Hello photographers, I always wanted to share reviews about my photography gears on the blog, so here is the first! I am starting with my favourite lens Nikkor 55-300mm lens. In this article, you will find details about the lens and why it is the best for Beginner-level Nikon cameras.
I have a Nikon D3200 that came with an 18-55 mm kit lens. Initial years of using my camera, I photographed with my kit lens. However, as I started taking things more seriously, especially when I began wildlife & bird photography, I realised it was time for a lens upgrade. I was looking for a lens that was not too expensive but had a reasonable focal length to capture wildlife and birds.
Researching to find the lens perfect for my camera
Before buying 55-300mm, I used a much cheaper telephoto lens, 70-300mm. However, the issue with beginner-level cameras is that they do not have an inbuilt motor, and autofocus is one essential feature that comes in handy in wildlife photography. Because while shooting wildlife and birds, you need a fast focus, or you might miss a good shot. Therefore, you will need a lens that has a built-in motor. A lens like 70-300 mm is cheaper but does not support this functionality for a camera like D3200 or any similar model like D3100, D5600 etc.
Note: Full frame cameras such as D500, D780 etc. come with an inbuilt motor. Therefore, no need to worry about a lens with built-in motors.
If you still do not believe this, you can check out my photos from Gir Trip that I took using Nikon D3200 and 70-30mm lens. Most of the shots were blurry because it was hard to focus on the subject manually during the safari. Hence, it became nearly impossible to get a good picture.
Taken using 70-300mm lens and took so much patience to get one good shot 😥
About my lens Nikon AF-S DX Nikkor 55-300mm f/4.5-5.6G ED VR
I found Nikkor 55-300mm lens the only one my camera supported and has an inbuilt motor. I purchased it for ₹24,000 from Dass Studios in Connaught Place Delhi in 2019. Here are some essential features of the lens.
- Lens Type: Zoom lens
- Max Format size: APS-C / DX
- Focal length: 55–300 mm
- Image stabilization: Yes (4 stops claimed)
- Lens mount: Nikon F (DX)
- Maximum Aperture: F4.5–5.6
- Minimum aperture: F22–32
- Autofocus: Yes
- Motor type: Micro-type ultrasonic
- Full-time manual: No
- Focus method: Extending front
- Weight: 530 g (1.17 lb)
- Zoom method: Rotary (extending)
A versatile lens thanks to its impressive focal length range and fast autofocus capability. I can click short-range and long-distance photos with just one lens. Therefore, it became my favourite lens. Which one is yours? Here are a few of my favourite photos taken using 55-300mm lens.
