Nikon AF-P DX 70-300mm f/4.5-6.3G ED VR review

The Nikon AF-P DX 70-300mm VR is a compact tele zoom that’s big on reach

Nikon AF-P DX 70-300mm f/4.5-6.3G ED VR
(Image: © Nikon)

Digital Camera World Verdict

Ideally suited to Nikon’s smaller DX (APS-C) format DSLRs like the D3500 and D5600, this lens gives a powerful ‘effective’ zoom range of 105-450mm from a compact and lightweight construction. The optical design, stepping motor autofocus system and optical image stabilizer work well, combining to ensure consistently sharp shots. The selling price is very competitive and, although there’s a cheaper non-stabilized edition of this lens, the ‘VR’ version is definitely the one to go for.

Pros

  • +

    Solid yet lightweight build

  • +

    4-stop optical stabilization

  • +

    Stepping motor autofocus system

Cons

  • -

    Plastic mounting plate

  • -

    Hood sold separately

  • -

    Incompatible with older DSLRs

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The Nikon AF-P DX 70-300mm f/4.5-6.3G ED VR literally plays into your hands for action, sports and wildlife photography. The 1.5x crop factor of Nikon’s DX (APS-C) format cameras boosts the effective zoom range into super-telephoto territory, yet the lens is compact and lightweight, weighing in at 414g, while 4-stop optical stabilization or ‘Vibration Reduction’ helps fend off camera-shake in handheld shooting.

Specifications

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Matthew Richards

Matthew Richards is a photographer and journalist who has spent years using and reviewing all manner of photo gear. He is Digital Camera World's principal lens reviewer – and has tested more primes and zooms than most people have had hot dinners! 

His expertise with equipment doesn’t end there, though. He is also an encyclopedia  when it comes to all manner of cameras, camera holsters and bags, flashguns, tripods and heads, printers, papers and inks, and just about anything imaging-related. 

In an earlier life he was a broadcast engineer at the BBC, as well as a former editor of PC Guide.