Review of Nikon AF Nikkor 70-300mm 1: 4-5.6G

According provided by Nikon AF lens Nikkor 70-300mm 1: 4-5.6G many thanks to Sergey Slepnev.

Review of Nikon AF Nikkor 70-300mm 1: 4-5.6G

Review of Nikon AF Nikkor 70-300mm 1: 4-5.6G

All Original Similar Nikon FX Telephoto Lenses

Below is a list of all Nikon Nikkor telephoto lenses without high aperture and with auto focus support:

  1. Nikon AF Nikkor 70-210mm 1: 4, 1986-1987
  2. Nikon AF Nikkor 70-210mm 1:4-5.6, 1987-1993
  3. Nikon AF Nikkor 75-300mm 1:4.5-5.6, 1989-1998
  4. Nikon AF Nikkor 80-200mm 1:4.5-5.6D, 1991-1999
  5. Nikon AF Nikkor 70-210mm 1:4-5.6D, 1993-2000
  6. Nikon AF Micro Nikkor 70-180mm 1: 4.5-5.6D ED, 1997-2005
  7. Nikon AF Nikkor 75-240mm 1:4.5-5.6D, 1999-2000
  8. Nikon AF Nikkor 70-300mm 1:4-5.6D ED, 1998-2006
  9. Nikon AF Nikkor 70-300mm 1:4-5.6D, 1998-2006 (?)
  10. Nikon AF Nikkor 70-300mm 1:4-5.6G, from 2000 to 2014, black or silver
  11. Nikon AF S Nikkor 70-300mm 1:4.5-5.6G ED VR IF SWM, from 2006 to 2017
  12. Nikon AF S Nikkor 70-200mm 1: 4G ED SWM VR IF N Nano Crystal Coat, from 2012 to the present day
  13. Nikon AF-P Nikkor 70-300mm 1:4.5-5.6E VR ED, 2017 to present

The names of the lenses are indicated according to their spelling on the case.

On the official website of Nikon (for 2014!), The Nikon AF Nikkor 70-300mm 1: 4-5.6G still figured as an actual lens. After 2014, discontinued.

As far as I know, Nikon AF Nikkor 70-300mm 1:4-5.6G и Nikon ED AF Nikkor 70-300mm 1:4-5.6D have the same optical system except that the last one of the elements is made of 'ED' glass.

It is also worth noting that Nikon ED AF Nikkor 70-300mm 1:4-5.6D uses the same optical design as Tamron AF 70-300mm 1: 4-5.6 LD DI Macro (as well as versions 372D, 572D, etc.).

Basic lens information

Basic lens information

Nikon AF Nikkor 70-300mm 1: 4-5.6G - very simple telephoto. The entire body is made of plastic (including bayonet), which is why it turned out quite easy. The touch - assembled good, some flaws I found. Zoom ring very broad and rubberized, labeled 70, 100, 135, 200 and 300 mm. When you zoom in, the lens, like many other inexpensive telephoto lenses, lengthens, but the front lens does not rotate, only the rear lens moves, creating a slight 'vacuum cleaner' effect.

But when focusing lens trunk, together with a thread for attaching the filters, and with slots for attaching the lens hood, and rotates and travels forward. Also, the lens that I got for the review was not sick with the 'typical telephoto disease' - a trunk that self-extends under its own weight.

Nikon AF Nikkor 70-300mm 1: 4-5.6G

The maximum length of the trunk of the lens Nikon AF Nikkor 70-300mm 1: 4-5.6G

The auto focus speed is small, 300 mm of focal length noticeably less than 70 mm. The focusing ring is plastic, with the marks of the focusing distances in meters and feet, rotated only 90 degrees. The lens can focus from 1.5 meters, while 300 mm can easily shoot small objects with a maximum magnification of 1: 3.9.

There is no focus mode switch on the lens, the transition to manual focus and vice versa is carried out using the switch on the camera, which is located near the camera mount. There is no focusing distance limiter, which is sometimes very important when working with telephoto lenses.

Nikon AF Nikkor 70-300mm 1: 4-5.6G

Plastic mount Nikon AF Nikkor 70-300mm 1: 4-5.6G

It's important: auto focus with this lens is available only when using him on cameras with built-in motor focusing.

Exact list Nikon DSLR cameras with a built-in focus motor, on which this lens will focus automatically:

Exact list Nikon DSLR cameras without a built-in focus motor, on which this lens will not focus automatically:

Only auto focus and sound confirmation of focus will not work with these cameras, all other important functions, such as automatic exposure metering and automatic iris control, will work well.

You will find a lot of useful information on the types of cameras and lenses Nikon here.

