55-300 or 70-300

Chris Norris

Chris Norris

New member
I have a D3100 with an 18-105 Zoom. Want to takes pics of wildlife so thinking of a longer zoom. Not sure whether to go for the 55-300 or 70-300 as the former is cheaper. What is the difference in general use anyone?
 
J

jdeg

^ broke something
Staff member
Hi Chris - I got the 55-300 because it's cheaper new than the 70-300 with VR. You'll definitely want the VR if you don't always have a tripod.

Keep in mind too that the 55-300 is a DX lens where the 70-300 is not. If you use 70-300 on DX it's more like 105-450mm because of the crop factor. So you're really paying for more range if you get this lens.
 
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Lscha

Senior Member
I have the 55-300 and I love it. I don't have anything to compare it to but I have gotten some very pleasing hand held shots and I always have it with me. I've gotten pretty good at switching between the kit lens and the 55-300. I've also gotten some satisfactory moon shots with it. Can't complain. It will probably keep me very happy for a long time.
 
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fotojack

Senior Member
I kept my 55-300 VR and sold my AF70-300. As jdeg said, it's the crop factor that makes the difference, as the 70-300 is an FX lens. However, having a DX camera, the 55-300 suits me better. Besides...it's cheaper. :)
 
bluenoser

bluenoser

Banned
jdeg said:
Keep in mind too that the 55-300 is a DX lens where the 70-300 is not. If you use 70-300 on DX it's more like 105-450mm because of the crop factor. So you're really paying for more range if you get this lens.
Click to expand...

The focal lengths do not change between the lenses. The 55-300 and 70-300 will both be 450mm on the long end when used on a DX camera. The crop factor is within the body itself, not the lens. You are paying for more glass with the 70-300VR (and a better built lens).

If you use a 55-300 on an FX body, it will not have a crop-factor applied obviously but you will see a smaller image circle projected on the sensor than with an FX lens like the 70-300.

Regardless of the body, I'd highly recommend the 70-300VR over the 55-300VR (not that the 55-300 is a bad lens - it's not! It's just that the 70-300VR is a better lens :)).
 
Chris Norris

Chris Norris

New member
Thanks guys, really useful advice. Have just bought a used Nikon 70-300VR so looking forward to using it over the next couple of weeks.
 
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Bukitimah

Senior Member
I have the 70-300 VR for 1.5 years, I use it whenever I need to zoom. So, most times, you are likely to shoot between 200-300 range. At that range, if you are without tripod, it is very difficult to get a good image without VR. I have tried the Tamrom 70-300 without VR and it didn't work for me.

IMO, anything above 100 mm, VR is important. My only complaint on this 70-300 is AF on low light. Well for the cost and it is lighter than the 70-200, it is one the best value for money lens.
 
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