Nikon lens - AF-S DX 55-300mm f/4.5-5.6G ED VR vs AF-S 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6G IF-ED VR

[naserke]

what is the difference between AF-S DX 55-300mm f/4.5-5.6G ED VR and AF-S 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6G IF-ED VR?

[Shokinen]

15mm....


The DX (55-300) is fairly new and was design for crop sensor (aps sensor). Nikon made that lens to complement the 18-55mm kit and to also provide a "longuer" solution than the 55-200mm. The image quality is apparently very good (2 ED glasses).

The FX version (70-300) is design to work for both Full Frame sensor and crop sensor. Built quality seems to be the same (metal connector, back rubber seal). From what I've read, the 55-300 is apparently slower to focus than the 70-300 though.

[OsmosisStudios]

55-300 uses a different focus motor, so it's slower. Optically also not quite as good and the VR isnt as powerful.

[Shokinen]

I must admit the VR on the 70-300 is quite effective.

[naserke]

Thanks for your replies
70-300 is for full frame sensor. Would it work differently on Nikon D90.

[Shokinen]

Nope, same thing.
The thing with FX lenses is they are made for the bigger sensor. Therefore, the portion of the glass that need to be effective is bigger (one of the reason they are more expensive). But when you put them on a crop sensor, it doesn't change anyhing in term of image quality.

It's the opposite you have to watch. If you put a DX lens on a full frame sensor, you will have to either use on a smaller portion of your sensor to mimic a crop sensor (FFcameras have that option), or deal with vigneting.

[Azaki]

Actually putting the 70-300mm VR on your D90 will give you a focal length of 105-450mm. Says so right in the manual for the lens.

when putting a FX lens on a DX camera multiply the focal length by 1.4x

[Almond.Butterscotch]

Originally Posted by Azaki

Actually putting the 70-300mm VR on your D90 will give you a focal length of 105-450mm.

False. focal length is focal length. you're thinking of angle of view. The 55-300 on a DX body is a 55-300 and a 70-300mm on a DX body is still 70-300mm.

Originally Posted by Azaki

when putting a FX lens on a DX camera multiply the focal length by 1.4x

False. The crop factor is 1.5.

[Azaki]

Originally Posted by Almond.Butterscotch

False. focal length is focal length. you're thinking of angle of view. The 55-300 on a DX body is a 55-300 and a 70-300mm on a DX body is still 70-300mm.

Yes the angle of view does change, and the apparent focal length for a 35mm equivalent is 105mm-450mm. I'm just stating what I'm reading from the manual.

[Almond.Butterscotch]

yes the 'apparent focal length' is 1.5x longer, but focal length is still focal length. If you stick a 350mm lens on 8x10 or a 175mm on 4x5 or 80mm on 645, you still get the same angle of view as a 50mm on 35mm or a 35mm on APS-C, but those are all clearly different focal lengths. I can stick the 80mm from my Bronica ETRSi on my Nikon F or D40 and I certainly won't get the same image on either.