Nikon 70-300mm vs 55-300mm ?

DanJenks

DanJenks

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As in the title just a quick one...

After using (hiring) the Nikon AF-S 70-300mm last year for the BTCC at Snetterton I've wanted to buy the lens ever since ready for this year's season.

After looking around online the lens is not really affordable for me at the moment (even secondhand).

However, I've found the following and wondered if there is any reason why this lens would not be good enough or as good as the 70-300?

http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/aw/d/B003...e_epc__1p_0_ti

What are main differences between the two lenses?
Is there any reason why I should not go for the 55-300?

Dan
smiley1.gif
 
The 55-300 is a DX only lens and it has much slower autofocus so it really depends on your requirements.

I read on here earlier today that Comet (?) are selling the Tamron 70-300 VC for £210 which is a billy-bargain, the Tamron is equally as good as the Nikon, if not better.
 
Ahh, someone DOES read some of my posts afterall! :D It was Currys though and not Comet as they shut down last year. ;)

No experience of the Nikon version, but i'm pretty happy with the Tamron version. I haven't used it for sports yet, but it will get an outing in March for the BTCC media day at Donnington.

The 55-300 (from what i've read) is exactly as Ned says above. It's a nice lens but it's slower to focus and isn't optically as good.

HTH.

David.
 
Nawty said:
The 55-300 is a DX only lens and it has much slower autofocus so it really depends on your requirements.

I read on here earlier today that Comet (?) are selling the Tamron 70-300 VC for £210 which is a billy-bargain, the Tamron is equally as good as the Nikon, if not better.
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minnnt said:
Ahh, someone DOES read some of my posts afterall! :D It was Currys though and not Comet as they shut down last year. ;)

No experience of the Nikon version, but i'm pretty happy with the Tamron version. I haven't used it for sports yet, but it will get an outing in March for the BTCC media day at Donnington.

The 55-300 (from what i've read) is exactly as Ned says above. It's a nice lens but it's slower to focus and isn't optically as good.

HTH.

David.
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Thanks for both of your posts.

From what you've both said it sounds like the 55-300mm is not going to be idea for me then as I will mainly be using it for BTCC events and therefore would require a fast autofocus.

It is handy to know that the Tamron lenses are as good as Nikon though - The only reason I haven't considered a Sigma or Tamron lens etc over the Nikon is because I thought the lower price tag would reflect in the quality of lens.

Off I go to look again... :)
 
minnnt said:
Ahh, someone DOES read some of my posts afterall! :D It was Currys though and not Comet as they shut down last year. ;)
Click to expand...

Close enough :LOL:

Not all Tamron/Sigma lenses are as good as the Nikon version, just happens that in this case it is :)

EDIT: Both of the lenses in question are AF-S, whether or not you need it depends on the camera body.
 
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Yes, the AF-s version

I have the 70-300 VR nikon and it's great, even at drag racing where speeds are a bit silly
 
It will work, yes. But I'm not sure how good it is ( amazon have it for £99 )
 
The one without VC is a vastly different lens and not very good.

In Tamron speak

VR = VC
AF-S = USD

So, the one linked to above by Damian is the one to get.
 
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