SEO Link List

automotive & industrial

Brake Tools

Bumper Stickers, Decals & Magnets

Bumpers & Bumper Accessories

Cleaning & Maintenance

Diagnostic, Test & Measurement Tools

Engine Tools

Exterior

Exterior Care

Finishing

Gaskets

Glass Care

Hood Scoops & Vents

Horns & Accessories

Ignition & Electrical

Interior

Interior Care

Jump Starters, Battery Chargers & Portable Power

Lighting & Electrical

Mirrors & Parts

Plumbing

Pullers

Running Boards & Steps

Safety

Shocks, Struts & Suspension

Snow & Ice

Steering & Suspension Tools

Thread Repair Kits

Tires

Tools & Equipment

Towing Products & Winches

Trailer Accessories

Truck Bed & Tailgate Accessories

baby products

Activity & Entertainment

Apparel & Accessories

Baby & Toddler Toys

Baby Care

Car Seats & Accessories

Diapering

Feeding

Gifts

Nursery

Potty Training

Safety

Strollers & Accessories

Travel Gear

beauty & personal care

Foot, Hand & Nail Care

Hair Care

Makeup

Personal Care

electronics

Camera & Photo

Car & Vehicle Electronics

Cell Phones & Accessories

Computers & Accessories

Home Audio

Household Batteries, Chargers & Accessories

Television & Video

Video Game Consoles & Accessories

Wearable Technology

health & household

Baby & Child Care

Health Care

House Supplies

Oral Care

Personal Care

Sexual Wellness

Sports Nutrition

Wellness & Relaxation

home & kitchen

Bath

Bedding

Heating, Cooling & Air Quality

Kitchen & Dining

Lighting & Ceiling Fans

Seasonal Decor

Storage & Organization

Vacuums & Floor Care

office products

Educational Supplies

Office & School Supplies

patio, lawn & garden

Gardening & Lawn Care

Outdoor Decor

Outdoor Heating & Cooling

Outdoor Lighting

Outdoor Power Tools

Patio Furniture & Accessories

Pest Control

pet supplies

Birds

Cats

Dogs

Fish & Aquatic Pets

Horses

Reptiles & Amphibians

toys & games

Arts & Crafts

Collectible Toys

Dolls & Accessories

Dress Up & Pretend Play

Games & Accessories

Kids' Electronics

Puppets & Puppet Theaters

Puzzles

Remote & App Controlled Vehicles & Parts

Sports & Outdoor Play

Stuffed Animals & Plush Toys

Tricycles, Scooters & Wagons

Vehicles

Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 55-300mm Zoom Lens

Curated from 119 real Reddit conversations

Refreshed on: March 30, 2025

Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 55-300mm Zoom Lens

Brand: Nikon
Price: $268
Snoop Score:
7.6
Sentiment
9.3
Popularity
9.8
Technical
6.3

Snoop's Take

The Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 55-300mm f/4.5-5.6G ED Vibration Reduction Zoom Lens is designed for Nikon DSLR cameras, providing users with a versatile telephoto zoom option ideal for various photography styles. This lens is a favorite among both amateur and professional photographers for its compact size, effective autofocus system, and high-quality glass that produces vibrant images. Users have praised it for its ability to deliver excellent results across different subjects, with comments like, "I have known many professionals who have used them, especially for Sports/Birds/Wildlife." Given its strong performance and positive feedback, this lens is highly recommended for those in search of a reliable and affordable zoom lens in its category.

Not for you? Check out our other rated SLR Camera Lenses

Freaking GREAT camera. I have known many professionals who have used them, especially for Sports/Birds/Wildlife.

Positive Feedback

If sticking to Auto mode, you are missing out on a lot of the features of this camera body.

Negative Feedback
Product
7.6
Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 55-300mm Zoom Lens
Portrait Photography
6 / 10
Action & Sports
7 / 10
Landscape & Travel
6 / 10
Low-Light & Night Photography
5 / 10
See how this compares to all SLR Camera Lenses

What it does well!

