Nikon AF-S 70-300mm G ED VR lens review with samples

This is quite an old Nikon tele lens which could represent amazing value for money (when bought second-hand)...but can it offer amazing (or even just acceptable) image quality, too?
All sample pictures taken by me on a Nikon Z7 camera.
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Music:
'Opportunity Walks', Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0
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[@peteryates308]

This was my first non-kit lens. Loved it, used it lots and it really got the ball rolling with my bird photography.

[@cotswoldphotographers]

It’s one of the first lenses that I bought to go with my D7200 and have been very happy with my now full frame D750 I think a maximum aperture of 5.6 at 300mm isn’t too bad for a lens in this price bracket. I agree it’s one to miss for a new mirror less system but honestly for a 24MP full frame/crop DSLR at this price point it’s a gem of a lens. I wouldn’t be put off!

[@akhlism.marifat9204]

I've been looking for a quite decent (can't afford higher price lol) telephoto lens for my D7200 and the review on this video made me disinterested for this lens. However, your comment puts a perspective into me and I think I'll do a little more research on this one.

[@MetalSlugzMaster]

This was the go-to zoom tele in the early to mid 2000's for Nikon shooters that couldn't shell out big bucks for the 80-400mm or tele primes. Was very good IQ and value for the money even back then. It even enticed hobbyist Canon shooters to switch to Nikon, as the comparable canon model IQ wasn't quite so good, and a little more expensive. Thanks for testing this one, Chris.

[@rmcguirephoto]

I bought an earlier version of this lens in 2004 with my first Nikon DSLR, but it lacked VR and was not sharp in the 200-300 mm range. When this upgraded version became available a few years later, I bought it and used it extensively on my DX (APS-C) Nikon bodies, getting a 450mm full-frame equivalent field of view. This lens addressed both shortcomings of the earlier version and for a while it was a favourite. When I upgraded to full-frame and bought a 70-200 mm f/2.8, my old 70-300 G sat on the shelf for a long time. I rediscovered it when I took it on a trip in 2018 as it is a better travel lens and I was blown away by how good it is. It's great to have the extra range between 200 and 300 mm. I've tried it on my new Z6ii with the FTZ adapter and it works great, even if autofocusing isn't as fast as the new Z lenses. It's much lighter than my 70-200 F-mount lens, which is a beast with the FTZ. I plan to keep the old 70-300 to use with my Z6ii. This lens is a great addition to your kit at a super affordable price.

[@wwcreations1]

Glad to hear it works great with the z6ii because that's what I have coming in the mail!😀I bought this lens with the D80 and wow, it still holds its own. This lens is sharp and well made. Not plasticky and weighs a lot for its compact size! I've used it on the z50 AFC with FTZ adapter and it works great...quite a bit of noise in the focusing motor, but it is 15+ years old now! 😊

[@Desmond-Hume]

I've tested many 70-300 lenses in this price range, and this one showed the best result, love it.

[@george_tkd]

What about the tamron 70-300mm vc usd

[@Desmond-Hume]

@@george_tkd good enough for its money.

[@george_tkd]

@@Desmond-Hume I found both the nikon and the tamron nearly the same price. Which one do you recommend

[@Desmond-Hume]

@@george_tkd I would go with Nikon, if it's the same price.

[@abedillafizhJ]

​@@Desmond-Hume For the stabilization system, better the nikon or the Tamron?

[@Mavczers]

I bought this lens among with AF-S 18-70 and d70s in 2007 - on 6mpix it was great and with 50/1.8 I think it was one of the best tandem for starters then.

[@raomudasir6490]

One of the finest in consumer grade lenses.. Performs like a Pro grade lens in DX cameras.. Superb punchy pictures and contrast.. Absolutely love it...

[@gordonyz4]

The AF-P E version (latest) was said to be the best at motor wise and image quality wise

[@davidellinsworth22]

I bought this lens a couple of years ago to replace my much more modern Sigma 18-300 (which was a real POS) for my D7100. I bought it with a full frame upgrade in mind on my typically tight budget (I now have a Z6 - which was a gift). Agree that you have to work the aperture a bit to get the best out of it, especially between 200-300mm. I use it mostly for landscapes.

