The Nikon AF-S DX 55-300mm f/4.5-5.6G ED VR offers an impressive tele-photo zoom range at a reasonable price

Click on the thumbnails for a high resolution image Gary Wolstenholme takes a look at Nikon's latest telephoto offering for DX format cameras. Until the introduction of this lens, Nikon camera users requiring a lens that covers focal lengths up to 300mm to complement their existing kit lens had a...

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  Decent optical performer, Good build quality for a consumer lens, Light weight

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  Lens extends and focus ring rotates during AF, Delay before VR system kicks in properly

Nikon's longest zoom for cameras with APS-C-size sensors (DX format), this 5.5X 55–300mm f/4.5–5.6G VR ($360, street) scales up to the full-frame equivalent of 82.5–450mm. It offers two elements of ED glass, a high-refractive-index glass element (a DX first), Vibration Reduction II, the quiet SWM...

Most telephoto zoom lenses designed specifically for APS-C rather than full-frame DSLRs have a zoom range of about 50-200mm. This gives them an effective zoom range of 75-300mm on Nikon camera bodies such as the D3100 and D5100 , very close to the classic telephoto zoom range of 70-300mm on...

A 5.5x telephoto zoom lens for DX cameras with Vibration Reduction which starts where bundled kit lenses stop extending your range through to a super-telephoto 300mm.

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  Decent optical performer, Good build quality for a consumer lens, Light weight

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  Lens extends and focus ring rotates during AF, Delay before VR system kicks in properly

The versatility of this lens is remarkable. Even with a minimum focus distance of 4.6 feet, the long focal length allows me to use it for sharp macro photography. The vibration reduction system enables handheld shots even at 300mm in less than bright light.

Love this lens, I have been using it for a few years on my D3100, Love that it is compatable with the more upgraded Nikon bodies. I use it for landscape, Nature, Seascape, and everything in between.

I expected this Nikon lens to be the same great quality that I'd gotten from every other Nikon product I own. Sadly, this lens is disappointing. Poor clarity. Very fuzzy images, especially after 200mm. A dark vignette around the edges of some images.

I purchased this lens for a trip to the Pacific Northwest coast where I was hoping to capture some of the wild life, Sea Lions, Whales, Seals & Elk. Mission accomplished. The 300 zoom was just enough to get some great shots.

I bundled this with my purchase of a D5500, and it's a great addition! It complements the 18-55 that come with the base kit, and is a great lens for taking on day trips or vacation without adding too much extra size and bulk

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  Fantastic quality construction, not too big for a zoom of this amount, and the quality is very very good

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I love using this lens when photographing outdoors, which I do predominantly. It brings the distance to me and allows me to capture details not otherwise evident.

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  Durable, Easily Interchangeable, Fast / accurate auto-focus, Lightweight, Rugged, Strong Construction

Look for over a year and saved money for a longtime before I pulled the trigger and bought this as one of my lens. Happy I have it, have a UV filter to protect lens and loving the lens.

A wonderful piece of equipment and nicely made. Super clean glass (and make sure it stays tat way!) that takes crisp photos.

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  I was very excited to open this lens when I got it in the mail. I bought it specifically for comet PanSTARRS and ISON (which will be arriving later in the year) as well as to extend the possibilities of range since I like to go hiking far away from city lights to take images of the environment,...

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GREAT COMPATIBILITY WITH NIKON D60 CAMERA, NEVER FAILS TO OBTAIN THE BEST SHOT, BRINGS FARAWAY VIEWS NEAR FOR NEW PROSPECTIVE AND GREAT VIEWS!

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  Addictive, Light, Rich, Smooth, Wow Wow Again

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  Not 55-400mm

The extra 100mm focal length definitely adds and increases quality and range of shots. A friends Mother has tried this lense and loves it also. When lent to Her for evaluation my fear was of never getting it back!

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  Easy To Use, Extra range of shots, Improves Picture Quality

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  Slight increase in weight