The type of photography that you are planning to use is an important decision factor. Here we have evaluated the Nikon AF-P DX 70-300mm F4.5-6.3G and the Nikon 55-200mm f4-5.6G VR II for their suitability to various photography scenarios:
Size and Weight Comparison
The size of a lens is a crucial factor to consider when comparing two lenses. Nikon AF-P DX 70-300mm F4.5-6.3G is the longer of the two lenses at 125mm. The Nikon 55-200mm f4-5.6G VR II with a length of 83mm, is 42mm shorter. Besides being longer, the Nikon AF-P DX 70-300mm F4.5-6.3G also has a larger diameter of 72mm compared to the Nikon 55-200mm f4-5.6G VR II's 71mm diameter.
The weight of a lens is equally significant as its external dimensions, particularly if you intend to handhold your camera and lens combination for extended periods. Nikon 55-200mm f4-5.6G VR II weighs 335g, 16% (65g) lighter than the Nikon AF-P DX 70-300mm F4.5-6.3G's weight of 400g.
Filter Threads
The Nikon AF-P DX 70-300mm F4.5-6.3G has a filter size of 58mm whereas the Nikon 55-200mm f4-5.6G VR II has a 52mm diameter. Larger filters are generally more expensive than the smaller ones given all the other features are equal.
Below are links to the 58mm filters that we recommend you to consider for the Nikon AF-P DX 70-300mm F4.5-6.3G:
And these are the 52mm filters that we recommend for the Nikon 55-200mm f4-5.6G VR II:
Lens Mounts
Both the Nikon AF-P DX 70-300mm F4.5-6.3G and the Nikon 55-200mm f4-5.6G VR II has the same Nikon F (DX) lens mount. Some of the latest released cameras that are compatible with the Nikon F (DX) lenses are Nikon D3500, Nikon D7500 and Nikon D5600.
Focal Range
Nikon AF-P DX 70-300mm F4.5-6.3G has a focal range of 70-300mm and
4.3X zoom ratio which has an effective (full-frame 35mm equivalent) focal range of
105-450mm when used on a APS-C / DX format camera.
On the other hand, the Nikon 55-200mm f4-5.6G VR II has a focal range of 55-200mm and 3.6X zoom ratio which has an effective (full-frame 35mm equivalent) focal range of 82.5-300mm when used on a APS-C / DX format camera.