[@RubenvanKuik]

Some Nikon cameras are compatible with AF-P lenses after a firmware update. I had the AF-P version of this lens for my Nikon D610 a few years ago and it worked great. I remember being particularly impressed with the AF speed.

[@connorrothgeb]

Perfect timing not gonna lie, I’ve been considering this as a cheap telephoto for landscapes. Thanks for this review Chris!

[@sunesnigel]

I would like to warn you though. It is not uncommon for the VR or AF to fail. I'm gonna get an AF-P since my AF-S is useless since the VR went bonkers.

[@Azeemmerchant]

Beautiful Nikon Colors.. Love the Sample Images... ❤️🙌🏼

[@sergioalvarez8850]

Thanks Chris, excellent. Your review was very useful to me.

[@denmax1590]

I have been shooting birds with this lens (mounted on D7100) for a year. It's quick and light, however, the IQ is quite soft, especially at 200 mm and above. Switched to Nikkor 300/4D recently - no problems with image quality 😀

[@xmusicchannelsx]

its it good for football photography with my d610?

[@DougHamiltonArt]

I shoot this lens and the AF-S 16-80mm 1:2.8-4 ED DX VR on a D7500. I am very happy with this kit. Whenever I can use f/5.6 or f/8, 16x20 prints are amazing corner to corner. VR enables handholding over 1/30sec up to about 200mm. If I have to vary from those settings in order to capture the intended image, I am still very pleased because the print still says what I wanted to say even if some pixel peepers might take exception minor drops in technical quality. Every time I'm tempted to go full frame, I think of the added cost in money & weight and of the times my work still gets into juried shows.

[@arghyadipsen2429]

Oops! According to your description, we should always turn our lens VR's off🤭

[@eldosechacko2188]

Oops!! He got it wrong there 😜. We forgive as he is really good generally 😉

[@DeathDasein]

I'm using this lens now on a D700 and I'm pleased with the results, I've also tried the 80-200 f2.8 Mark IV and I can tell you that the weight difference it's simply too much. Having this in mind I would choose this 70-300 for street and travel. And leave the f2.8 for studio and tripod.-

[@majhoolmaroof2065]

Bravo. Great review indeed!

[@danncorbit3623]

Thank you for remembering us DSLR fossils. Most reviews today are for mirrorless cameras. I have Nikons (D610, D7000) that can use the old glass, which I suspect is better than even the newest kit lenses. I would recommend testing the Nikon 80-200mm f/2.8D lens, but I think the Z can't use it and I know the D5600 can't use it. (Because the subject was an old, bargain telephoto lens for Nikon).

[@danielelias9785]

A very accurate review. This lens is sharp from 70 to 200mm, but at 300mm is soft, is the reason why I sold my copy. Nevertheless, I made my best birds shots with this lens, so no complains. I disagree with your "plasticky" critics. A "Plasticky" lens is a good thing. Means a light lens, and less danger of deformation with moderate impacts, that would cause permanent deformation in a metal lens. Greetings from Chile.

[@nerdMike]

It was my "main" lens on the Nikon D610, very good for the price, 250€ used. AFP version it's a natural upgrade, better overall at a fair price also with fast AF and weather sealing..for 700€ new. (considering modern FF 70-300 go past 1K easily)

[@prchise]

Had this Nikon lens, sold it after a while cuz beyond 200mm was sub-par and later on got a good deal for Tamron 70-300 VC version. Which is optically a much better glass

[@shang-hsienyang1284]

I used to carry this lens around during my travel back in the days

[@capuligenerichh.218]

I currently own this lens and loving it for bird and moon (and some astro images with the recent comet) photography for my D5100. It's sharp from 70-200mm (or even 250mm) but a 'wee bit' soft in the longer end (as expected). Altho. more than a decade old already, I'm surprised this performed poorly despite being reviewed with quite nice remarks. Nonetheless, if you're doubting...just save and go/spend it on the 'trinity telephoto' - 70-200mm.