Nikon AF Nikkor 70-300mm 1: 4-5.6G

Nikon AF Nikkor 70-300mm 1: 4-5.6G with a hood

The lens uses a lens hood that can be set both in normal operating condition and in the transport position. In the latter state, the hood completely blocks access to the focus ring at 70 mm of the focal length, but at 300 mm the focus ring is open. It is also very good that the lens uses a 9-blade aperture.

Nikon AF Nikkor 70-300mm 1: 4-5.6G

Nikon AF Nikkor 70-300mm 1: 4-5.6G with hood in transport mode

The lens has a weak apertureBy adding a large focal length and the absence of a stabilizer, you can get difficulties when shooting with your hands. To combat movement, I use the ability to shoot at high ISO, using automatic sensitivity control function ISO. On camera Nikon D700, when shooting in aperture priority mode, I set the ISO threshold equal to 6400, the maximum shutter speed is 1/400 s (for reserve), the minimum allowable ISO value is 200, and I don't know of any problems when shooting handheld. But to use such a lens with weak (in terms of ISO capabilities) cameras, for example, with Nikon D80, And even in cloudy weather - is not easy and requires some skills :)

Nikon AF Nikkor 70-300mm 1: 4-5.6G

Nikon AF Nikkor 70-300mm 1: 4-5.6G at 300 mm when focusing on MDF with Nikon AF N8008s camera

Nikon AF 70-300 / 4-5.6G designed for full-size cameras, and on Nikon DX cameras EGF lens will be 105-450mm, which will allow you to easily shoot many distant objects.

Nikon AF Nikkor 70-300mm 1: 4-5.6G

Nikon AF Nikkor 70-300mm 1: 4-5.6G on the ZK

Overall - a good lens, but rather weak on the open apertures in the range of 200-300 mm. In the 70-200 range, you can easily get very high quality photos. Personally, I was a little confused that in JVI color distortion is visible - the lens gives a pronounced yellow-green color to the image. Nikon lenses usually do not suffer a similar 'bottle-tinged'.

Boo. Nikon AF 70-300 / 4-5.6G can be easily found for $ 150 The lens can serve as a replacement Nikon AF-S DX Nikkor ED 55-200mm 1: 4-5.6G SWM (for those who have a DX camera with a focus motor). Of the inexpensive such lenses, I also recommend looking away Tamron LD DI AF 70-300mm 1: 4-5.6 Tele-Macro (1: 2) A17.

Here link to the archive with the originals - 393 MB, 43 .NEF (RAW) photos from camera Nikon D700.

Lens prices in popular stores can look at this link.

Comments on this post do not require registration. Anyone can leave a comment. Many different photographic equipment can be found on AliExpress.


Results

The Nikon AF Nikkor 70-300mm 1: 4-5.6G is one of the most affordable telephoto lenses in Nikon's full-frame camera lineup. For simple tasks - at the time, well, it's a great alternative to more expensive and qualitative Nikon ED AF-S Nikkor 70-300mm 1: 4.5-5.6G VR ED IF SWM (for FX) and Nikon DX AF-S NIKKOR 55-300mm 1: 4.5-5.6G ED VR SWM HRI (for DX).

Material prepared Arkady Shapoval. Training/Consultations | Youtube | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Telegram

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Comments: 80, on the topic: Review of Nikon AF Nikkor 70-300mm 1: 4-5.6G

  • Oleg

    Thanks, as always great review

  • sergey

    A good overview of many thanks, and the question that is in the name of the letter "G" I thought that all the objectives with this letter have a built-in autofocus operation, thanks in advance for your reply.

  • Oleg

    Thank you for the interesting review!

  • Andrii

    Good day.
    Dyakuyu, duce tsikavo.
    ..і as it is, possible, power: so what is more beautiful than television. 1,4 to 85mm. chi 4 on 200 (5,6 on 300)? I'm talking about bokeh)

    • d.martyn

      For bokeh, it is better of course to fix 85 mm

      • d.martyn

        You swung into very different "weight" categories, at eighties, and especially 1.4, the agreed lens wins only in frame construction and perspective, because of focal points, and the picture will be better of course in 85. I myself have not used this 70-300, but samples of the bokeh can hardly be called as such (subjective), he was not reappointed to the figure, his task is far and cheap "to see."

        • Andrii

          Ok.Dyakuyu) Ale I love the principle, not specific models. (Good 85 and 1,4 good 200 and 4 for one zavdannya, for example, portrait)

          • Do_Oraemon

            It depends on which portrait. If the half-length or half-figure is better than 85. And if it is full-length, then better than 300, even without regard to the aperture. DOF It is also in Africa DOF.

            • Andrii

              Crazy. I marvel, bagato portrait at 200 / 2,8 and 85 / 1,4, I, as an amateur beginner, do not see anything. I would like to know more for a few pennies) from i may vihid 210/4, chi 300 / 5,6. (For crop)

    • Oleksandr

      Rozmitіst bokeh, to lay down not only small vid small value diaphragm. More than the rear and the front to the focus of focus. On 4 і 200 and 5,6 і 300, you can also strongly develop the back plan.

