Nikon AF-S VR Zoom-Nikkor 70-300 mm f/4.5-5.6G IF-ED (4.3x) Lens

I have used a variety of 70-300s, I started with Sigma 70-300, then bought a Tamron 70-300, not satisfied, I picked a Sigma 70-300 APO then gave up and landed with Nikon 70-300 G (non-VR). From all my purchased I learnt two things: 70-300 is a very useful range for short-telephoto shoots like in a zoo, candids, portraits (@135-200mm) and secondly that Nikon optics by far are better than its competitors. Since I did not need a macro in this lens (not easy to use macro feature), I decided to stay with Nikon but upgrade to VR version.

Since then I have never felt the need to dispose this lens off. The Nikon 70-300 VR is a superb lens. As long there is good bright light, you can shoot handheld; you will have to tripod mount it the moment light falls which is very much acceptable for this lens.

If you are looking for a fast 300mm, go for f/4 instead

The lens is very good. Below are the pros and cons of this lens

Pros:
1. Nice sharp image quality in high light
2. Decent image quality in low light (not to expect much because it's becomes f5.6 lens beyond 200mm)
3. Quick focussing
4. VR works good

Cons:
1. Bit expensive. (Considering Canon 70-300mm f4.5-5.6 is 23k if u but it from Amazon USA)
2. Heavy. Feels bit unbalanced on light cameras like D5100

My suggestion is that you should go for Nikon 55-300mm instead of this one if you do not have any plan to upgrade to FX body. Image quality is same for both the lenses. This one just focuses a bit quicker than the 55-300mm. Now it depends upon you whether that much difference is worth 10k or not.

Handheld: Absolutely stunning photo's, between 8am - 4pm only. You need a faster f2.8 or above lens to shoot fast upto say 6pm or at 7am.

Handheld: Action photography between 10am and 2pm only.

Always carry a tripod with this to get some nice nature stills.

A nice telephoto lens, way ahead of the conventional 55-300.
Pro:
1) 70-300 focus is fast ( i hope you can handle a quick focus to 300mm)
2) Nice and Sharp.
3) Somewhat useful for Portrait works
4) 67 mm filter - bandwidth for those who have 18-105 lens kit
5) Will work with Both FX and DX
6) Quality does not drop @ 300mm, as we see in the 55-300mm

Cons:
1) Not truly professional quality ( enough for what you are paying here)
2) My perspective - I hate the Bokeh @ 300mm, if there is a background tree, its fuzzy and soft.
3) Heavier for a light weight camera like D3100/D5100/D7000
4) Focus noise ( does it matter ?)

Overall - GREAT for those who are more than amateur. You get what you pay.

I mainly bought it for shooting birds, and am more than satisfied with the results. The VR makes it possible to shoot (if there is enough light) without a tripod, which makes it possible to catch unexpected bird sightings.

Autofocus is fast and great (in daylight) and the zoom range of 70-300mm is great for perched birds, small animals, and pets and children playing.

I also use it hand held for portraits in large gatherings, shooting from distance means natural pictures, and the bokeh is good.

With higher ISOs I have also taken okay shots after dark, without a tripod or a remote.

I use it with Nikon D7000 and love the combination.