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 55-300mm f4.5-5.6G ED VR 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 55-300mm f4.5-5.6G ED VR with a length of 123mm, is 2mm shorter. On the other hand, the Nikon 55-300mm f4.5-5.6G ED VR has a larger diameter of 77mm compared to the Nikon AF-P DX 70-300mm F4.5-6.3G's 72mm 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 AF-P DX 70-300mm F4.5-6.3G weighs 400g, which means it is 130g (24%) lighter than the Nikon 55-300mm f4.5-5.6G ED VR which has a weight of 530g.
Below you can find the dimension and weight table of the Telephoto Zoom Lenses in Nikon F (DX) Mount for size comparison purposes.
Super Telephoto Lenses in Nikon F (DX) Mount for Size Comparison
Filter Threads
Both the Nikon AF-P DX 70-300mm F4.5-6.3G and the Nikon 55-300mm f4.5-5.6G ED VR have the same Filter thread size of 58mm.
Below are links to the 58mm filters that we recommend you to consider for these lenses:
Lens Mounts
Both the Nikon AF-P DX 70-300mm F4.5-6.3G and the Nikon 55-300mm f4.5-5.6G ED VR 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 55-300mm f4.5-5.6G ED VR has a focal range of 55-300mm and 5.5X zoom ratio which has an effective (full-frame 35mm equivalent) focal range of 82.5-450mm when used on a APS-C / DX format camera.