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Customers most agreed on the following attributes:
from Scottsdale, AZ on 7/10/2008
Just used this lens on a vacation where my daughter was swimming, sailing & playing tennis. Flawless performance. I took some shots of boats 2-3 miles away at the 300 mm focal length, and they were perfect! Highly recommended!
from NJ on 7/10/2008
I am using outdoor
from Hartford, CT on 7/10/2008
The telephoto aspect of the lens was great. While not something to bring the mountains right into your yard, I was taking pictures of a soccer game when a player kicked the ball in my direction. I ducked only to realize that they were over 50 yards away and since I was looking through the lens, it looked close enough for me to react. Good value and very happy with all aspects of the lens.
from Z?rich, Switzerland on 7/10/2008
very good in combination with 16-85VR lens. High picutre quality, sharpness contrast. Only slightly reduced at 300mm. Low weight, very effective VR!
For outdoor really amazing.
Has not wide open aperture, so not so great for indoor low light sports (movement cannot be overcome with VR)
from Naples, FL on 7/10/2008
The lens is large yet not too heavy and when attached to my Nikon D200 feels reasonable to hold and use freehand. I've only had the lens a few weeks yet it's fitted into my kit bag like an old friend and so far it's been a pleasure to use.
Images shared by: TwobucksMiami South Beach, at full 300mm setting
from Pompano Beach, FL on 6/28/2008
Well built lens, good value for the money but I wish I'd saved my pennies for the f2.8 flavor. Hard for me to apprreciate the money I saved when I can't get the shot I'm looking for....
VR works very well but not all together pleased with the autofocus.
from Memphis, TN on 6/27/2008
This lens is amazing. I took it out to the soccer game and have closeups from the other side of the pitch! I just recently purchased this lens with a Nikon D60 and it has the amazing ability to focus on the action that I am trying to shoot, not just the closest player. I find myself using this lens more than the short lens!
Images shared by: ShawnHorse Kiss
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I take a lot of landscape photos. Due to the broad zoom of this lens, I use it more than most of my other lenses. I am completely satisfied with the quality of the glass, but I am not satisfied with the "lens creep".
This lens stretches out to 11.5 inches (including the lens shade) if the glass is pointed downward, which it normally is when my camera is attached to my tripod, monopod or neck strap. This, to me, is incredibly annoying! Although I'm as careful as I can, it hits everything from tree branches to furniture.
from Fairfield Bay, AR on 6/17/2008
I've just used the lens a couple of times but I have been very pleased with the clarity and quality.
[1 of 1 customers found this review helpful]
from Seattle, WA on 6/16/2008
Awesome vibration reduction technology, but not dependable. Electrical contacts to D80 deteriorate below 70 degrees F, causing "no lens attached" error and no shot. Hand held in a boat caused about 1/5 of shots to be lost because movement caused intermittent electrical contact and no aperature control. Replaced with 18-200 and 80-400.
from Northern Virginia on 6/13/2008
This lens is used for everything around the house, in the neighorhood, and fun pictures at work. Brings everything up-close and personal; albeit, a touch heavy.
from Southwest Ga on 6/12/2008
Action shots of sports
Images shared by: soccer dadShow Dog
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Can't Hide
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[0 of 1 customers found this review helpful]
from Martinez, CA on 5/24/2008
Nice lens, good range
from Indy on 5/21/2008
Great lens. I bought it for taking photos of Indy cars at 226 mph at a distance. It has done everything I was hoping for and more. It makes a great companion to my 18-200 VR and my Tokina 80-400 and my 12-24. I'm not sure how rugged it is because I don't abuse any of my cameras or lenses. I would highly recommend this lens because of the quality of the photos and the price.
[1 of 1 customers found this review helpful]
from Houston, Texas on 5/21/2008
I am using this lens for general use when I want a telephoto but not the weight of some of the alternatives. It is lighter than my old 300 mm f/4 and easier to hand hold. The bokeh is pretty good, but isolation and bokeh aren't up to a wide open f/2.8 or f/4 lens (it also isn't as sharp at 300 mm but it costs a whole lot less and isn't bad). It is a nice match to the D3 and I normally carry the 70-300 and a wide zoom with that camera. On my D200, it is sharper than the 18-200 DX over the overlapping range but not quite as handy so it stays at home since I normally carry the D200 when I am trying to keep the weight down.
[2 of 2 customers found this review helpful]
from Torrance, CA on 4/19/2008
This is an amazing lens. Compared to the 18-200mm VR, this lens is sharper, far less distortion, a bit more reach, less chromatic aberration, and less lens flare.