Key strengths users can’t stop talking about.
Great camera for various photography styles
Freaking GREAT camera. I have known many professionals who have used them, especially for Sports/Birds/Wildlife.
Highly recommend. I’m using mine in a more professional way, and the results are great for studio or location portrait work.
Offers great focus drive options
The D7200 is a great camera and the focus drive means your lens options are greater including some great vintage and FX lenses if that’s your thing.
Compact size makes it easy to carry
It’s fairly small, so it’s easy to take everywhere.
Great learning tool for beginners
You WILL learn from it. You'll learn to focus, meter, and letting time be a part of it.
Great autofocus performance
I love the color and the price and auto focus for that lens and use it on a D3500.
When I first upgraded to FX, I didn’t have any FX lenses and tried on the 35mm and was surprised at the results.
Affordable lens options available
Best priced option for you would be an AF-D lens.
You want: Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 35mm f/1.8G ED.
Nikon F mount compatibility with older lenses
the most important gear is between your ears.
You can just tell the quality in the build and the glass.
But man, using lenses I bought literally 35 years ago *on my Z cameras*? It does kinda trip me out!
Quality and breadth of Nikon lenses
Of the Japanese brands I’d probably say Nikon in terms of quality AND breadth of available lenses…
Compatible with existing Nikon manual focus lenses
But recently I've become interested to try shooting film, just for fun. I shoot Nikon digital so would want to stay within the Nikon family to make use of some of my existing manual focus lenses.
Photos have vibrant colors and great framing
Japan - Nikon F80 - Nikkor 28-105mm + 35mm AF-D - Various stocks Yes I know, yet another Japan post.
Honestly everyone of these photos are punchy. The colors pop.
Great size and quality for travel
the glass is great, and it's pretty much dead simple to operate.
I love it, it's a gem. The size, quality, iso/exposure control, and filter threads make it a unicorn.
the lens very sharp. Gotta love that styling as well — very 80s but also somehow timeless IMO.
Effective autofocus system
I absolutely love my L35AF, it's the only analogue camera I've ever had and I've never had any reason to upgrade it!
Great lens for various photography styles
I was surprised by the quality I can get from an entry camera (Nikon D3100 + Nikkor 35mm 1.8)
The old cameras still produce great images with great glass.
Excellent image quality with high-quality glass
It's all about the glass. Nice work.
Indeed it is! And that DX 35/1.8G is probably one of the best deals in photography. In fact, iirc it
Well... The thing is, that little bastard is one of the best Nikkor lenses ever.
Great learning tool for photography enthusiasts
Pro cameras aren't about being *able* to take better photos, it's about making it *easier* to take better photos in demanding situations.

Where it needs some work!

Areas to watch—feedback on possible improvements.
Auto mode limits feature use
If sticking to Auto mode, you are missing out on a lot of the features of this camera body.
Not as capable as higher-end models
It’s a good enough camera, but I wouldn’t go out of my way to buy it.

Compare On All Talked About Dimensions

Product NameImagePriceScoreCompareSee DetailsBuy Now
Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L USM Standard Zoom LensCanon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L USM Standard Zoom Lens$928
9.2
DetailsBuy
Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS III USM LensCanon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS III USM Lens$2099
8.9
DetailsBuy
Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM LensCanon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM Lens$125
8.5
DetailsBuy
Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS USM Telephoto Zoom LensCanon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS USM Telephoto Zoom Lens$1149
8.2
DetailsBuy
Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-140mm Zoom LensNikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-140mm Zoom Lens$231
7.7
DetailsBuy
Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 55-300mm Zoom LensNikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 55-300mm Zoom Lens$268
7.6
DetailsBuy
Nikon 55-200mm f/4-5.6G ED-IF AF-S DX VR LensNikon 55-200mm f/4-5.6G ED-IF AF-S DX VR Lens$108
7.2
DetailsBuy
Nikon 35mm f/1.8G AF-S DX LensNikon 35mm f/1.8G AF-S DX Lens$155
6.9
DetailsBuy
Sony SEL85F18 85mm F/1.8 Prime Camera LensSony SEL85F18 85mm F/1.8 Prime Camera Lens$598
6.2
DetailsBuy
MEKE 85mm F1.8 Auto Focus Lens for Nikon CamerasMEKE 85mm F1.8 Auto Focus Lens for Nikon Cameras$189
6.1
DetailsBuy
Nikon 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6G ED IF AF-S VR Nikkor LensNikon 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6G ED IF AF-S VR Nikkor Lens$479
5.6
DetailsBuy
Canon EF 75-300mm f/4-5.6 III Telephoto Zoom LensCanon EF 75-300mm f/4-5.6 III Telephoto Zoom Lens$131
4.4
DetailsBuy
LAOWA 100mm f/2.8 2X Ultra Macro APO LensLAOWA 100mm f/2.8 2X Ultra Macro APO Lens$499
4.0
DetailsBuy
Tamron Auto Focus 18-200mm Zoom Lens for CanonTamron Auto Focus 18-200mm Zoom Lens for Canon$249
3.5
DetailsBuy
Lightdow EF 420-800mm F8.3 Telephoto Zoom LensLightdow EF 420-800mm F8.3 Telephoto Zoom Lens$67
3.0
DetailsBuy
Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 is II LensCanon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 is II Lens$129
2.2
DetailsBuy

Core Power Plays

The specs and strengths that make it shine.
Information about compatibility with Nikon's autofocus
The D versions need the camera body to have a focus motor which the D700 does.
Discussion of personal experiences with the L35 AF camera
This is my first ever 35mm film camera and I am excited to use it.
Discussion on various Nikon lenses and their features
I was stunned by how sharp the 60mm Micro can get.
A nikkor 50 1.4; a good one.
The 28mm F2.8 AI-S is one of the sharpest wide lenses I’ve ever used.
Knowing it has a 'gimmick' feature but still works incredibly well without it makes it a real attractive thing to add to the arsenal eventually.

