Nikon 75-300 f/4.5-5.6 AF Zoom-Nikkor

Review Date
June 22, 2009

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Value Rating
 5 of 5

Used product for
More than 1 year

Visitors rate this review
4.50 of 5, 2 votes

Reviewed by
Jerry , Intermediate

Price Paid
$150.00 at ebay

Photography Experience
21+ years , Outdoor

Summary
I've used this lens for about two years now on an F100 and a D200. Optical performance has been outstanding, especially from 100-250mm, where it is nearly impossible to tell the difference in sharpness in 100% crops when compared to photos of the same subject taken with my old MF Micro-Nikkor 105mm. Believe me, that's saying something, because that old Micro 105 is probably the sharpest lens I've ever used.

Strengths
Sharpness, sharpness, and sharpness. Relatively light for it's focal length and considering that it's all metal. Solid build, but like most push-pulls the zoom is very "free". I really like the built-in rotating tripod mount--doesn't get in the way but works like a charm, allowing quick transition to portrait format and back. AF is pretty fast but a bit noisy.
Did I mention it's sharp?

Weaknesses
None found.

Similar Products Used
Several plastic Nikon zooms, Nikon 18-200 VR, Sigma 120-400 OS. The Sigma is nice for handholding at long reach, but it still can't touch the old Nikon for sharpness. Given a choice if shooting conditions allow (meaning if I have time to set up a tripod), I'll always reach for the old Nikon.

Customer Service
None. The way this thing is built I doubt a rebuild will ever be needed.

Review Date
August 2, 2004

Overall Rating
 4 of 5

Value Rating
 4 of 5

Used product for
3 Months to 1 year

Visitors rate this review
4.41 of 5, 17 votes

Reviewed by
Levon5 , Expert

Price Paid
$200.00 at eBay

Photography Experience
21+ years , Outdoor

Summary
I purchased this lens because of Ken Rockwell's glowing review. I have shot a lot of rolls of film with it so I think I can make some valid observations as to its quality. It is pretty sharp wide open and does not search for focus. It is very sturdy and while the built-in tripod mount is small it is nonetheless handy.

Strengths
Macro work w/a 6T is beautiful! I don't think it is better than a Sigma 70-300mm APO Macro Super (which I had and used) for regular shooting but the macro shots w/the 6T are fabulous! Macro is a little akward being that it is a medium size lens but the photos are seem fabulous to me w/no color cast whatsoever. I even like a little warming effect but I was totally happy w/this lenses performance in the macro range.

Weaknesses
Something kinda strange w/out of focus highlights @300mm. I cannot articulate what the problem was but it seemed to happen when shooting at a wider aperture. I know it has 9 blades in the diaphram but the out of focus background still looked a little strange to me. A little heavy but hey, IT'S ALL METAL!

Similar Products Used
Various incarnations of Sigma 70/75-300mm. Good but 'fragile'. They usually last 3 yrs. then break but the photo quality on the shorter end is great! Macro is pretty good but not as good as the Nikkor w/6T.
Nikkor
Ernst Leitz stuff
Carl Zeiss stuff
Sigma 180mm F3.5 and f5.6 APO

Customer Service
Not needed and as well built as this lens is, I doubt that it ever will be needed.

Review Date
January 14, 2004

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Value Rating
 5 of 5

Used product for
More than 1 year

Visitors rate this review
4.04 of 5, 23 votes

Reviewed by
, Expert , from New Jersey

Price Paid
$0.00

Photography Experience
21+ years , Outdoor

Summary
This review is of the original 75 to 300 AF zoom which is predecessor of the current 70 to 300 ED zoom. I haven't used the current zoom but I can vouch for the optical quality of the 75 to 300. It differs from the current lens in that it's push-pull (like most of the AF Nikkors of the late 80s to early 90s). The 75 to 300 is very sharp. You can still find them in mint condition for a little over $200 or so. Don't let the fact that it's not a 'D' lens stop you. The 'D' chip really doesn't make that much difference anyway (unless you do a lot of close-up flash work). If you're a Nikon shooter and are looking for a very good all around zoom in this focal length don't hesitate to pick one up. Many times I'll opt for this over my 80 to 200 ED zoom simply because I need the extra reach.

Strengths
Very sharp
Built-in tripod collar (you need it because it weighs 30 oz.)

Weaknesses
Push-pull so it will extend when hanging around your neck.
Not IF.
AF kind of slow. (However, not that bad on F100, F5 or N90s). Does have a focus limiter switch, though.

Similar Products Used
Nikkor 80 to 200 ED zoom (2 touch)