I have this lens on my D80, and love it. Between my 18-70mm and this lens, I have an excellent camera kit without spending thousands for pro lenses. I can reach out and touch subjects from very far away.
The VR is amazing. With Active VR, it corrects all movement. You can take a good clear pic from a moving car at 300mm while using Active VR.
Normal VR setting is for stationary subjects.
An amazing lens for an amazing price. I paid more for my computer's video card than I paid for this lens.
Moon
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Spider on power line, moon in background
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[1 of 1 customers found this review helpful]
from Fremont, CA on 4/19/2008
I just got my 70-300mm VR several days ago, and already getting great use out of it. I bought it specifically for several events that are happening this summer, and thought I should buy it ahead of time to get used to it. From Turkey Vultures to bees on flowers, this lens is already giving me a new view on what I can do with my camera (no pun intended) and is the best money I've spent, right after the D40.I found out about Adorama and this lens through KenRockwell[@] (thanks for a great site Ken!)
from Bartlett, IL on 4/2/2008
It small enough to take on a weekend plane trip. VR works very well so you don't need to carry a tri-pod.
[4 of 4 customers found this review helpful]
from Harford, NY on 3/6/2008
I bought the lens to replace the non-VR 100-300 series G Nikkor. This lens is noticeably sharper, and the VR system does exactly what you'd want. No, it's not going to let you hand hold a full second exposure (nothing will), but it sure helps at more moderate exposures. The comparison pictures were taken with an exposure of 1/4 second at 300mm, hand held (elbows resting on table). The difference is obvious.
Images shared by: Mike1/4 second at 300mm - VR turned off
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1/4 second at 30mm - VR turned on
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[1 of 1 customers found this review helpful]
from Lake Charles, LA on 3/6/2008
i use this lens for just about everything...taking sports photos of my kids and just regular shots...but i am able to zoom in and therefore be out of their space...which enables me to get more natural pictures of them and everything else i am shooting. very easy to interchange these lenses as well. i am really enjoying it.
[2 of 2 customers found this review helpful]
from Williamsburg, VA on 3/1/2008
I have the 80-200 2.8 but wanted to try something with VR. I've had a consumer oriented 70-210 nikon AF years back which just didn't compare to the 80-200. This lens was a surprise when I shot with it. First, it's much lighter than the 80-200 2.8. It focuses quickly and much quieter with the AF-S. It seems very sturdy despite the plastic build. The proof is in the results, however. I can consistently get sharp handheld images at 300 on my D300 (450mm equiv. on film) that I struggled with at 200 with the 2.8. I'll still use it for sporting events, but for outdoor/wildlife, this lightweight beauty can't be beat.
Images shared by: MarkShot Handheld, 270mm, f7.1, 1/500s Iso200 on D300
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from Orange Beach, AL on 2/21/2008
Leave that tripod at home.
from Northern VA on 2/21/2008
Good lens for shooting long shots off hand.
from Florida on 2/21/2008
I use for wildlife particularly birds in Florida
from bloomingdale,Il. on 2/21/2008
great lense for someone like me,who is just
learning.The price is resonable.
[1 of 1 customers found this review helpful]
from Spring Creek, Nevada on 1/26/2008
Purchased to take pictures of local wildlife and so far I have not been disappointed.
Images shared by: KevRocky Mnt Sheep
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Bird on Feeder
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from Naples, FL on 1/24/2008
A great zoom with the extra reach you need for tight wildlife and sports images. The VR works well in most lighting conditions.
from Ama, LA on 1/21/2008
Me and my wife have used this lens both indoors and out, actions sports, general photography; and love it. Its a great lens to have if your looking for something that is versatile. We using a nikon N55 camera now and I can't wait to buy a digital camera to see how this lens works with it.
[1 of 1 customers found this review helpful]
from Zeeland, MI on 1/21/2008
For portraits or set-up shots its great and I like the Bokeh (the good). For action the auto-focus is not good low light performance is poor (the bad). The weight of the lens on my little D40 makes it top heavy and awkward on the Tripod (ugly, but OK). For the cost [$] v performance I hesitate to recommend.
Images shared by: Tomphoto made with lens at 155mm
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from Albuquerque on 1/21/2008
Sharp, fast focus, but no tripod mount. VR doesn't solve all jitter problems.
[1 of 3 customers found this review helpful]
from ST JOSEPH, MO on 1/21/2008
ALL I'VE READ SAID BECAUSE THIS IS A VR LENS, YOU COULD HAND-HOLD IT DOWN TO A SPEED OF 30 OR EVEN 15. I FIND THIS ABSOLUTELY NOT TO BE TRUE. I SPENT SEVERAL HUNDRED DOLLARS JUST FOR THIS FUNCTION & I FEEL AS IF THE MONEY WAS WASTED.