[@Bardamu3000]

I bought this little gem back in 2010. It's still here with me. 🕶

[@steelheadranger]

I bought this lens a decade ago and still have it while my camera bodies went from D300 through to Z7 & Z8 today. I have all Z lenses now except for this one and a 200-500 f/5.6. I just keep hanging on to it.

[@HMX_12]

We need to test already great AF-P 70-300 FX lens!

[@mazar4225]

Thanks a lot Christopher, Please review also the Nikkor 70-300 AF-P for FX.

[@eldindokara7868]

I love that lens. Long in tooth, but good copy should give you beautiful images

[@tonytfuntek3262]

Nice review on this lens, would love if one of your future reviews would include the Nikon 80-400mm f/4.5-5.6G. It adds 100mm more reach but the price is quite a bit more. Thank you.

[@callumjohnson9433]

I'd like that review too and maybe some good equivalent lens.

[@shang-hsienyang1284]

The 80-400 is quite weak, especially compared to the Canon 100-400 from the same era.

[@SovietLensReviews]

Impressive how nice the lens looks at f8/300mm! Definitely showing its age though.

[@keiththompson7079]

I have this and use it with my Z50. I like the results I get.

[@spokolokofly]

Btw, the AF system in this one is particularly fast. On a DX body like D500 it delivers great results (but mostly in the range of 70-240).

[@AZTEC_ARTS2023]

Do you have examples ?

[@oddmanout4256]

I don't know what you're talking about or if something is up with your Z7, but this lens is wonders on my D850, spectacular detail and fast AF for its price, really great bokeh up to f8, beautiful colors too. For FX and DX this is a great sports or beginner wildlife lens, to be had at a great price.

[@LivingwithBella]

My work with this lens was featured on social media platforms and magazines, for about 200-300 dollars Canadian you guys cannot go wrong specially if photographing stationary objects or bigger wildlife in zoos but there will be large issue shooting birds in flight if your distant from the subject, or smaller birds, i would suggest the sigma 150-600mm

[@MapOfEurasia]

Great video! I really like your reviews! ✌️ P.S: Can you test the "infamous" Tokina/Cosina/Vivitar/Phoenix/Voigtlander (and also Tamron I believe) 19-35mm F3.5/4.5 lens?

[@coutopraze]

You're a star, I was considering this one as I don't currently own a proper telephoto lens but I think I'll give it a pass. I'll look into my second choice now the 80-400 af vr. I don't want a crazy good telephoto lens because I mostly work with wide angle 20-35 and short tele 85 -100. I feel like it could be fun going out in the mornings to photograph some birds in the woods so it's purely for playing around.

[@GordoFriman]

I used to have one of these, along with my 12mpx D700. It was ok on that low res camera. I sold this lens years ago, not a fan of telephoto.

[@davidpowell5437]

While I think your observations and comments were fair enough, I'm inclined to question the value of testing a 14 year old consumer grade zoom lens, generally regarded as pushing its limits on 24Mp bodies, on a modern high pixel count body. If I had such a body I just wouldn't be looking at lenses like this. I would have found it more interesting if you had compared its performance on a couple of FX and DX bodies of the comparable sensor technology. This was a well regarded consumer grade lens in its day. I found mine quite useable on a 24Mp crop body and having recently acquired a full frame body my initial impressions are that its doing slightly better - time will tell. Having had my little gripe I will own that it is definitely good to see older gear being put through the same tests as newer kit. Thanks!

[@TheAviationAnonymous]

I would love to see a review of the Tamron 18-300mm f3.5-6.3 lens when possible. It's Tamron's first Fuji lens and seems nice from what I can see

[@reklaw432]

Do you happen to have a Tamron 18-300 review in the works? Think your reviews are the best on KZbin and hoped to see your results on that one before I decided in a purchase. Thanks!