  • Exhausted

    What is the difference between far and cheap from far and expensive?))

    • anonym

      sharpness. fast auto focus. aperture.

      • anonym

        And also constructive (trunk / internal focusing; plastic / metal), dust / moisture protection; glass optics instead of plastic, and others. Expensive it is expensive. This all affects the quality - both the thing itself, and the result. And most importantly - quality lenses with you for many years if not for life.

  • Exhausted

    It was about drawing.

  • Dmitriy

    This AF 70-300 \ 4-5,6 G was my first telephoto camera. I tried: 1 - I didn't like the picture and bokeh; 2 - I realized that the “tele” is not mine.
    I totally agree: “… for far and cheap”.
    I sold it and do not regret it, in return, for a portrait (I'm an amateur), I bought a Nikon AF 70-210 \ 4-5,6, the model is quite old, but the image \ bokeh and design are much more pleasant.

  • Igor

    Arkady. Great review. As always.
    I want to add a bit of myself.
    The glass is good ... one might even say ... not bad ...
    Most likely, still good than excellent. Although I am not a light artist, but on my D90 I worked for a solid four. All say that from 200 mm softit. Nothing like this. Glass is certainly not for home use (such as dark). And pay attention to the diaphragm number by 300. But the Whale 18-105 at the long end already has 5.6.
    So about the darkness (said), one can argue.
    As an option of super zoom on crop, it is the most (for a beginner, although not only) ..
    If honestly, then I regret having sold it. Although I shot him only one summer.
    I heard that at full frame the glass comes to life. Unfortunately, I sold my own before FF.
    There are a couple of photos from him… I can show if interested at 300mm.
    And the pictures had to be twisted ... yet
    Maybe I'm people. such. 18-105 sold almost immediately, then bought again. 70-300 sold, now I would buy again (summer has begun).

    • passer-by

      they’re harnessing money
      How red the damsel. Seven Fridays of the week.

  • Igor_K

    Thank you for the wonderful review of Arcadia! Personally, I would like to add that the lens for my money is more than adequate. In my opinion its main disadvantage is the plastic bayonet, at considerable length, which breaks down fairly easily. Among the positive qualities, the main ones are weight and price. With such a device, comparing it with Nikorrom 2,8-80-200. Yes, the picture is weaker in all respects, but the price is less than 10 times! (I bought my 70-300 100 USD) I think his best telezumom in his "extra-budgetary" kategorii.Kak training tool for beginners (and not only) - just super!

  • Amateur

    Hello. I have a D3100 camera, and my friends gave me such a lens. I was very happy, but here I read that autofocus will be performed only on cameras with a built-in focus motor. I looked at the list, and, as it turned out, the D3100 is not there.
    Since I’m not very good at televisions (as well as taking pictures), I want to ask for advice. What should I do? Use manual focus?
    The television was planned to be used for shooting moving objects at a distance. Is it possible to do this, and if so, how?
    Thank you in advance!)

    • Igor_K

      On the D3100 autofocus with this version will not be in anyone. Your question: "What do I do?" personally I can clearly see the following options: a) shoot with manual focusing with the "wiring" of the subject, which in itself is quite difficult, but very exciting; b) to sell the device, and adding approximately S200-250, buy something like this "Nikon AF-S 70-300mm f / 4.5-5.6G IF-ED VR" - and the picture is much better and much easier to remove, but have strain and spend; c) to sell its "whale" lens with the pet, and adding $ 150 buy Nikkor 18-200mm f / 3.5-5.6G ED VR - get "one lens for all occasions"; d) sell the "carcass" D3100, and buy in return the carcass to the internal focus motor (see. Overview "in the Nikon AF system"), such as D80, D90, and so on (see the review of "What type of camera to choose")
      In any case, you decide. I would be glad if I could help you with a solution to your problem.

  • Arkady

    Arkady, photos edited? Or originals?
    Thank you.

  • Basil

    Arkady, what kind of lens were produced 70-300, but of a different color?

    • anonym

      This is the same lens, but in a different body color

  • BB

    For $ 120, you can find a new one ($ 150 used in the text)

    • Oleg

      Take mine for a hundred. And good people also have a good bargain;)

      • BB

        I have e; t tcnm AF-S 70-300VR))

  • Oleg

    Waving without looking?

    • BB

      I agree to exchange my darling 70-300VR for 600 evergreen rubles, or the equivalent in hryvnias, other exchange offers are uninteresting))

      And your AF 70-300 is also completely uninteresting to my second carcass - D5100 ;-)

  • me too Arkady

    my first camera was the legendary FED in 1954 .. In the sixties I worked a little while photographing children at home with ZENIT EM. Today I have NIKON D90 and 3 lenses: 24-85 / 2.8-4, 50 / 1.8D and 70-300 / 4-5.6 G SATISFIED AS AN ELEPHANT! I believe that amateurs of all levels do not need anything else. These lenses will satisfy any needs in all areas of the art of photography! Super cameras and super lenses are needed for super professionals - this is their bread. It seems to me that reviews are necessary for discussing the photos themselves with professionals and get ratings and advice from them. What do you say the namesake?

