Product Description

The AF-S VR 70-300 f/4.5-5.6G IF-ED is a high-performance super telephoto zoom lens that has been designed to meet the demands of both digital and 35mm format SLR users. It offers a 4.3x zoom with a range of 70-300mm (105-450mm on a DX Nikon D-SLR) and features ED (Extra-low Dispersion) glass elements that ensure superior optical performance. This lens incorporates Nikon's second-generation vibration reduction system (VR II) that allows flexible hand-held shooting by stabilizing the image to the equivalent extent of using a shutter speed that is four stops faster when compared with a conventional lens (as determined by Nikon performance test). The SWM (Silent Wave Motor) and IF (Internal Focusing) ensure fast and quiet focusing action, and the nine-blade rounded diaphragm makes out-of-focus elements blend smoothly to produce natural-looking, harmonious backgrounds.

Product Details

• Brand: Nikon
• Model: 2161
• Released on: 2006-10-25
• Dimensions: 3.10" h x 3.10" w x 5.60" l, 1.64 pounds

Features

• 70-300mm telephoto zoom lens with f/4.5-5.6 maximum aperture for Nikon digital SLR cameras
• Vibration Reduction (VRII) minimizes effects of camera shake to produce sharper images
• 2 Extra-Low Dispersion (ED) glass elements delivers super contrast and resolution performance
• Internal Focus (IF) system provides fast and quiet autofocusing; 4.9-feet close focus range
• Measures 3.1 inches in diameter and 5.6 inches long; weighs 26.3 ounces; 5-year warranty

From the Manufacturer
The Nikon 4.3x, 70-300mm f4.5-5.6G ED-IF AF-S VR Zoom-Nikkor lens is ideal for telephoto shooting opportunities. It incorporates many of Nikon's most advanced lens design attributes such as Extra Low Dispersion (ED) glass, Silent Wave Motor technology (SWM) and Enhanced Vibration Reduction (VR II), in a design engineered for use with both Nikon DX format digital and 35mm film SLR cameras. With a high-powered 70-300mm focal length range, the lens is ideal for sports, action, wildlife, travel and portrait photography, among other telephoto applications. When used on a Nikon DX format digital SLR, this lens approximates the picture angle performance of a 105-450mm lens on a 35mm SLR camera.

Beyond the lens' incredible optical versatility is the benefit of Enhanced VR II Vibration Reduction--an innovation that makes it possible to take substantially sharper handheld pictures at slower shutter speeds than would otherwise be possible. This provides the distinct advantage of being able to shoot more effectively in a much broader variety of challenging conditions. With the new Nikon VR II advantage, users can take pictures at shutter speeds as many as 4 stops slower than they ordinarily could shoot without the image degrading blur associated with camera shake at slow shutter speeds. Nikon's advanced VR technology further enhances picture taking potential with a choice of two modes to match most shooting conditions. VR Normal Mode primarily compensates for camera shake, and includes automatic panning detection, as well as automatic tripod detection. VR Active Mode effectively compensates for vibration in situations where it is more pronounced and more frequent, such as when shooting from a moving vehicle.

To further ensure outstanding optical performance, the 70-300mm f4.5-5.6G ED-IF AF-S VR Zoom-Nikkor features two Extra-Low Dispersion (ED) glass elements and three complex aspherical lens elements that provide for higher resolution, high-contrast images while minimizing chromatic aberration, astigmatism and other forms of distortion. The lens also features Nikon's compact Silent Wave Motor technology (SWM), which combines fast and precise autofocusing with super-quiet operation, as well as Internal Focusing (IF) construction that allows the lens to focus without changing its external size, improving balance and handling characteristics.

Customer Reviews

Very nice lense but it's a little heavy...
I recommend this lens. I have been using it for few months now and I am very satisfied with it. It's heavy if you want to cary it the whole day in a long walk. It's very sharp up to 200mm and sharp enough at 300mm. I can't always blame the lense as I shoot very far objects and the haze make the picture look not so sharp (I haven't used UV filters with it yet; they are still on the way to be delivered).

Buy this lense now if you really need it or wait for the AF-S version of 80-400mm VR if you can wait maybe few months or maybe a year (or even more - just an estimation about its release in 2009/2010 but it will be at least 3 times the price of this one). If your budget is around few hundred bucks, trust me, this lens is the one if you need telephoto ranges on a DX body!

Outstanding Lens for the Price
The product was exactly as described and well worth the price. If you shoot outside sports photography - this is the lens that will deliver quality results at a great price. Working with my Nikon D80 SLR from the football sidelines, I could take excellent action shots and closeups, even from the other side of the field. The product also was packed well, shipped promptly and arrived in excellent shape when promised. It was the most expensive product I have ever purchased from Amazon and I would do so again in the future based on this experience.

Great lens
The Nikon 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6G ED-IF AF-S VR Zoom Nikkor Lens for Nikon Digital SLR Cameras is fantastic. I have a Nikon D-100 camera. I took pictures of the two shuttles on their pads this weekend and they were great. From 3 miles away the shuttles look like they are just across the road.