Very much thinking about this glass, Nikon 70-300 f/4.5-5.6G ED-IF AF-S VR. How much of a bump in clarity is this over my 55-300? Sounds like it is a good investment. I found one used in mint condition for 450.00. Or go new and get the warranty for 600.00 Any wisdom would be appreciated.[h=1][/h]
How good is this lenses on my 7100?
- Thread starter weebee
- Start date
I had the Nikon 70-300 VR and while it is a decent solid lens, I was not impressed with it, especially at 300mm. With that in mind, I can't imagine it to be much of an upgrade. Another one to look at is the Tamron 70-300 VC, gets good grades. Personally, I'd hold off and get a Nikon 70-200 f4 if you can. That would be an upgrade that would amaze you IQ wise (less reach, but what good is 300mm if it is just "acceptable"?).
On an FX or DX body? Keep in mind, the D7100 is a DX, so it will only see the 'good' portion of the glass.
I kept my copy of this lens even after selling off my D7000. I found it to be a great performer on DX bodies.
That may be why, was looking at files shot Fx. I wonder though, as opposed to what he already has, if there will be any noticeable IQ increase.
Yes I think it would be an upgrade over your current lens, by how much I dont know, and if it would warrant the expense.
I have the 70-300 VR and use it with my D7100, I am often wishing my pics were better. I remember using this lens on my D3100 and was constantly impressed with the photos, not sure if I am being more fussy now or not, possibly so. I still do get some great looking pics with this combo, just that a lot of the time I am left wanting for better IQ.
I am thinking I will get a Tamron 150-600 when my lens fund fills up a bit more, then eventually sell the 70-300 and get a 70-200 to cover the shorter end and get better IQ.
Sorry if this wasnt what you wanted to hear, but my thoughts are, you should stick with your current lens until you find something which is a bigger upgrade.
I have the 70-300 VR and use it with my D7100, I am often wishing my pics were better. I remember using this lens on my D3100 and was constantly impressed with the photos, not sure if I am being more fussy now or not, possibly so. I still do get some great looking pics with this combo, just that a lot of the time I am left wanting for better IQ.
I am thinking I will get a Tamron 150-600 when my lens fund fills up a bit more, then eventually sell the 70-300 and get a 70-200 to cover the shorter end and get better IQ.
Sorry if this wasnt what you wanted to hear, but my thoughts are, you should stick with your current lens until you find something which is a bigger upgrade.
I have the 70-300 on a D5100 and I am VERY happy with the results.
I have learned to use the centre of the lens wherever possible and very importantly use a fast enough shutter speed to avoid any camera shake. Bad photos that I have taken are primarily because I haven't used a fast enough shutter speed.
I do not have such great results when I attach a 1.4X TC though
I have learned to use the centre of the lens wherever possible and very importantly use a fast enough shutter speed to avoid any camera shake. Bad photos that I have taken are primarily because I haven't used a fast enough shutter speed.
I do not have such great results when I attach a 1.4X TC though
When I used it on my D90, it was terrific. On my D600, it was great except towards 300mm where it was soft--like Rick mentioned. I just don't zoom out all the way. In comparison to your 55-300mm, the 70-300mm VR will be an improvement.
Is marginal improvement worth the expense?
Speaking in general and honestly-
I see a lot of people on here with 6-8, 10+? good and sometimes just marginal lenses. I'd rather have 2 great quality lenses, f4 or faster, than a collection of average glass in the under 300mm range. I speak from my own experience of wasting money. Once you get beyond sharpness, the other elements of IQ are what help make some images great. I don't mean to be snobby, my collection is not top shelf, but I've seen the results in my own work.
Don Kuykendall_RIP
RIP :(
I shoot this lens with my D7100 and love it. I find it focus fast and accurate. I used it for this shot.
Horoscope Fish
Senior Member
According to the DXO Mark ratings you wouldn't see any real difference in IQ between these two lenses on your D7100.
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D12345678
Senior Member
I have both lenses and used them both on the D7100 and really, if you're sticking with DX bodies there's no point getting the 70-300. Image sharpness between the two is so close it's really splitting hairs and the 55-300 is a bit smaller and lighter, so it's easier to cart around.
A couple taken with the 55-300
https://www.flickr.com/photos/coastrok/12919481634/in/set-72157639883452164
https://www.flickr.com/photos/coastrok/12919072195/in/set-72157639883452164
Another couple taken with the 70-300
https://www.flickr.com/photos/coastrok/12981273425/in/set-72157639883452164
https://www.flickr.com/photos/coastrok/13120394154/in/set-72157639883452164
A couple taken with the 55-300
https://www.flickr.com/photos/coastrok/12919481634/in/set-72157639883452164
https://www.flickr.com/photos/coastrok/12919072195/in/set-72157639883452164
Another couple taken with the 70-300
https://www.flickr.com/photos/coastrok/12981273425/in/set-72157639883452164
https://www.flickr.com/photos/coastrok/13120394154/in/set-72157639883452164
It's no good I have to ask is meant by IQ as far as lenses is concerned?
Image Quality.
Most of the zooms going to 300mm have average IQ at 300mm. Most are good till 200mm, though some manage to go upto 250mm, beyond that they go soft and some have serious CA. All these zooms are there for emergencies, but with a 24MP sensor, you are better off shooting at 200-230mm and cropping. If you really need sharp 300mm for birds and wild life, then your cheapest option is the 300mm F4. The 200-400 is an excellent lense but priced way too high.
SkvLTD
Senior Member
Definitely agree with @Rick on this one - couple high quality lenses and a solid body > everything else. When budget is still an issue and you're looking for something brand new to you, then you get what you can afford, but once you have something particular already, next step should be worth the squeeze.