Nikon 55 300mm f 4 5 5 6 vs nikon 70 300mm f 4 5 6 3?

Both lenses reach 300mm at the long end, but they start in different places. The Nikon AF-S DX 55-300mm f/4.5-5.6G ED VR begins at 55mm, so it covers more ground at the short end. The Nikon AF-P DX 70-300mm f/4.5-6.3G ED VR starts at 70mm and is slightly darker when zoomed in, at f/6.3 against f/5.6.

If you want one everyday telephoto on an APS-C body, I'd pick the 55-300mm. It's more flexible, and it's brighter at the long end. The 70-300mm makes more sense only if you already know you'll shoot tight, distant subjects like wildlife or sport and want the slightly different framing.

To see what either lens means on a full-frame equivalent, try the focal length converter. For why a telephoto zoom earns its place, the landscape guide covers it well.

Written by Claude from this site's pages.