New to me Nikon 70-300 VR

Rick M

Senior Member
I've never bought used lenses before, but when I saw a listing for a "like new, rarely used" Nikon 70-300 VR for only $250 I had to check it out. This was to me one of the 3 "must have" lenses for my triad. It was as advertised, immaculate, and I got it for $225! Of course it is a rainy day, but I shot a few quick test shots below (at 300mm of course).


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Marcel

Happily retired
Staff member
Super Mod
It's a very fine lens this one. But it's not 2.8. You'll want 2.8 eventually. NAS has it's way. :)
 

Sambr

Senior Member
It's a great lens, Nikon's well kept secret. I have lots of "fast glass" 70-200vr 2.8 etc. However whenever I want to go "Lite" the D700 & 70-300 is my choice. I sold one photo(similar to my avitar) for $550.00 using this mentioned combo. It is Not a fast lens love lots of light. Used with a D3100 it will be awesome, take time to explore it and find it's sweet spot :)
 

Joseph Bautsch

New member
Excellent shots. The VR is a great tool for slower shutter speeds. I have the 70-300mm VRII and from my experience I make every effort to keep the shutter speed at or above 1/500s and the VR off, whatever the focal length being used. If I have to shoot below 1/500s I go to a monopod and turn the VR on. I use the lens mostly for nature shooting and more often than not I'm having to quickly change the focal length for fast moving subjects. Stoping to change the shutter speed is usually not an option. So I opt out for the best motion stop I can get under the shooting conditions. I have also found this lens to be slow focusing even with the silent wave motor drive. The slow focusing is often amplified when using fast shutter speeds and max aperture opening. So a shallower depth of field means a fast moving subject is in and out of focus rather quickly. With this lens you have to find and hold your focus point and wait for focusing to catch up. I also do not recommend using continuos focusing mode. The shutter release works in that mode whether or not the lens is in focus. You can windup with a lot of out of focus shots. I also find the lens to be a little soft at 300mm. So I usually try to keep the focal length at or below 275mm. It can and does take great shots you just have to learn to work around it's faults.
 
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Rick M

Senior Member
Thanks alot for your comments Joseph, good insight, I have a lot to learn with this lens. I too find it slower to focus than my other lenses, may be a common trait of larger zooms.

It's a large lens on my D3100! The size isn't really an issue though. The funny thing is, with the D3100, it feels like you're mounting the camera on the lense!
 

Curt

Senior Member
Really? nice to know I could help you out :). It is truly a great lens, I bought mine a few months back and have been very happy with how it performs. Hope you are happy with yours as well.
 

fotojack

Senior Member
I still like my 55-300 :) Although, I have to say, since I got the 18-105 VR ($200), it's the one that I use most often now. I think I'm going to sell my 18-55 lens. Just don't need it.
 

Rick M

Senior Member
I still like my 55-300 :) Although, I have to say, since I got the 18-105 VR ($200), it's the one that I use most often now. I think I'm going to sell my 18-55 lens. Just don't need it.

The 55-300 is definitely a great lens also
.
I also sold my 18-55 when I moved up to the 16-85 and recently my 55-200 last week. Nice thing about nikon lenses is how well they hold their value, only lost $20 on my 55-200.
 

Rick M

Senior Member
Grats on the new lens, our setups are getting more similar as time goes by :)

What is your next target, a ultra-wide?

Yes, hopefully by spring! I'm debating between the tokina and Nikon, perhaps fate will lend a hand and I'll stumble over a used one at a good price.
 
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