Nikon Nikkor AF 70-300 mm f/4-5.6D ED review - Summary

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Nikon Nikkor AF 70-300 mm f/4-5.6D ED

25 October 2007

Arkadiusz Olech

11. Summary

Pros:

good chromatic aberration correction
well controlled distortion
very small vignetting on the DX detector
generally good coma and astigmatism
perfect autofocus, despite the lack of an SWM motor
good performance in bright light

Cons:

very soft picture at maximum aperture
mediocre sharpness at 300 mm, where picture sharpness can be obtained only at f/11
very loud and slow autofocus

It is understandable for us to compare the Nikkor to the previously tested Sigma 70-300 mm DG APO MACRO. They both have the same parameters and similar prices, and are thus evenly matched competitors. As far as the similarities are concerned, the two lenses perfectly correct chromatic aberration, distortion and vignetting. In these three categories the differences are minuscule. As far as the picture resolution is concerned, they both have better results at the 70-200 mm focal length range then at 200 mm and above. The Sigma, however, achieves better results at maximum aperture.

The Nikkor on the other hand handles bright light much better, which was Sigma’s big problem in the whole focal length range.

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The autofocus in both lenses is very loud and slow. The Sigma misses much more often than the Nikkor.

Comparing the two lenses we see that they are of the same class, resulting in pictures of similar quality. The Nikkor’s assets are better autofocus and better performance in bright light, while Sigma’s assets are higher picture quality at the maximum aperture, lower price and better macro-characteristics.

Sample shots:


Camera: Nikon D200 Parameters: 70 mm, f/8.0, exp. 1/500 sec, ISO 320 File: JPG, 3872x2592 pix, 5.7 MB	Camera: Nikon D200 Parameters: 300 mm, f/8.0, exp. 1/1250 sec, ISO 160 File: JPG, 3872x2592 pix, 3.7 MB	Camera: Nikon D200 Parameters: 300 mm, f/5.6, exp. 1/1000 sec, ISO 160 File: JPG, 3872x2592 pix, 4.0 MB

Camera: Nikon D200 Parameters: 130 mm, f/5.6, exp. 1/640 sec, ISO 400 File: JPG, 3872x2592 pix, 3.9 MB	Camera: Nikon D200 Parameters: 300 mm, f/5.6, exp. 1/1250 sec, ISO 400 File: JPG, 3872x2592 pix, 4.2 MB	Camera: Nikon D200 Parameters: 70 mm, f/4.0, exp. 1/125 sec, ISO 640 File: JPG, 3504x2336 pix, 4.9 MB