Buyer’s Cheat Sheet

What to check before you click ‘Add to Cart.’
Discussion on lens compatibility with different camera systems
Which high end SLR should I buy? (Nikon vs Canon vs Minolta) I am currently trying to decide on a hi
Having access to all of Nikon’s modern and affordable f mount lenses is a huge plus for their systems.
F mount of EF mount will serve you well if you want nice glass on 35mm.
Considerations about the advantages of different camera brands
If you're looking to improve your photos, I don't think you'll see much advantage.
User experience with different camera models and lenses
a5 is dirty cheap, light and very capable.
Discussion on lens compatibility with Nikon film cameras
From what I can tell, they probably won't work with a film camera.
Your DX lens will mount .. and work to some extent but since it is a crop sensor lens it will not fill the frame.
AF and AF-S lenses will work with later film cameras.
If I got one, would my existing nikon lenses work with it (they're DX lenses)?
User experiences with Nikon's autofocus capabilities
Looking for something with autofocus because my eyesight sucks and I remember having some blurry photos without autofocus.
Reliability of Ken Rockwell's lens compatibility information
Ken Rockwell's facts are reliable, even if his opinions and photographs are bad.
Discussion on Nikon lens compatibility chart
Probably the best contribution to photography from Ken Rockwell, was this Nikon lens compatibility chart.
I know Ken Rockwell gets a lot of hate, but he does write a decent review, from the technical standpoint at least.
Clarification on Nikon F mount lenses
you’re pretty much just going to have to google it and do your research — because trying to explain it in one reply on here would be waaaaay too much.
Best stick with the AI lenses for the F3.
The most likely compatibility issue -- one that could potentially damage cameras -- would be if there are pre-AI lenses in the collection.
User experiences with various Nikon camera models
I’ve been into photography for over a decade now. By no means a professional - but I appreciate the art of a good shot.
Discussion on full-frame versus cropped sensor lenses
You want F-mount lenses that don't have a "DX" designation.
There is a 35mm 1.8 DX lens, so make sure it’s not that one.
It’s 1.5 between APS-C (dx) and Full Frame (fx)
Discussion on compatibility with different camera systems
*EF mount. Canon have had 4 lens mounts in the EOS family because fuck consumers I guess. EF, EF-S,
Nikon really nailed that gig though, but I'd still love to see a screw-mount AF adapter come along.
Canon EF mount lenses will work great on the modern mirrorless offerings, EF-S as well though that i
Even with stuff like green screen and camera tracking and low-light gigs, it's pretty impressive.
Discussion about choosing between manual and digital-like film cameras
I own a f501 and i am very happy with it, it has auto focus functions and inbuild lightmeter, and i got it for 20$.
Advice on using manual and settings for better photo quality
Most photographers don't read the manual, until there is a road block, and then they read the manual.
User appreciation for shared manual link
Thank you for the manual by the way I really appreciate it :)

Cautionary Callouts

Know the pitfalls before they catch you off guard.
Importance of lens and film over camera model
the important part is the film and the lens.
Historical lens compatibility issues
Nikon on the other hand continued to evolve it’s lens mount, the F mount, which has been on the go since 1959.
Discussion on Nikon's market strategy and future of SLR cameras
Nikon is reportedly dropping out of the market for SLR cameras.
Mirrorless is the new SLR. Consumers aren’t missing out on anything with this.
"**Statement Regarding Today's Media Article** July 12, 2022 There was a media article regarding
Nikon going mirrorless is smart, and I wouldn't be surprised if they release another 'retro' DSLR in another decade.
Discussion about lens misalignment
having those cone shaped highlights in the center of the image means one of the elements inside your lens is misaligned.
Other guy says a lens element is wonky, looks like it.

You May Also Like

Explore more SLR Camera Lenses
SLR Camera Lenses
Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 is II Lens
Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 is II Lens
SLR Camera Lenses
Tamron Auto Focus 18-200mm Zoom Lens for Canon
Tamron Auto Focus 18-200mm Zoom Lens for Canon
SLR Camera Lenses
Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-140mm Zoom Lens
Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-140mm Zoom Lens
Explore more Categories
Headsets
Top Gaming Headsets for Xbox One and Beyond
Top Gaming Headsets for Xbox One and Beyond
SD Cards
Top SD Cards for Photography and Videography
Top SD Cards for Photography and Videography
Computer Speakers
Top Computer Speakers to Enhance Your Multimedia Experience
Top Computer Speakers to Enhance Your Multimedia Experience