[@DixonLu]

@1:53 VR on vs VR off labels are reversed

[@MASTEROFSAND]

Was about to say. 🤣

[@sessesty]

I got this lens with a bundle when I got my Z6, was the first one I sold

[@oliverdesouza5741]

Great review Chris. I have a couple of ideas to enhance your already class-leading review process. When you test and old lens like this, why not also demonstrate the performance on a camera body of the time, like a D700 or D300. It would be interesting to see if this ever looked sharp at 12mp. I know you can't buy every body out there, but the legendary D700 can be snagged for £300 quite readily. Additionally, as this is a zoom lens, how about checking the actual focal lengths, whilst it is well known that some zooms aren't really the range indicated. Even accounting for focus breathing, some zooms are a good 10% shorter than advertised, which is a bit of a con really on purchasers. Can you compare zoom lenses at close and infinity to some primes to see what range they really cover. Cheers!

[@DeathDasein]

I'm using it on a D700 at the moment and I like the IQ, good colour and contrast with sharp results. Way better than my Nikkor 50mm f1.4 G in all aspects of the IQ. Also I read that it's truly 300mm.-

[@leontebogdan2759]

I've searched all of your videos for a review of 55-200mm af-s vr II but I could not find anything... I can't trust anyone else!

[@HR-wd6cw]

Would be interesting if you could do a comparison between this and the newer AF-P version. I know there is a lot of comparisons (in reviews/text) but not many in terms of sample photos that I've seen.

[@stjepanjina]

Thanks for the test, if you can test an even better af-p 70-300 version!

[@Mariosyjp]

I'd love to see a review of the DX 55-300

[@G95G95]

Have you tested the AF-P version yet, it's actually pretty shockingly good for what it can be had for

[@arghyaghosh1647]

Stabilization on and off text got exchanged with respect to video footage,I think... Overall good content though ♥️

[@amaday84]

this lens stay in focus while zooming in video?

[@celeronwu1122]

I wonder how the new AF-P version performs, can it be better than canon's 70-300L?

[@fernandrums]

Great video... "Question" .. Due to pandemia I bought a Nikkon D-5,000 camera... it's old but in great condition.. I´m a birdwatcher and I heard that this AF-S lens is compatible to my old Camera. .. Do you recommend a web page to buy a new lens like this one ? form my D5,000.... THANKS a lot for your time. Great and informative video..

[@robertdavis1255]

Thanks for sharing...yes I do have this lens & use it on my D500 however I am considering purchasing the newer AF-P version as I believe it is better & lighter...and pricing has come down a bit... cheers from Australia 😀

[@FuckPedophileBiden]

Since you already have this lens I don't think the newer lens would be worth it and would pay the extra for the Nikon 200-500mm.

[@robertdavis1255]

@@FuckPedophileBiden thanks for your advice.... much appreciated cheers 😀

[@FuckPedophileBiden]

@@robertdavis1255You're welcome! 🙂👍🏻 B & H Photo, Adorama, and a few other places has the Nikon 200-500mm lens on sale now for $1,056.00 which is about 30% off a lens quite a few advanced to professional photographers said was underpriced and a steal of a deal at $1,400.00. Mark Smith has some really interesting videos showing the quality of photographs this lens is capable of. www.youtube.com/@MarkSmithphotography/search?query=Nikon%20200-500mm

[@robertdavis1255]

@@FuckPedophileBiden thanks for sharing...I have just watched Mark Smith's video & great photography.... cheers 😀

[@boredgrass]

Best wishes for 2022 and always phones in flight mode during church service ;-)

[@erikpratama6039]

How about the nikon 70-200 f4 with its newest vr generation? Would like to hear from you, how this pro tele-lens alternative compete with newer dslr or mirorless body.

[@JJ-ef7lb]

Can anyone help... Just starting out and I have a D3400 so I'm thinking of this or the AF-P version. My query is that I don't have option on my menu to turn on or off VR... Will I need to do any sort of firmware update or anything to use the lens or the AF-P VR version? Thank you.