  • me too Arkady

    Thank you!

  • Dmitriy

    I bought myself one on D7100 for $ 50. For an amateur, that's it. To shoot with a tripod or portraits during the day is the very thing. The same 55-300 is "darker" up to 200 mm, well, the price is $ 200, and the picture is 4 times better to get, well, it will not work. With good light (in the winter on a cloudy day, for example) the most it. Since it is desirable to carry a tripod, but in Siberia namby-pamby not survive, so extra 2 kg. not a problem (my flight jacket with snaryagu 6 kg. weighs plus boots or Camus, plus warm clothing). The lens is very light. On open apertures, it blurs the background perfectly, of course not 85 mm. 1,8, but still. Chromatite on open, but in the editor it is removed, and the XA can be seen in the photo from A4 size, and then if you look closely.

  • Al

    Friends, tell me, I used to buy it now for $ 48, in rubles 3500, I checked that everything seems to work. I came home, began to twirl, twist and did not quite understand the work of autofocus, is it really so noisy or is there something wrong with my lens? That is, if there is a sharp transition from 1,5m to 15m, then it is just as noisy as a robot)

    • BB

      'The AF' lenses use 'screwdriver' (motor integrated in the carcass), they are quite noisy.
      Take another 'AF' lens, listen, compare.

      • Al

        there is no other) the first time just af took it.
        http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WzmrIRAE8mw found a video, it sounds like I also

        • BB

          On video - like a normal sound for a similar lens.

          • Al

            Ok, I will know, thanks.

        • anonym

          My also growls

  • Sophia

    Hello. If I have a Nikon D3100 camera without focusing motor - will I have autofocus, or have all the photos configure itself (as Helios, etc.)?

    • Andrei

      focusing will be, because AF marking is on the lens. But I would be in your place thinking about buying a telephoto with a stabilizer.
      In reality, the Nikon 70-300mm f / 4.5-5.6G VR is the best telephoto lens for crop and ff from inexpensive and budget models.
      Everything is confirmed, and only with a stabilizer I recommend: https://buynbest.ru/luchshij-teleobektiv-nikon/

    • Igor_K

      On Nikon cameras 3xxxx and 5xxxx series-there will be no automatic focusing! Read the review carefully, and see the link https://radojuva.com/2012/03/nikon-lenses/#af-nikon.

  • Misha

    Hello ,
    Please write. Which adapter is suitable for this model so that it becomes motorized for the Nikkon D3200 ?.

    Thank you.

  • Misha

    Hello Arkady,

    Thanks for the information. And the model Tamron LD DI AF 70-300mm 1: 4-5.6 Tele-Macro (1: 2) A17 is suitable for Nikon D3200 ?.

    Thank you.

    • Arkady Shapoval

      yes fits

  • Maksim

    Good afternoon!
    I tormented by the question - which is better to take the Nikon D50 -
    Nikon AF Nikkor 70-300mm 1: 4-5.6G
    or
    Sigma 70-300mm 1: 4-5.6 D DL Macro?
    Thanks in advance for your reply.

  • Alexey

    Does it make sense to change it to Nikon DX AF-S NIKKOR 55-300mm 1: 4.5-5.6G ED VR SWM HRI?
    In 70-300, I do not like the lack of stub and strong HA.

    • Arkady Shapoval

      Yes, it makes sense. Also look at inexpensive full-frame Sigma DG OS 70-300mm 1: 4-5.6 и Tamron DI SP 70-300mm F / 4-5.6 VC USD A005

    • Denis

      I had a 55-300, is now 70-300 DX AF-P VR. if the carcass is modern, it is better to take it. and if old, then 55-200VRII - they have better colors and sharpness than 55-300

      • Alexey

        55-200VRII I have the same thing, took just a couple of days ago. I have not really tested it. So I think it is worth selling 55-200 and 70-300 and take one 55-300, which is now offered for $ 150?

        • Denis

          that instance of 55-200 VRII, which fell into my hands (I wrote about it here in the comments), gave a strong lubrication with a stab at shutter speeds of 1 / 60-1 / 200 (normal on others)
          if you do not have this problem, leave it. He is better than 55-300

  • Dimal

    Thanks for the review. Typo:
    On the Nikon official website (for 2014!), The Nikon AF Nikkor 70-300mm 1: 4-5.6G is still figured as a current lens.

    • Arkady Shapoval

      Fixed

  • anonym

    Thanks for the review!

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