Nikon AF 70-300 vs AF-S DX NIKKOR 55-300mm

irishguy

Just bought a Nikon D5100 with a 18-55mm lens and am new to using an SLR. I was looking to take more zoomed in photos and was looking at these 2 lens:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Nikon-AF-S-NIKKOR-55-300mm-4-5-5-6G/dp/B003ZSHNCC/ref=sr_1_1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1364145972&sr=1-1

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Nikon-70-300-4-0-5-6-Nikkor-compatible/dp/B00005Y3OM/ref=sr_1_10?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1364145972&sr=1-10


There is a big price difference. Can anyone tell me what the difference is and is it worth twice the price?

Judge

That version of the 70-300 won't autofocus with your D5100 (your model of camera will only autofocus with AF-S lenses). It also lacks VR (vibration reduction), which you really need with long lenses to reduce camera shake. There is an AF-S VR version of this lens but it retails for around €500-600.

The 55-300 will autofocus and has VR and is the one I would pick of the two.

You might also want to look at the 55-200 VR - it doesn't have the reach of the others but is fairly cheap.

irishguy

Thanks after a lot of googling I have come to the same conclusion. These feckin lens are expensive (I know they are a lot cheaper than they used to be). I assume cameras with auto focus in the body are the more expensive models?

Also do you know would it be easy to use the one with VF at 300mm handheld as opposed to with a tripod?