[@eltinjones4542]

I have one which I use on my Nikon D7200 because of the 450mm equivalent reach and @f5.6- f8. It was bought for my D800. I traded in the 50-200 DX at the time, which I honestly regret now I agree with this review its not a great lens and because of the weight of the D800 coupled with the lens you would need a tripod for such a set up and probably with the D7200 as well. I would replace it, however I don't shoot telephoto that often and may go mirrorless at some stage

[@soura]

I almost exclusively use it at 300mm for birds The best sharpness at 300mm I get is at f8 With a good focus lock and fast shutter speed you can get good images

[@PhilippeOrlando]

I have a Nikon D700, wondering how it'd do on that cam. Basically you're saying that up to 200 mm it's fin?

[@birdmann128]

Nice lens

[@dogblessamerica]

Relieved that this review was so negative, because I just shelled out for the newer AF-P version!

[@-_--le3zk]

How is this lens against the afp version?

[@PhotoStormMediaOfficial]

Hi! Will you review the new Samyang FE 24-70 F2.8 zoom lens for Sony? :)

[@haydennettleton3272]

I'm suprised that this lens performed so poorly, I had the dx vr version and its very sharp across the entire focal length range

[@denispelletier4381]

The DX version is a complete different lens and it is 55-300mm and it is very good.

[@haydennettleton3272]

@@denispelletier4381 I was referring to the Dx version of AF-P 70-300mm but yes the 55-300mm is also a very good lens

[@TheTS1205]

@@denispelletier4381 there are several different iterations of this lens. Some are AF-S, some AF-P. Some have VR and there are DX-only versions of them, too...

[@Endogamy]

does it work with the newer Z mount body, with an adapter?

[@ramayyavastavayya]

Your voice is very good

[@striderwhiston9897]

Gonna do the AF-P eventually?

[@cyrilhamel8289]

One lens I'd love you to review is Nikon's 200-500

[@george_tkd]

Which is better, this one or the Tamron 70-300mm vc usd

[@markmcstone5132]

Christopher you got the text overlay on the IS section of the video wrong !!

[@user-tn3ju5rm5j]

I have seen many opinions that the AF-P DX, being a slightly sharper lens, produces an overall worse image. So it would be great if you could make a direct comparison between the 70-300 AF-S and the 70-300 AF-P DX!

[@sunesnigel]

But the dx is only for aps-c. The non dx is for ff and it's suppose to be better then the af-s. It's not uncommon for the vr or af to fail on the af-s. I think that's why they did af-p.

[@GeminionRay]

The DX version is only for APS-C, so the FX version would be a fairer comparison. I own the DX and I have no problem with it. Priced at like $155 when I bought it, you can't get any DX tele zoom lens at that price with better image quality or faster autofocus.

[@user-tn3ju5rm5j]

​@@GeminionRay FX is better and more expensive. The price of the dx version's is ~similar to the af-s lens now, which rises the question which one is a better option for aps-c cameras (IF af-s has a better image in some way). Of course it would be ideal to directly compare all three of them.

[@GeminionRay]

@@user-tn3ju5rm5j Technically yes, but you will often only notice the IQ difference when mounting on full frame. I once got to borrow a 24-70 f/2.8 and mounted it on my D3400, and surprisingly it looked a bit softer than my 35mm DX at the same focal length, despite being a pro full-frame lens and costs way more than the DX prime. When one of the best zoom lenses is like that, you can imagine how it can go with cheaper lenses. I haven't used the 70-300 AF-S but I once got the chance to test the 55-200 DX and the IQ looked noticeably worse than what I got on the 70-300 AF-P DX, so I think the AF-P should be competitive enough with even the old full frame lens. The other advantage of it is the lightning fast and silent focus of the stepping motor (much faster and usually more accurate than old AF-S lenses), so it's worth considering if your camera can use it. IQ is important but AF is also important, especially on super telephotos like these. IMO you should only consider the full-frame lens if you plan to upgrade and still have something you can fully use without worrying about vignetting. Just my 2 cents.

[@tomislavsertic4035]

Is dis compatible for Nikko D5200...?

