Nikon AF-S Nikkor 55-300mm f/4.5-5.6 G ED VR DX Lens
The Nikon 55-300mm f/4.5-5.6 G ED VR DX is a 55–300mm f/4.5 lens designed for Nikon F mount cameras. Used copies start from $149.99 on GearFocus, with buyer protection on every purchase.
Nikon AF-S Nikkor 55-300mm f/4.5-5.6 G ED VR DX Lens
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Lens Overview — Nikon 55-300mm f/4.5-5.6 G ED VR DX
Key Features — Nikon 55-300mm f/4.5-5.6 G ED VR DX
55–300mm Focal Range: Covers a wide telephoto span equivalent to approximately 82–450mm on a full-frame camera, making it suitable for wildlife, sports, and distant subjects.
APS-C DX Format Design: Optimized for Nikon DX-format APS-C sensors, taking full advantage of the crop factor to maximize effective telephoto reach.
Vibration Reduction (VR): Built-in optical image stabilization reduces the impact of camera shake during handheld shooting, particularly useful at longer focal lengths.
ED Glass Element: Extra-low Dispersion glass minimizes chromatic aberration, helping to maintain contrast and sharpness across the zoom range.
AF-S Silent Wave Motor: Internal focusing motor enables fast, quiet autofocus without requiring a drive motor in the camera body.
f/4.5–5.6 Maximum Aperture: Variable aperture across the zoom range is typical for this class of telephoto zoom, balancing optical size and weight against light-gathering ability.
Lens Specifications — Nikon 55-300mm f/4.5-5.6 G ED VR DX
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| Use Cases | Wildlife, Sports, Travel |
| Lens Type | Zoom |
| Format | APS-C / DX |
| Zoom/Prime | Zoom |
| Focal Length | 55–300mm |
| Maximum Aperture | f/4.5 |
| Camera System | DSLR |
| Lens Mount | Nikon F |
| Autofocus | Yes |
| Focus Type | Auto, Manual |
| Image Stabilization | Optical |
| Filter Thread | 58mm |
Description — Nikon 55-300mm f/4.5-5.6 G ED VR DX
The Nikon AF-S Nikkor 55-300mm f/4.5-5.6 G ED VR DX Lens is a telephoto zoom built for APS-C format Nikon DSLR cameras. With a focal length range of 55mm to 300mm, it covers a wide swath of telephoto territory suitable for a variety of shooting scenarios. The maximum aperture of f/4.5 at the wide end provides useful light-gathering capability across the zoom range. Optical image stabilization is included to help manage camera shake during handheld shooting — especially valuable at longer focal lengths.
Focusing is handled through auto and manual focus modes, offering versatility depending on the shooting situation. Weighing in at 530g, it remains relatively portable for its focal range. The 58mm filter thread keeps filter compatibility broad and cost-effective.
Built for the Nikon F mount, this lens is designed to pair with Nikon's DX-format DSLR lineup, delivering extended telephoto range in a lens that doesn't demand a heavy kit bag.
Pros — Nikon 55-300mm f/4.5-5.6 G ED VR DX
- ✓Wide focal length range of 55–300mm provides substantial telephoto reach for an APS-C zoom lens
- ✓Optical image stabilization helps counteract camera shake during handheld telephoto shooting
- ✓Supports both auto and manual focus modes for flexible shooting control
Cons — Nikon 55-300mm f/4.5-5.6 G ED VR DX
- ✗Maximum aperture of f/4.5 at the wide end narrows as focal length increases, limiting low-light performance at longer focal lengths
- ✗APS-C-only format (lensFormat: APS-C) means it cannot be used as a full-frame lens on FX-body cameras
- ✗No minimum focusing distance or maximum magnification ratio listed in specifications
Reviews — Nikon 55-300mm f/4.5-5.6 G ED VR DX
- Nikon AF-S DX Nikkor 55-300mm f/4.5-5.6G ED VR Review
DPReview · 2010-09-01 - AF-S DX NIKKOR 55-300mm f/4.5-5.6G ED VR Lens Review | Nikon D7500 + Zoom Lens + Hands On Overview
Drive By Reviews - Nikon 55-300mm DX f/4.5-5.6 ED VR Lens Review | Cameras Direct Australia
Cameras Direct Camerasdirect.com.au - Beginner Photographer Reviews Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 55-300mm f/4.5-5.6G VR Lens
Russell Platten - Nikon 55-300mm f/4.5-5.6 G ED VR DX Lens Review with Sample images!
Brett Bodkins - Get Closer to the Action with Nikon 55-300mm DX Lens #review
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Videos — Nikon 55-300mm f/4.5-5.6 G ED VR DX
REVIEW: Nikon Nikkor 55-300mm AF-S DX Telephoto Zoom Lens — Long Long Honeymoon
Frequently Asked Questions — Nikon 55-300mm f/4.5-5.6 G ED VR DX
What camera mount does this lens use?+
This lens uses the Nikon F mount. It is designed for APS-C format DSLR cameras within the Nikon system.
Does this lens have image stabilization?+
Yes, the lens features optical image stabilization. This helps reduce the impact of camera shake, which is particularly useful when shooting at longer focal lengths handheld.
Can I use this lens on a full-frame Nikon camera?+
This lens is designed for APS-C format cameras. While it uses a Nikon F mount, the lens format is specified as APS-C, so full-frame use is not its intended application.
What filter size does this lens accept?+
The lens has a 58mm filter thread, making it compatible with a wide range of standard 58mm filters such as polarizers and UV filters.
Does this lens support manual focus?+
Yes, the lens supports both auto and manual focus modes, as listed in the specifications, giving shooters the flexibility to switch between the two as needed.
How heavy is this lens?+
The lens weighs 530 grams, which is relatively manageable for a telephoto zoom with a 300mm maximum focal length.