[1 of 1 customers found this review helpful]
from Seattle, WA on 1/20/2008
The lens has a nice solid feel. I wouldn't call it lightweight, but it is lighter than the 18-200 so that mounted weight on camera is reduced. This is my first use of VR and it is truly an amazing lens. With minimal bracing, such as leaning my body against something, I can get clean shots at 300 mm down to 1/40 second.
[1 of 4 customers found this review helpful]
Bought this lens at the same time I bought my D80 "kit" w/the 18-135 lens. The VR is all it's said to be! Get great results!
[2 of 2 customers found this review helpful]
For anyone considering this lens it is an outstanding lens and steal. The optics on the long end are really nice. It is very light and easy to carry around. This lens performs very well with good lighting and can easily be used for sports, portraits, and wildlife. It mounts effortlessly onto my D200 and D300. For anyone who does not have a second battery you will need it with this lens. If you are considering the purchase, you can't go wrong with this lens for the cost.
from Shelby, Ohio on 9/28/2007
This is a very nice lens that I use to shoot my brother's high school football games. The range is fantastic...We have a stadium that holds a couple thousand, and from about the 5th row from the top I get great shots. You can even make out their facial expressions with it! (Not always easy to do in football even when you're standing on top of the players!)
Let me explain the "cons" I checked though. I marked it as "heavy" only because I use this with a Nikon D40, and the lens really makes that lightweight thing bulkier. However, it's not unbearable by any means. Also, because I'm shooting an outdoor night sport, and this lens only goes down to a 4.5 f stop, it sometimes does not refocus super fast to catch multiple quick action shots. However, it still does an overall great job catching action.
I do use a monopod with this, especially after the sun goes down. Stadium lights are great, but not quite bright enough usually to prevent blur. This does have the nice feature of VR, which makes it much easier to get clean shots. Many times I can use this before the sun goes down without the monopod. I've also used it in the woods to take Senior portraits without the monopod. VR is a wonderful thing!
All in all, if you're looking for a great lens with a big focal length under $1000, this one is definitely a choice to consider!
Run Adam!
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Chad fights for yards
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from Bisbee, AZ on 9/26/2007
One of the few negatives about this lens is it's easy loss of auto-focus requiring it to search through it's range especially when shooting against a blue-sky such as would be done at a air show. Once focused the shots are fairly sharp. The VR is useful when lightening is marginal.
Images shared by: Arizona Air ShooterHelicopter Lift at 270 MM
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from Calif on 8/14/2007
This lens is sharp until I go to 300mm.
Than is gets a little soft.
from Bergen, Norway on 8/3/2007
This tele is really sharp already at f5.6. Gives very good pictures. The VR is a good helper, but not as good as the VR in the KonicaMinolta 7D body. Seems like it is not compensating for quick movements as good as that one. I now only carry the 28-105 and this lens for most of my work.
Images shared by: Ovas
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[1 of 1 customers found this review helpful]
from Mission Viejo, Ca. on 7/13/2007
I had the older nikon 70- 300 and find this lens superior to the old one. It is very sharp, quiet focusing, and the vr is a definite plus.
[1 of 1 customers found this review helpful]
from shoreline CT on 7/12/2007
I bought this lens to get closer to the birds.
I like photos in nature more than on a backyard feeder so this lens seems to do it all.
We would all like a 400-500 mm range but budget and weight restrictions limit those choices.
I use kenko 1.4 TC with decent results and all camera funcions working on my D-50. Its a very sharp lens that rarely comes off even with my new 18-200 vr in my bag.
Willet Photo
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Baltimore Oriole
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from So. Cal. on 7/12/2007
Easy to use.
from Poplar Bluff, Missouri on 7/11/2007
This is my first lens with VR. I find the VR to be nothing short of amazing. Excellent detail at 200 mm shot at 1/60 sec is hard to believe.
from Boston, MA on 7/10/2007
This lens is fantastic! As soon as I received it I took the photo I enclose at 70mm with a 13watt fluorescent light... no blur! I then tested it at 300mm on my neighbor while he was bbqing one half vlock away (for privacy reasons I will not include his photo) the photo was sharp at existing light on an overcast day at 1/100 !!! what else can I say? It is a must have lens.
Images shared by: walrus2coffe?
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from St. Louis, MO on 7/10/2007
The lens is a little unweildy on my D40, but it works great, and is a joy to use - I take lots of bird pictures outdoors, and lots of pictures in a Church from the balcony in the back, and the lens (especially with VR) is perfect for those needs. Pair it with something like the 18-135mm, and you have a very cost-effective outfit for any Nikon body!
