]

The FX version is much sharper than the DX version, and instead of a 70-300mm you will get a 105> 450mm as it's built for FX and using it on a DX body give you 1.5x view.

[@felixcore9275]

@@CharlesNPhotography Common misconception, but crop sensor lenses will have the same field of view as a full frame lens would, with a crop camera of course. Basically, both the DX and FX lens have an effective focal length of 105-450mm on a crop camera, it will be an identical FOV.

[@moyg2932]

sir if u dont mind, may i ask, is nikon 55-300mm vr lens compatible with D3400? and whats the difference between this lens and the 70-300mm?, TIA

[@CharlesNPhotography]

Yes, The Nikon 55-300mm vr lens is compatible with D3400 😉

[@moyg2932]

@@CharlesNPhotography comparison plz of nikon af-p 70-300mm VR and the 55-300mm VR 😅

[@CharlesNPhotography]

@@moyg2932 the nikon af-p 70-300mm VR is not compatible with the nikon D3400

[@moyg2932]

​@@CharlesNPhotographyoh my i thought its compatible. then what lens can u suggest with 70-300mm

[@moyg2932]

​@@CharlesNPhotographyu said on the video it will work great with the d3400😅

[@Rusty_Gold85]

What happened to D7100 compatibility ?

[@CharlesNPhotography]

Apologises, A Typo mistake that I left it out of Compatible cameras.

[@VG-pv7jn]

What about Nikon 7100 ? Will this lens work ?

[@CharlesNPhotography]

Yes, but you may need the latest firmware to use it. Check the Nikon website

[@abdozagloul]

320 dollars is a good deal Great lens

[@CharlesNPhotography]

Thanks, yes a very good deal for this lens.

[@spkarra]

I have it and for some reason it stopped auto focussing, do i am forced to use in manual mode

[@CharlesNPhotography]

Yes, but I would clean the contacts on your lens and camera and then see if that helped

[@spkarra]

Thanks again, tried and took it to the store. Since it's kit lens the repair might cost more than what I can get on eBay.

[@miamiSincar]

what about d7100 support the 70-300mm af p

[@CharlesNPhotography]

Yes, this lens will work with the D7100

[@charliedebravo3960]

Great

[@CharlesNPhotography]

Thank you

[@RawDog82]

How does this work with a D850?

[@CharlesNPhotography]

This lens is for DX cameras, you need a FX lens for your D850 . Nikon AF-P Nikkor 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6E ED VR Telephoto Lens

[@RawDog82]

@@CharlesNPhotography noted but i do have a d850... and noticed that i have a few dx lenses in my arsenal.. does that mean that they won't shoot well? what would be the expected outcome

[@CharlesNPhotography]

@@RawDog82 If you haven't changed the camera settings, your D850 would just go into DX mode. you could easily see this by the size of the files.

[@RawDog82]

@@CharlesNPhotography I was unaware that my 850 could go into DX mode... is there any way that I can check?

[@rajaprasanna1259]

This lens can use in d5300 Iam a beginner

[@CharlesNPhotography]

Yes, but you may have to check the firmware version of your camera. www.nikonusa.com/images/learn-explore/photography-techniques/2011/which-nikkor-is-right-for-you/media/nikkor-lens-compatibility-chart.pdf

[@karolschulz4605]

I have Nikon D5100 and I want to buy vr one but, why it won't work? I'm beginner and most informations are in English and I can speak in English but many things are hard for me to read. Alright, to the point: if it can even fit my camera? And if it first, I'll be able to focus and zoom by hand? And take pics of course. And what is the reason that it won't work? If it's not what I asked before, than can I buy it anyway or I should look for something else?

[@CharlesNPhotography]

The Nikon AF-P DX 70-300mm will not work with the Nikon D5100. You cannot use manual focus!

[@karolschulz4605]

@@CharlesNPhotography alright. Thank you so much for fast answer!

[@c.4234]

Is it possible to get it new?

[@CharlesNPhotography]

Yes! www.amazon.com.au/telephoto-NIKKOR-70-300mm-4-5-6-3G-format/dp/B01L6M2LM0

[@c.4234]

@@CharlesNPhotography Thanks!