NIKON ED - AF NIKKOR 70-300mm F/4-5.6 D

[paktire]

Hi Everybody,

i really wish to go for a nice zoom lens within reasonable budget for D90.

NIKON ED - AF NIKKOR 70-300mm F/4-5.6 D used good condition is available at usd:190/= should I go for it?

On the other hand, i read NIKON article about VR function and it made me think that i should not go for anything less than VR....


Secondly, as i am a new user i get confused on some basic numbers. NIKON site shows 18-105 as 5.8x and 70-300 as 4.3x. now with my understanding a 5.8x bring a subject more closer as compared to a 4.3x lens. if this is the case than whats the benefit of using 70-300.

am i right?


Pls comment.

Imran Rashid

[kirbinster]

The "x" really means nothing, it is the ratio of the longest to the shortest focal length, no more no less. Thus a lens that goes from 10mm to 50mm is 5X as is a lens that goes from 100mm to 500mm.

I have a Nikon 70-300VR and it is a very good lens. I have heard that the non-VR besides not having VR is of much lower optical quality and should be avoided.

[milosh]

Originally Posted by paktire

Secondly, as i am a new user i get confused on some basic numbers. NIKON site shows 18-105 as 5.8x and 70-300 as 4.3x. now with my understanding a 5.8x bring a subject more closer as compared to a 4.3x lens. if this is the case than whats the benefit of using 70-300.

am i right?

Hello and welcome! There was a thread recently discussing these magnification factors, you can read it and you will understand this matter:

Understanding Magnification factor, zoom range and focal length range of a lens

[ARKreations]

kirbinster is right on the money here.
The 70-300 VR is a much better lens than the non-VR. It's well worth the extra $.

[paktire]

Thanks to everybody for contributing valuable feedback and suggestions.


does the fact that it is a ED series, give it an advantage over VR or not?

if the camera with ED lens (non VR) is used on tripod, does it rules out the function of VR and produce superior results as compared to VR lenses.



Cost element is also there, VR is 3x more expensive.

Please comment.

[LoveDSLR]

Originally Posted by paktire

does the fact that it is a ED series, give it an advantage over VR or not?

if the camera with ED lens (non VR) is used on tripod, does it rules out the function of VR and produce superior results as compared to VR lenses.

The advantages of 70-300 VR:

- One of the best buys
- It has two ED elements
- AF-S (faster and better)
- Nine-blade diaphragm means better bokeh
- Newer design than ED and G
- VR II (up to 4 stops)

[anton_dubai]

to paktire:
hi, so did u eventually purchased it?
because i'm thinking about it now as well... (also considering sigma apo dg 70-300)

[bojo]

Using the VR lens on a tripod, VR has to be turned off or else the photos will be blurry.

But VR is essential IMHO (unless you won't ever be hand holding for your shots) especially at the longer end.

[bigone5500]

Originally Posted by bojo

Using the VR lens on a tripod, VR has to be turned off or else the photos will be blurry.

But VR is essential IMHO (unless you won't ever be hand holding for your shots) especially at the longer end.

So does this mean that all VR lenses must have the VR function turned off before shooting on a tripod?

[OsmosisStudios]

Originally Posted by bigone5500

So does this mean that all VR lenses must have the VR function turned off before shooting on a tripod?

Not all. Some of the super-super telephoto lenses have a Tripod Mode for the VR.