Images shared by: [@]Cardinal on feeder outside my window.
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from San Diego on 7/10/2007
Hard to wrong with this lens for the price. While it's not the fastest lens in the Nikon lineup, it's not the most expensive and it's not particularly heavy.
If you are thinking about a zoom for your Nikon don't hesitate.
[1 of 1 customers found this review helpful]
from Pocono Mountian PA. on 6/10/2007
Great lens for the money.I do alot of nature photogragh and it hardly come off my camera. The only thing i didn't like was nikon's teleconverters won't fit.I haven't checked other brands yet.
from boston, ma on 6/8/2007
phenomenal productl. never used vibration reduction always used a tripod. I shot a 116 mm at 1/25 f 5.6 (see photo) right out of the box and had perfect focus. A must buy.
Images shared by: walrus2you make me laugh
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from Bridgeport, CT on 5/31/2007
Produces really sharp images in all focal lengths.
Not too heavy to carry around, but would have been great if there is a tripod mount for times that it stays on my camera too long that it weighs 20x more (or I just need to exercise more).
The VR works wonders!
Not a fast lens, but overall, this is definitely gonna stay in my bag.
[1 of 1 customers found this review helpful]
from KCMO on 5/17/2007
This lens is a fantastic value. Very sharp and accurate for its price. Everything works as advertised. [...]
from Concord, CA on 5/12/2007
I am at the beginning of my DSL journey and have purchased a Nikon D80 with 18-135 which is a really great all around lens. But I like the hard shots; the jackrabbits and birds that just don't sit up close and wait. I have taken some WONDERFUL shots in my early experience and no noticeable vibration, even though I do have some trouble holding still for long. Maybe not the top of the line but great to learn and practice on.
Images shared by: DoggonefoolRedWing Blackbird
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from San Francisco on 5/9/2007
The VR feature works really well and has enabled me to capture lots of images handheld that normally would have required a tripod. Everything works smoothly, and it's relatively light for what it is. Image sharpness is terrific from 70-220mm, and very good from 220-300mm.
from Dade City, Fl on 5/9/2007
Gets close to wildlife without disturbing the peace!
Images shared by: Southern Girl StephanieSleepy gator
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from Atlant area, Ga on 5/9/2007
Good addition to my 18-135, would like to have had a 400mm zoom but price too high.
[2 of 2 customers found this review helpful]
from la, ca on 5/8/2007
this is really a nice lens. after growing up on nikon slr's and nikkor lens, 35mm and digital, this lens does not disappoint. it focus' quickly and it's sharp. i take care of my equipment, so the fact that it's body is made of plastic doesn't bother me. it's a lot lighter to carry around, than the older metal bodied nikkor lenses. a good fit if you have the newer, smaller bodied nikon's, like the d40 and d40x. definitely worth the money. i couldn't ask for more. if i had to do it over, i'd definitely get another one.
from San Antonio, TX on 5/8/2007
I am taking pictures at Challenger Baseball Games (baseball for mentally and physically handicap children). Overall the picture was it focus but the center was slightly out of focus. I was told that it was "vibration noise" from the lens. I purchased the VR lens that day and used it the next weekend for the baseball games. The shots came out perfect, no "vibration noise". I should have upgraded to the 70 - 300 VR lens when I bought my camera but I thought that the standard 70 - 300 lens would do just fine.
from NEPA on 5/8/2007
Took this camera on Kilimanjaro Safari at Disney World. It preformed better than I expected.
from Livermore on 5/8/2007
I'm a photographer and I work for big company.
I learn a lots about all difference lens,I always used 2.8 and I never thought I would like it but the lens was great and lite weight and the focus was clear,I took a lots of good picture with this lens.
[2 of 2 customers found this review helpful]
from Florida on 5/8/2007
I am out in the boat a lot with wind and waves. The lens helped steady my shots of nature that I would otherwise be unable to capture. Love the lens so far.
[2 of 2 customers found this review helpful]
from Ohio on 3/26/2007
Takes very nice sharp pictures coupled to my Nikon D80. Very good for outdoor daytime action shots of kids sporting events. Focus is fast.VR is excellent for low light stationary objects or to help steady the shot at lower hand held shutter speeds. Lens is a little slow for indoor action shots and VR will obviously not help with that. Bottom line, as long as you are not purchasing this lens to take indoor/lowlight/nighttime action shots you should be very happy with this lens. I know I am.
[1 of 1 customers found this review helpful]