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ASSESSMENT:
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Optics: *** - ****
mechanical quality: *** - ****
Functionality: ****
Price-Performance: ****
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Overall rating: ****
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GENERAL:
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The Nikon AF-S Nikkor 70-300mm / 4.5-5.6 IF-ED VR (hereinafter: 70-300mm) is a telephoto lens with variable focal length (zoom =). It can be used both to Nikon DSLR with DX as well as FX-use sensors. (The picture angle of 70-300mm on a DX DSLR corresponds approximately to that of a 105-450mm lens on a film camera Mind:.. It's really just the angle of the actual focal length is changing just as the light intensity because both values Is it physical quantities that are independent of the dimensions of the camera sensor.) The 70-300mm can fully participate DSLR with small format sensors (with Nikon FX called) are used.
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POSITIVE:
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The 70-300mm is not exactly cheap, but good value for a telephoto lens that covers such a wide range of focal lengths in small picture format. Man "burns" very little money, if one separates if not satisfied after some time of this lens and it offers on the secondary market. In addition, the 70-300mm relatively light and compact dimensions, so fits well in camera bags, the 70-200mm / 2.8 G ED VR II could not accommodate such a "monster" like the Nikkor AF-S.
The optical characteristics of the lens are excellent from 70 to 200 mm. Especially in the use of Nikon's DX cameras leaves little room for criticism. Up to 240 mm, the lens still beats very bravely. Only then breaks the visual quality a little stronger, but remains at least in bright light to the long end on quite acceptable level under practical conditions, even if it (under laboratory conditions =) certainly might be a thing or frown beyond the 200 mm measurement. In the center of the images are sharp crack under good to normal photographing up to 200 mm and high contrast to 240 mm still good and up to 300 mm perfectly acceptable. It hides at least one to one and a half steps from, also the sharpness at the edges of FX cameras improves visible, which proves especially at the long end, ie beyond 200 mm, to be very beneficial.
The quality of the representation of the focus provided range, the so-called. Bokehs is certainly not "ultra-creamy" but pleasantly quiet and balanced. Particularly in zoom lenses that is not a foregone conclusion.
Optical distortions such as barrel and pincushion distortion curvature hardly occur perceptible and can be corrected by software easily.
Flare ("lens flares") in backlight and chromatic aberration (CA) have, at least when using the supplied lens hood, thankfully, as under practical conditions proved unproblematic and easy to control. CA can be also removed by means of software well.
Unlike many low-budget lenses the 70-300mm not only has a bayonet mount made of metal, but also good protection against dust and moisture. In this Nikon is absorbed. To recognize the weather and dust on the black rubber seal around the bayonet mount.
Autofocus is not just quick as lightning, but much faster and more accurate than z. B. the 55-300mm. Quietly, he is also well. And thanks to the internal focusing, the overall length of the lens does not change during focusing. The front lens does not rotate during focusing with; the use of circular polarizing filter is no problem.
The 70-300mm has FTM-focus (FTM = Full-Time Manual) ie, you have to use manual focusing explicitly on the lens unlock via slide from position A to M, but can immediately intervene manually in the AF.
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NEUTRAL:
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Price includes the 70-300mm, as well as his "little brother" DX 55-300mm, the Nikon-consumer lenses that no longer are manufactured in costly Japan, but en masse tumble in Thailand or China off the production line. Even when everything is practically on this lens made of plastic, so is the "perceived quality of workmanship", including the feel of the zoom mechanism and the manual focus include, a class better than the 55-300mm. Also in the price range of a 70-300mm is not possible a generous use of high-quality brass. The processing quality is more than neat and promises a long life under normal operating conditions.
Nikon's anti-shake "VR" making decent work, but can not override the laws of physics. While it succeed at 300 mm regular recordings with 1/160 sec. From the free hand without any judder. If you do not so look carefully and with max. A4 large print his photos contented, also goes by 1/100 of a second. But even longer times are at 300 mm definitely only with good supporting (bean bag) or tripod to realize truly without shaking, no matter how full-bodied Nikon's marketing department "up to four exposure values" promises compensation.
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NEGATIVE:
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Unfortunately, there is one aspect that can not seem to like the 70-300mm or convincing, namely the low light intensity. F / 4.5 maximum aperture as applicable only from 70 to 90 mm. From 90 mm it comes with F / 4.8 to about 135 mm further, followed by F / 5.0 to about 200 mm, F / 5.2 to just 240 mm and at the end is F / 5.6 to 300 mm. In addition, one must consider that a truly convincing image quality requires a stopping down by at least one stage. Thus one is de facto already at F / 6.3 to F / 8.0, and this is really only acceptable if you mainly static subjects photographed in good light or from a tripod.
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CONCLUSION:
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The 70-300mm leaves all in all a good impression. Even for a travel lens, it is sufficient light and compact, offers decent to good optical performance, a useful anti-shake, a good autofocus anytime manual intervention option (FTM-focus), internal focusing and a fixed front lens for unrestricted filter insert. Its low light intensity limits the suitability of this lens for quick photography a however. An residences on birds or other small animals fast with great flight distance in poor lighting conditions, making it difficult, with a correspondingly low yield of "hits" can be expected there.
From a practical point, the 70-300mm is thus a lens that is aimed at Tele-photographers who want a good optical quality for DX and FX cameras, but are not ready for 1.5 stops more light intensity and a professional fast Autofocus not only to pay more than three times, but has also to do without 100 mm focal length at the long end and carry will need to more than double the weight. In other words, a typical DX / FX-telephoto zoom for the (still) handy travel camera bag.
Overall, I consider therefore rounded four stars for a proper assessment.
