Nikon AF-P DX 70-300mm f/4.5-6.3g ED VR

£379/$397 The stabilized version of the DX 70-300mm is a better bet for going steady

This is the stabilized edition of the cheaper, more basic DX 70-300mm lens that’s also featured in this big test. The optical design is essentially the same, based on 14 elements in 10 groups, along with the inclusion of an ED (Extra-low Dispersion) element. Neither of the lenses have an autofocus scale, typical of stepping-motor autofocus lenses, nor any onboard switches. Selection of auto/ manual focus and VR on/off are therefore relegated to in-camera menus, the latter of which isn’t available on some older cameras, so VR remains active all the time.

The look and feel of the lens are well suited to Nikon’s more recent DX format DSLRS, and it’s small and lightweight for a 70-300mm lens, at 72x125mm and 414g. That’s 14g heavier than the non-vr edition, pinpointing the weight of the VR unit. As with the non-stabilized version of the lens, the hood is sold separately, adding to the overall price.

Performance

We were fairly unimpressed with the performance of the review sample of this lens that we tested when it was first launched back in 2016. However, subsequent samples that we’ve tested have fared rather better, delivering pleasing image quality in real-world shooting. Sharpness is good throughout most of the zoom range and there’s not too much in the way of distortions. Autofocus is pretty speedy and VR is worth about 4-stops. As a lightweight option with powerful telephoto reach, this lens is the best F-mount option for DX format DSLRS. It’s also good on DX format Z system cameras, via an FTZ mount adapter.