Testing out the 55-300mm

jdeg

^ broke something
Staff member
I haven't had the chance to take much with it yet, but so far I'm impressed. I like it better than the 55-200.

DSC_0598.jpg

(minor color adjustment)
ISO: 250
Exposure: 1/125 sec
Aperture: 5.6
Focal Length: 300mm

DSC_0571.jpg

This is for you Pete
(straight off the camera)
ISO: 200
Exposure: 1/160 sec
Aperture: 5.3
Focal Length: 240mm
 

Curt

Senior Member
So is the 55-300mm a different lens then the 55-200mm? What I mean is it a better made lens, or is it pretty much the same. I have the 55-200mm. & the 70-300mm. The 70-300mm is a much better lens (very pro feeling).
 

Mike150

Senior Member
Great shots Jdeg. I really like the squirrel. Looks like he's about to jump on a nut.
I've been wanting to get either this or the 70-300 but don't know where the money will come from right now. Thought I might rent each of them (one at a time) for a week and get the feel of each to help make up what mind I have left.
 

Curt

Senior Member
Well I just got the 70-300mm AFS VR lens and I highly recommend it.
It has a very professional feel and look to it, I have to warn you its a lot heavier then, lets say the 55-200mm (which I have as well). But for the few dollars more it is well worth it, especially if you are thinking of going FX in the future.
If you are using a DX body you are going to only use the prime part of this lens.
Plus you will get a 105-450mm. with the cropped sensor (DX).
I have not tried the 55-300mm, but I really love the performance and feel of the 70-300mm. AFS VR lens.
 

goz63

Senior Member
I have the 55-300 and it is much more solid than the 55-200. A much different feel. I love my 300 and would recommend it highly. I agree though that if you think you might go FX the 70-300 is the better way to go as the 55-300 is DX only. But if you are concerned with quality, IQ or feel, you won't be disappointing with the 55-300. The reach is far better than the 200 as you would expect.
 

jdeg

^ broke something
Staff member
Thanks guys - yeah, I honestly didn't want to spend the extra $ for the 70-300. The 55-200 feels a little cheap to me compared to the 55-300. I'm happy with the performance of this lens.
 

Curt

Senior Member
Well for me spending the extra for the 70-300mm was well worth it.
The lens is fantastic, has a real professional feel to it and I wanted a FX lens.
I have the 55-200mm and it is a great lens, but really lacks the weight and feel of the 70-300mm. I am sure the 55-300mm is a great lens, enjoy.
 

goz63

Senior Member
For those looking to get a 300mm zoom and are looking at the 55-300 and the 70-300, go to a camera shop and look them both over. Don't try to compare the 55-200 in that mix. The only thing the 55-200 and 55-300 have in common, outside of both being DX lenses, is the 55mm begining focal length. The size, weight, lens diameter, ED glass elements among other things are all different. The 55-300 is not a stretched version of the 55-200.
 
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