CameraDecision
  • CAMERAS
    • All Cameras
    • Cameras by Brand
      • Sony Cameras
      • Canon Cameras
      • Nikon Cameras
      • Pentax Cameras
      • Fujifilm Cameras
      • Olympus Cameras
      • Panasonic Cameras
      • Leica Cameras
      • Samsung Cameras
    • Cameras by Body Type
      • Mirrorless Cameras
      • DSLR Cameras
      • Compact Cameras
      • Bridge Cameras
      • Waterproof Cameras
  • LENSES
    • All Lenses
    • Lenses by Mount
      • Sony E Mount Lenses
      • Canon RF Mount Lenses
      • Nikon Z Mount Lenses
      • Canon EF Mount Lenses
      • Canon EF M Mount Lenses
      • Canon EF S Mount Lenses
      • Nikon F Mount Lenses
      • Fujifilm X Mount Lenses
      • Micro Four Thirds Mount Lenses
      • Leica L Mount Lenses
      • Pentax KAF Mount Lenses
      • Fujifilm G Mount Lenses
      • Sigma SA Mount Lenses
      • Sony Alpha Mount Lenses
    • Teleconverters
  • TOOLS
    • Cameras
      • Smart Find
      • 1-on-1 Comparison
    • Lenses
      • Smart Find
      • 1-on-1 Comparison
  • BLOG

Nikon AF-P DX Nikkor 70-300mm F4.5-6.3G vs Nikon AF-S Nikkor 70-300mm f4.5-5.6G VR

x
Lens to replace
Change

Nikon AF-P DX 70-300mm F4.5-6.3G

Telephoto Zoom | Nikon F (DX)

Nikon AF-P DX Nikkor 70-300mm F4.5-6.3G
CHECK PRICE

BUY from B&H PHOTO
Change
    
Nikon 70-300mm f4.5-5.6G VR

Telephoto Zoom | Nikon F (FX)

Nikon AF-S Nikkor 70-300mm f4.5-5.6G VR
CHECK PRICE

BUY from B&H PHOTO

Nikon AF-P DX 70-300mm F4.5-6.3G vs Nikon 70-300mm f4.5-5.6G VR Comparison Overview

In this review, we will be comparing Nikon AF-P DX 70-300mm F4.5-6.3G and Nikon 70-300mm f4.5-5.6G VR, two Telephoto Zoom lenses by Nikon. Both cameras have the same focal range of 70-300mm but different max apertures: Nikon AF-P DX 70-300mm F4.5-6.3G has a max aperture of F4.5 while the Nikon 70-300mm f4.5-5.6G VR has a max aperture of F4.5 - F5.6.

We will start with briefly looking and the main specs of these two lenses and in the section, we will start analyzing in more detail and list the pros and cons of each lenses.

Nikon AF-P DX 70-300mm F4.5-6.3G Key Specs

  • 70-300mm Focal Range
  • F4.5 Max Aperture
  • Filter Thread: 58mm
  • Max Format: APS-C / DX
  • Nikon F (DX) Mount
  • Weight: 400g.
  • Diameter: 72mm
  • Length: 125mm
  • Min Focus Distance:1.1m
  • Max Magnification:0.22x

Nikon 70-300mm f4.5-5.6G VR Key Specs

  • 70-300mm Focal Range
  • F4.5 - F5.6 Max Aperture
  • Image Stabilization
  • Filter Thread: 67mm
  • Max Format:
  • Nikon F (FX) Mount
  • Weight: 745g.
  • Diameter: 80mm
  • Length: 144mm
  • Min Focus Distance:1.5m
  • Max Magnification:0.25x

Size and Weight Comparison

Size of a lens is an important deciding factor when comparing two lenses.Nikon 70-300mm f4.5-5.6G VR is the longer of the two lenses at 144mm. The Nikon AF-P DX 70-300mm F4.5-6.3G with a length of 125mm is 19mm shorter. Besides being longer, the Nikon 70-300mm f4.5-5.6G VR also has a larger diameter of 80mm compared to Nikon AF-P DX 70-300mm F4.5-6.3G's 72mm diameter.

Weight of a lens is as important as its external dimensions, especially if you are planning to hand hold your camera and lens combination for longer periods. Nikon AF-P DX 70-300mm F4.5-6.3G weighs 400g, which means it is 345g (86%) lighter than the Nikon 70-300mm f4.5-5.6G VR which has a weight of 745g.


Lens Mounts

Both Nikon AF-P DX 70-300mm F4.5-6.3G has the Nikon F (DX) lens mount whereas the Nikon 70-300mm f4.5-5.6G VR has the Nikon F (FX) lens mount. Some of the latest released cameras that are compatible with these mounts are Nikon D3500, Nikon D7500 and Nikon D5600 for the Nikon F (DX) Mount and Nikon D6, Nikon D780 and Nikon D3500 for the Nikon F (FX) Mount.

