AF Nikkor 70-300mm D lens vs. Af Nikkor 75-300 D lens

Mike D90

Senior Member
I am about to try one of these two lenses.

I have read pretty good reviews about both but I have learned you cannot trust all online reviews.

I would like to hear from some of you who have used both of these preferably.

I can get good clean used pieces and either cost about the same.

I am interested in over all lens performance, AF speed and sharpness at wide open and fully zoomed.

I am not particularly concerned with weight.
 

mikew_RIP

Senior Member
Mike i dont know if you have looked here but if not it may help,go to the full size image and then check the exif,loads where taken before the VR version so are most likley the D version but the exif may help.

Advanced Search
 

Geoffc

Senior Member
I have the 75-300 as I inherited it from my dad. It's a nice solid metal lens with tripod mounting collar. I used too really like it until my wife got the current 70-300 VR. It's just not as sharp or contrasty as the new lens. I don't think the AF is as quick either. I would go for the new one, you won't regret it.
 

Ironwood

Senior Member
I had the 70-300D, I was unhappy with the photos I was getting with it, even after a lot of refining my technique, although my photos improved, I still wasnt happy with it.
​I saved a bit longer and sold the "D" lens on ebay ( got more than I paid for it too :) ) and got a afs 70-300G VR. Its a much better lens.
 

mikew_RIP

Senior Member
I have the 75-300 as I inherited it from my dad. It's a nice solid metal lens with tripod mounting collar. I used too really like it until my wife got the current 70-300 VR. It's just not as sharp or contrasty as the new lens. I don't think the AF is as quick either. I would go for the new one, you won't regret it.

If you can bring the 70-300 VR into the equation then that has to be the one.
 

Mike D90

Senior Member
If you can bring the 70-300 VR into the equation then that has to be the one.

Cannot bring it in with my budget at this time. Its more than four times the price of the 70-300 D or the 75-300 lens.

If I were going to spend $600 on a single lens I would just wait and spend $900 on the 80-400mm.

Right now I just want something a little better than the 55-200mm ED VR lens I am unhappy with for what I use it for.
 

Krs_2007

Senior Member
I would say just save and wait, I have read it to many times where the purchaser said they wished they would have waited to get the VR G. Now you can find this lens used or refurbished for a savings if you care to go that route. I do have the lens and it's a real nice lens but I use my 70/200 f4 95% of the time so it doesn't get as much up use anymore.
 

crashton

Senior Member
In the past I had a 75-300D. It is a tank of a lens, very heavy. The image quality was OK. Now I have a 70-300 afs vr. It is a much nicer lens & can be had a pretty good price if you buy a refurbished one. I'd recommend saving a bit more money & going with the afs vr.
 

Mike D90

Senior Member
I would agree with not rushing, otherwise you might be adding to your, my bird shots are just horrible thread. ;)

I think I am gonna try to wait then as suggested. I have almost half the amount to buy the 70-300mm AF-S VR lens already. Should be able to swing it by end of December.
 

Mike D90

Senior Member
Well, my 55-200mm VR lens is on eBay and has bids so it will sell. That will add to my money pot for the new lens.

Craigslist has a 70-300mm VR AF-S lens listed locally for $300 but I am not sure I can get all of the money in time before it sells. I am selling off some other non-photo items I have no need for and those will add to the pot as they sell, if they sell.

After the Holiday on Thursday I may go and pick up aluminum cans from the road side as I am sure there will be tons of them tossed out of windows. Maybe, just maybe before Christmas I might be able to get the better AF-S lens for my own Christmas gift to me.
 

Ironwood

Senior Member
You'll be glad you waited.
​I was going to suggest selling the 55-200, but I see you are on the way with that, good luck, I hope you get a good price for it.
 

Mike D90

Senior Member
You'll be glad you waited.
​I was going to suggest selling the 55-200, but I see you are on the way with that, good luck, I hope you get a good price for it.


Well, it came with the camera and I got a great price on the camera and two lenses so even if it sells low I am not out much. I notice on eBay they aren't bringing that much for the 55-200 ED VR lens. I won't need that coverage length anyway if I get the 70-300mm VR as I have the 18-55mm and the 35-105mm D lens, both of which I really like and are both sharp and clear.
 
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