Zoom lens

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SinisterKisses

New member
[h=5]I wanted to ask a quick question about a zoom lens for my Nikon D3100. I'm not too into the tech specifics yet but am looking for the best zoom lens I can get without paying thousands of dollars. In comparing the AF-S VR Zoom-Nikkor 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6G IF-ED to the AF-S DX NIKKOR 55-300mm f/4.5-5.6G ED VR...is it REALLY worth paying the extra $100 for the 70-300mm lens? Or does it not make much of a difference in the zoom capability? (ie: if you already have the 55-300mm lens at your disposal, is it worth upgrading to the 70-300mm lens?). Thanks for your help![/h]
 
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Rick M

Senior Member
I think the biggest advantage to the 70-300 is it is an Fx lens. Probably a little higher IQ and if you ever move into Fx you are set.
 
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PapaST

Senior Member
What Rick said. Right now your camera is a DX model/sensor. If you plan to stay with that camera/sensor size then both lenses are viable solutions. If you think you'll ever move to FX then the 70-300 is the really the best choice.

I've owned both and on a DX camera I really didn't see much difference in Image Quality. The 70-300 seemed to be a bit faster focus.

Hope that helps.
 
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SinisterKisses

New member
[SUP]What is the difference between DX and FX? I have no intentions currently to change from my D3100...just bought it a few months ago and it's my first DSLR camera. I'm mainly an outdoor/nature photographer and am looking for something that can get me as "close" to my subjects from far away as possible. Does one lens have a better zoom distance/range than the other?[/SUP]
 
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nickt

Senior Member
FX=full frame=35mm film equivalent size.
DX=crop sensor, it is a smaller sensor.

FX can be used on either camera. DX should be used only on a DX camera although there are provisions to use these lenses on a FX camera. In that case, you are not getting the most out of your full frame fx camera. An FX lens is just designed to produce an image that covers the larger sensor. It works fine on the smaller sensor. The dx lens can be made more inexpensively because it only needs to cover the smaller sensor. It is generally lighter in weight. Weight might be a consideration for you. A 70-300 fx lens can feel pretty heavy especially on a smaller body like the d3100.

Many would expect better quality from an FX lens. The reason being that lenses are usually less good at the edges. When a FX lens is used on a crop sensor, the edges of the image fall outside the sensor area, so in effect, you are using only the hopefully better center portion of the image.
 
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Deezey

Senior Member
DX is a crop sensor camera. FX is full frame. DX senors use a crop factor of 1.5x. So a 5omm lens on your 3100 looks like a 75mm. 50 X 1.5= 75 or 75mm.

The 55-300 and the 70-300 all top out at 450mm on a crop or 1.5x sensor like your 3100. Image quality will roughly be the same. The FX lens (70-300) is a bit bigger and a bit heavier than the 55-300. The build quality is better.

For budget zooms either choice is pretty good.



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Nero

Nero

Senior Member
I got the 55-300mm lens for my D3100. It's served me perfectly well so far. I don't need anything more.
 
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