The Nikon AF-S 70-300mm F/4.5-5.6G IF-ED VR is a versatile FX-format telephoto zoom lens built for Nikon F-mount DSLR shooters who demand reach, sharpness, and portability in a single package. Covering a 4.3x zoom range — equivalent to 105-450mm on DX-format bodies — it excels across wildlife, travel, sports, and general telephoto photography without weighing you down.
Optical quality is anchored by two Extra-Low Dispersion (ED) glass elements that suppress chromatic aberration across the full zoom range, while Nikon’s Super Integrated Lens Coating minimises ghosting and flare for crisp, high-contrast images. Combined with Nikon VR II image stabilisation — delivering up to 2.5 stops of compensation — this lens empowers confident handheld shooting even in challenging light or at maximum reach.
Key features
- Nikon VR II Image Stabilisation: Compensates for camera shake by the equivalent of 2.5 shutter speed stops, enabling sharper handheld shots at 300mm and beyond.
- Two ED Glass Elements: Extra-Low Dispersion glass minimises chromatic aberration across the entire 70-300mm zoom range for high resolution and true colour rendition.
- Silent Wave Motor (SWM) Autofocus: Delivers fast, near-silent AF with instant manual focus override — ideal for wildlife and event photography where discretion matters.
- Internal Focus Design: Fixed barrel length and non-rotating front element make circular polarising filters and lens-mounted accessories easy to use at any focal length.
- 9-Blade Rounded Diaphragm: Produces smooth, natural bokeh so out-of-focus backgrounds blend harmoniously behind your subject.
- FX & DX Compatible: Full-frame performance on FX-format DSLRs with an extended 105-450mm equivalent reach when mounted on DX-format bodies.
Specifications
| Focal Length | 70-300mm (105-450mm equivalent on DX) |
|---|---|
| Maximum Aperture | f/4.5-5.6 |
| Minimum Aperture | f/32 |
| Mount | Nikon F Mount (FX & DX Compatible) |
| Image Stabilization | Nikon VR II (equivalent to 2.5 stops) |
| Autofocus Motor | Silent Wave Motor (SWM) with Manual Override |
| Special Elements | 2x Extra-Low Dispersion (ED) Glass Elements |
| Diaphragm Blades | 9-Blade Rounded |
| Filter Diameter | 67mm |
| Focus Design | Internal Focus (IF), Non-Rotating Front Element |
Frequently asked questions
Is the Nikon 70-300mm VR lens compatible with both FX and DX Nikon cameras?
Yes. The lens is designed for Nikon F-mount FX-format DSLRs, but it is fully compatible with DX-format bodies as well. On a DX camera the focal length equivalent becomes 105-450mm, giving you even greater telephoto reach.
How effective is the VR II stabilisation on this lens, and does it help with video?
Nikon VR II provides image stabilisation equivalent to 2.5 shutter speed stops of compensation, which is engineered specifically for this lens. This reduces motion blur from camera shake for both still images and video capture during handheld shooting.
Can I use a circular polarising filter on this lens without it rotating during focusing?
Yes. The Internal Focus (IF) design keeps the front element from rotating during autofocus, so a circular polarising filter — or any other filter on the 67mm thread — stays correctly oriented throughout the focusing process.
