Introducing the Nikon 70 300mm VR

Nikon is best known to produce quality photos, but it is not with their cameras alone. Supplementing this task are the different zoom lenses designed for use on all Nikon digital single-lens reflex cameras; digital or film models. One such lens is the Nikon 70 300mm Vr, released alongside the Nikon d80, has a superior built matching the high-end DX 18-70mm both in built and optical quality.

The Nikon 70 300mm Vr delivers an equivalent focal range of 105-450 on a DX - format camera body like the D80. Having this type of set-up, it packs a powerful reach which is superb for sports and wildlife photography while maintaining ideal sets of focal lengths for portrait and similar compositions.

The accessory lens features vibration reduction with Nikon's claim of up to four stops of compensation, effectively preventing camera-shake from ruining takes, which could then be the perfect shot any photographer aims for. For reassuring longer focal lengths, the built-in Vr system of the lens allows the benefit of composing shots through the optical viewfinder. As for quick and quiet auto-focusing, the lens is also an AF-S model, that is fully compatible with the D40 and D40x models. Also for anyone thinking of upgrading to full frame digital SLRs the D3, compatibility is not a problem.

Superb focusing

The 70 300mm Vr is equipped with the built in silent wave motors (SWM), which has noise minimize to a nil. It takes just under a second to focus for one polar end to another when, quicker than most of its siblings on their class. The barrel does not extend or rotates during focusing which should be enjoyed by enthusiasts fond of using polarising filters. It features a manual focusing ring along with full time manual focusing enabling users to make fine adjustments without having to dislodge the equipment, making manual focusing easier and quicker and more usable than any of its siblings.

The price difference

The 70 300mm Vr comes at a relatively affordable price for an up-market telephoto zoom. Though not as cheap as its sibling, the DX 55-200mm Vr, but it still has significantly lower price than the more popular, DX 18-200mm Vr, making it within the budget of many Nikon owners.

The Nikon 70 300mm Vr makes the optical difference when it comes to quality imaging with its seamless compatibility with the D40, the D40x, and full frames like the D3; it's superb focusing ability; all in an affordable price for most Nikon users.