Please suggest a good 70-300 lens for my Nikon D7100

soumyabiswas

Senior Member
Hello – I have a D7100 body and Nikon AF 70-300 mm f/4-5.6G lens, the image quality of this lens is not so good, want to buy one good zoom lens for D7100. I have finalized below two lens, however both are used lens, I will purchase from a guy of my locality:

1. NIKKOR AF-S VR 70-300MM F/4.5-5.6G IF-ED
2. NIKON AF-P DX NIKKOR 70-300MM F/4.5-6.3G ED VR

I have done some research and read view of the two lens, but in dilemma. Can you please guide me which one to buy keeping in mind I don’t have any plan to upgrade to full frame and want to continue with my D7100 for next couple of years?

I have read that second lens (AFP) performs better in terms of auto-focusing and light weighted too but in D7100 cant turn off VR option. Somebody have also posted that though AFS lens in a decade old but it is still best 70-300 lens for D7100 within the price range.

Thanks in advance
 

soumyabiswas

Senior Member
Hi Mike - Thank you for the reply. Yes sometimes I may need to turn off the VR that could be a problem if I go with AFP. I am not a professional, I will use the lens for travelling mainly, partly wildlife.
 

soumyabiswas

Senior Member
Hi Hark - Thank you for the sharing the nice video. But please tell me one thing, in youtube I found most of the videos of AFS 70-300 VR as few years old, on that time AFP lens was not present in market, so on that time AFS was the best for D7100 within that price range. But on today is AFS still be best for D7100?

Thanks in advance.
 

hark

Administrator
Staff member
Super Mod
Contributor
Hi Hark - Thank you for the sharing the nice video. But please tell me one thing, in youtube I found most of the videos of AFS 70-300 VR as few years old, on that time AFP lens was not present in market, so on that time AFS was the best for D7100 within that price range. But on today is AFS still be best for D7100?

Thanks in advance.

I haven't use an AF-P lens so am not too familiar with them in general and definitely not familiar with the one you listed. Here is Nikon USA link that shows lens compatibility. The link is hosted on Nikon's web site so it's one of their own PDF's. It lists AF-P lenses as Limited Compatibility with the D7100. However, there aren't any specifics given.

https://www.nikonusa.com/Images/Lea...You/Media/NIKKOR-lens-compatibility-chart.pdf

One advantage to the AF-S lens is it's an FX lens. If you ever decide to move to an FX body, this glass will work better than DX glass. Usually the mounts on FX lenses are more solid. Most of the DX lens mounts are plasticy although I don't know about any of the AF-P mounts.

Hopefully others more knowledgeable about the AF-P lenses will weigh in for you.
 

soumyabiswas

Senior Member
Many thanks Hark and Bikerbrent, I have finally decided to go with AF-S version. I have looked into the compatibility pdf you have shared and the above link. With AF-P FX version people are having lots of issues and with AF-P DX version, D7100 and D7200 owner cant turn off VR. So it is wise to stay with AF-S. :)
 

Whiskeyman

Senior Member
Why is the image quality of the lens you have not good? Is it something that you read about or is the quality of your images not meeting your expectations? If the latter, how are you using the D7100 and lens that you currently have? Under what conditions are you shooting?

WM
 

mikeee

Senior Member
This is an old thread, but just to set the record straight, I have the Nikon AF-P NIKKOR 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6E ED VR lens.
(The FX version)
With the most up to date firmware update on the D7100, it is fully functional, including turning off VR via the switch.
It is blazingly fast at focus, and IQ is very good. I highly recommend it for anyone now facing this question.
 

Bikerbrent

Senior Member
This is an old thread, but just to set the record straight, I have the Nikon AF-P NIKKOR 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6E ED VR lens.
(The FX version)
With the most up to date firmware update on the D7100, it is fully functional, including turning off VR via the switch.
It is blazingly fast at focus, and IQ is very good. I highly recommend it for anyone now facing this question.

What switch? To my knowledge the P lens does not have a VR switch. Also, see this link https://nikonites.com/d7200/41563-af-p-lens-compatibility.html#axzz5lyoYvQG5
 

Texas

Senior Member
This: Nikon 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6E VR AF-P FX

The FX version of the 70-300 AF-P has the VR switch. It also has the E-lectronic diaphragm. New, costs $700.
I've seen used less than $500.

Works on the D7100 with firmware update. I'm not sure what the firmware update does, but Nikon does say VR cannot be turned off.

Buy it from Amazon or someone who will take it back with no questions (but buy the DX one without the VR switch first, then if you think it is worth the extra $250 to get a VR switch return it)

I have the AF-P E VR FX version on my D750 about half the time I'm using it and it is terrific, the VR is at least 4 stops.

I used to have the AF-S G VR FX version which I gave to my son earlier in the year to use for his kid's sports project. He likes it a lot so I recently bought the AF-P E FX and really appreciate its optical and VR superiority. I do shut off the VR in the rare occasions where shutter speeds are above 1/500 or when on a tripod, but don't really know if it matters.
 
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mikeee

Senior Member
What switch? To my knowledge the P lens does not have a VR switch. Also, see this link https://nikonites.com/d7200/41563-af-p-lens-compatibility.html#axzz5lyoYvQG5

Bikerbrent. This is the lens on my D7100:

DSC_1045.jpg

It has a switch, including sport mode.

This lens

DSC_1046.jpg
 

mikeee

Senior Member
Adorama currently has the lens new for $549. Reg price is down to $599

This: Nikon 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6E VR AF-P FX

The FX version of the 70-300 AF-P has the VR switch. It also has the E-lectronic diaphragm. New, costs $700.
I've seen used less than $500.

Works on the D7100 with firmware update. I'm not sure what the firmware update does, but Nikon does say VR cannot be turned off.

Buy it from Amazon or someone who will take it back with no questions (but buy the DX one without the VR switch first, then if you think it is worth the extra $250 to get a VR switch return it)

I have the AF-P E VR FX version on my D750 about half the time I'm using it and it is terrific, the VR is at least 4 stops.

I used to have the AF-S G VR FX version which I gave to my son earlier in the year to use for his kid's sports project. He likes it a lot so I recently bought the AF-P E FX and really appreciate its optical and VR superiority. I do shut off the VR in the rare occasions where shutter speeds are above 1/500 or when on a tripod, but don't really know if it matters.
 
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