Focal Range

Reasons to choose Nikon AF-P DX Nikkor 70-300mm F4.5-6.3G over Nikon AF-S Nikkor 70-300mm f4.5-5.6G VR

Max Aperture - Tele 4.5 vs 5.6 Wider aperture at tele end
Weight 400g vs 745g 345g lighter
Diameter 72mm vs 80mm 8mm smaller in diameter
Length 125mm vs 144mm 19mm shorter
Filter Thread 58mm vs 67mm Smaller filters are cheaper and easier to find
Minimum Focus Distance 1.1m vs 1.5m can focus closer to the subject
Reasons to choose Nikon AF-S Nikkor 70-300mm f4.5-5.6G VR over Nikon AF-P DX Nikkor 70-300mm F4.5-6.3G
Image Stabilization Yes vs No Sharper Images at longer shutter speeds
Diaphgragm Blades 9 vs 7 Potentially more rounded and smooth bokeh
Distance Scale Yes vs No Distance Scale to assist focusing
Max Sensor Coverage 35mm FF vs APS-C / DX covers larger sensors
Max Magnification 0.25x vs 0.22x higher magnification better for close-up shots

Common Strengths of Nikon AF-P DX Nikkor 70-300mm F4.5-6.3G and Nikon AF-S Nikkor 70-300mm f4.5-5.6G VR
Internal Focusing Yes vs Yes Length of the lens doesn't change during focusing
Common Weaknesses of Nikon AF-P DX Nikkor 70-300mm F4.5-6.3G and Nikon AF-S Nikkor 70-300mm f4.5-5.6G VR
Internal Zoom No vs No Length of the lens changes during zooming
Weather Sealing No vs No not safe under rain and dust



**This post contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking through my links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Nikon AF-P DX 70-300mm F4.5-6.3G vs Nikon 70-300mm f4.5-5.6G VR Specs Table

Detailed comparison of specifications
General Nikon AF-P DX 70-300mm F4.5-6.3G Nikon 70-300mm f4.5-5.6G VR
Brand Nikon Nikon
Lens Type Zoom Zoom
Price CHECK PRICE CHECK PRICE
Lens Type Telephoto Zoom Telephoto Zoom
Lens Mount Nikon F (DX) Nikon F (FX)
Max Format APS-C / DX 35mm FF
Focal Range 70-300mm 70-300mm
Image Stabilization Yes
Colour Black Unknown
Zoom Method Rotary (extending) Rotary (extending)
Power Zoom No No
Zoom Lock No No
Zoom Ratio 4.3X 4.3X
Aperture
Max Aperture F4.5 F4.5 - F5.6
Min Aperture F32 F22.0 - F32.0
Aperture Ring No No
Diaphragm Blades 7 9
Optics
Optical Elements 14 17
Optical Groups 10 12
Focusing
Min Focus Distance 1.1m 1.5m
Max Magnification 0.22X 0.25X
Autofocus Yes Yes
AF Motor Type Stepper motor Ring-type ultrasonic
Full Time Manual Yes Yes
Focus Method Internal Internal
Distance Scale No Yes
DoF Scale No No
Distance Scale No Yes
Focus Distance Limiter Unknown Unknown
Physical Specs
Weight 400g 745g
Diameter 72mm 80mm
Length 125mm 144mm
Materials Unknown Plastic barrel, metal mount
Weather Sealing No No
Filter Thread 58mm 67mm
Filter Notes - Does not rotate on focusing
Hood Supplied Yes Yes
Hood Code Unknown HB-36
Tripod Collar No No
Optional Accessories - -
Report a Correction Report a Correction
FOLLOW US


Latest Lenses
Sigma 24mm F1.4 DG DN Art
Sigma 24mm F1.4 DG DN Art
Sony E | F1.4 Wideangle Prime
Sigma 20mm F1.4 DG DN Art
Sigma 20mm F1.4 DG DN Art
Sony E | F1.4 Wideangle Prime
Canon RF 15-30mm F4.5-6.3 IS STM
Canon RF 15-30mm F4.5-6.3 IS STM
Canon RF | F4.5–6.3 Wideangle Zoom
Canon RF 24mm F1.8 Macro IS STM
Canon RF 24mm F1.8 Macro IS STM
Canon RF | F1.8 Wideangle Prime
Nikon Nikkor 400mm F4.5 VR S
Nikon Nikkor 400mm F4.5 VR S
Nikon Z | F4.5 Telephoto Prime
Most Popular Lenses
Sigma 300-800mm F5.6 EX DG HSM
Sigma 300-800mm F5.6 EX DG HSM
300-800mm | F5.6 Telephoto Zoom
Sony FE 24-105mm F4 G OSS
Sony FE 24-105mm F4 G OSS
24-105mm | F4 Standard Zoom
Nikon AF Nikkor 70-300mm f4-5.6G
Nikon AF Nikkor 70-300mm f4-5.6G
70-300mm | F4.0 - F5.6 Telephoto Zoom
Fujifilm XF 18-55mm F2.8-4 R LM OIS
Fujifilm XF 18-55mm F2.8-4 R LM OIS
18-55mm | F2.8 - F4.0 Standard Zoom
Nikon AF Nikkor 80-400mm f4.5-5.6D ED VR
Nikon AF Nikkor 80-400mm f4.5-5.6D ED VR
80-400mm | F4.5 - F5.6 Telephoto Zoom
Copyright © 2022 by CameraDecision
Privacy About Contact Us SpeakerDecision

Report a Correction