Nikon Nikon 2197 SLR Lenses AF-S DX NIKKOR 55-300mm Review
Nikon's 55-300mm f/4.5 packs pro-level versatility and sharpness into a surprisingly affordable package, but its slow aperture means it's strictly for daylight.
Overview
If you need a superzoom for your Nikon DX camera and don't want to break the bank, this 55-300mm is a shockingly good pick. The one thing to know is that it punches way above its price in versatility and image quality, but it's not a lens for low light or creamy backgrounds. It's a workhorse for daylight shooting, period.
Performance
What surprised me is how sharp this thing is across most of its zoom range, especially for the money. The VR II stabilization is legit, letting you handhold shots at 300mm that you'd normally need a tripod for. The autofocus is fine in good light, but it's the middle of the pack, so don't expect it to track fast action perfectly.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Insanely versatile zoom range (82.5-450mm equivalent) for travel and landscapes. 97th
- Image stabilization is top-notch and really works. 91th
- Optical quality is sharp and contrasty, landing in the 91st percentile. 90th
- Lightweight and easy to carry for a telephoto zoom.
Cons
- The f/4.5 constant aperture is slow, putting it in the bottom 20% for low light. 19th
- Bokeh and portrait performance are weak points (19th percentile). 20th
- Autofocus is just okay and can hunt a bit. 31th
- Not weather-sealed, so keep it out of the rain.
Specifications
Full Specifications
Optics
| Type | Telephoto Zoom |
| Focal Length Min | 55 |
| Focal Length Max | 300 |
| Elements | 17 |
| Groups | 11 |
Aperture
| Max Aperture | f/4.5 |
| Constant | Yes |
Build
| Mount | Nikon F |
| Weight | 0.5 kg / 1.2 lbs |
| Filter Thread | 58 |
AF & Stabilization
| Stabilization | Yes |
Focus
| Min Focus Distance | 1402 |
| Max Magnification | 0.28x |
Value & Pricing
At around $455, it's a fantastic value if your needs match its strengths. You're getting pro-level versatility and sharpness for a fraction of the cost of Nikon's high-end zooms. Just know you're trading away speed and background blur.
vs Competition
Don't compare this to primes like the Viltrox 35mm f/1.7. That's a different tool for low light and portraits. A more relevant competitor is a used Nikon 70-300mm VR. You'd gain full-frame compatibility but might lose some sharpness on the long end. For a DX shooter who wants one lens to cover everything from mid-range to super telephoto, this 55-300mm is the simpler, often better choice.
Verdict
This is a clear buy for Nikon DX photographers who shoot outdoors, travel, or need a flexible telephoto on a budget. It's sharp, stabilized, and covers a huge range. Skip it if you shoot portraits, need fast apertures for indoor sports, or want dreamy background blur. For its specific job, it's a home run.