[@lordwafflesthegreat]

Finally!! I've had this lens for almost 5 years now, as a kit lens with a d5600. I've been fairly happy with it so far.

[@gameshoes]

This wasn't a lens that even came as part of a kit. If you had bought a 2 lens kit for the D5600, you likely ended up with a rather cheap lens that has no VR.

[@utkur765]

@@djstuc there are 2 versions of AFP DX lens - with VR and without and I think kit lens was without VR

[@majhoolmaroof2065]

For birds and wild-life, what’s the best telephoto lens (sharper images) for Nikon D5600?!

[@FuckPedophileBiden]

My copy is sharp and produces wonderful colors but I think paying the extra price for the Nikon 200-500mm would be worth it for the extra reach for birds and wildlife.

[@soura]

I got it used and with cleaning for a total of $120 Not very sharp but I feel it serves well with my d5300 :)

[@Taxiozaurus]

AHA, so this is the lens that Tamron were looking at when making the old SP 70-300

[@airdailyx]

I used to own this lens back during my pre Sony days many years ago. Deffo not the best 70-300 but it got the job done for $600 brand new at the time. The Sony equivalent is light years ahead of it, but vastly overpriced.

[@networm64]

And Tamron 70-300 is a bargain for emount at 500$!

[@swawekvandermeer99]

I bought the Tamron equivalent which was half the price and at least same quality output.

[@muttishelfer9122]

Review the Viltrox 13mm 1,4 please

[@Mavideos97]

It's lens compatible to nikon d3200?

[@jan-martinulvag1953]

The lens comes in seven different versions: AF f/4-5.6G AF f/4-5.6D AF f/4-5.6D ED AF-S f/4.5-5.6G IF-ED AF-P f/4.5-6.3G IF-ED DX AF-P f/4.5-6.3G IF-ED DX VR AF-P f/4.5-5.6E IF-ED VR

[@mianshams]

Please review XF 16mm 1.4 Fuji

[@sn4rl277]

Found a good used copy for around $75 USD. I figure if I don't like it I can trade up to something nicer due to the trade in on used gear sites being around $150 USD.

[@arunopal1751]

1:56 the caption seems to be interchanged

[@-szega]

300 quid is a wee bit expensive for this one. Usually seem to go around 200 EUR at which point it's good value for money. Stiction of the zoom ring on these has quite some sample variation. If it's used a lot, it goes almost completely away.

[@user-ll5je8gw8x]

Why there are no subtitles????

[@derekgillan7314]

Try using this lens with a contemporary camera like the D series, it is great. not a good review, sorry.

[@nemosgaze]

This lens was great, for the given price range. A telephoto zoom lens in that range will be very very expensive and big, this one is not. It's perfect for traveling.

[@dicekolev5360]

Yeah, travelling and shitty images, lel

[@nemosgaze]

@@dicekolev5360 No, the images were really great. Even on my 36Mpx D800.

[@LukasLiwandouw]

1:51 u got the off and on mixed up

[@freespool8772]

I think your ending comments are a bit harsh, especially when you can pick this lens up in really good condition for less than £200 it may not bee the best optically but it still produces great photos

[@steventhomas231]

Decent performance on a 24mp sensor for a budget lens. Not great at the end though.

[@jerhillerili4642]

Is this compatible for nikon d3100?

[@jackgreco9753]

Yes

[@miamiSincar]

review the P

[@bhalchandrakapatkar1710]

👍👍👌👌

[@teikboon85]

wow Chris doing Nikon review these days?

[@dicekolev5360]

My lawd, this is bad but can be used for great oldshool black & white photography for even better vintage look :V

[@BITE_MECHANISM]

the 300mm result was exactly why I sold this as fast as I got it 2nd hand. What a poor performance 😔

[@TheMetalButcher]

Better than the Canon 75-300 I'm sure haha.

[@bjure8111]

Used this a lot with my old z6 and the ftz adapter... I think the iq is good for the price, but forget about moving subjects. Compared it with my eos RP and the Ef 70-300 usm II and the difference in AF was horrific.