The Nikon 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6G IF-ED AF-S VR is a high-performance super telephoto zoom lens that has been designed to meet the demands of both digital and 35mm format SLR users. It offers a 4.3x zoom with a range of 70-300mm (equivalent 105-450mm on a DX Nikon D-SLR) and features ED (Extra-low Dispersion) glass elements that ensure superior optical performance.

This lens incorporates Nikon’s second-generation vibration reduction system (VR II) that allows flexible hand-held shooting by stabilizing the image to the equivalent extent of using a shutter speed that is four stops faster when compared with a conventional lens. The SWM (Silent Wave Motor) and IF (Internal Focusing) ensure fast and quiet focusing action, and the nine-blade rounded diaphragm makes out-of-focus elements blend smoothly to produce natural-looking, harmonious backgrounds.

Silent Wave Motor
SWM (Silent Wave Motor) enables quiet automatic focusing with quick and convenient switching between autofocus and manual operation.

Internal Focusing
IF (Internal Focusing) design for fixed lens length and non-rotating front element allows the use of circular polarizing filters and lens-mounted flash accessories.

Vibration Reduction System
VR II offers the equivalent stability of a shutter speed that is 4 stops faster. Normal Mode counters hand-held vibration and Active Mode reduces mechanically-induced vibrations.

ED Glass
Two ED glass elements minimize chromatic aberration across the entire zoom range while ensuring high resolution and contrast.

Rounded Diaphragm
9-blade rounded diaphragm makes out-of-focus elements blend together smoothly for natural-looking backgrounds.

Read more at Nikon USA

Reviews

Nikon 70-300mm VR review by KenRockwell.com

The Nikon 70-300mm VR offers the best compromise of size, weight, price and image quality among all Nikon’s tele zooms. It covers FX, 35mm film and DX.

AF-S VR Zoom-Nikkor ED 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6G IF review by bythom.com

Better than you’d expect for the price.

Drawbacks

• 67mm filters. Those of us who had 62mm sets now have to move on.
• Stiff. The zoom ring action isn’t the silky smooth one everyone wants.
• Not a 300mm. Yes, it’s usable at 300mm, but this is where this lens’ performance is at its weakest in almost every respect.
• Slower than the 70-200mm. The difference between f/2.8 and f/5.6 at 200mm on a fast moving object in low light is noticeable by anyone.

Positives

• 70-200mm excellence. In this range there’s almost nothing to fault the lens on optically, especially on an APS DSLR.
• VR and AF-S. That’s what we missed in the original lens, and that’s what Nikon has given us in the replacement.
• Fits anywhere. It’ll fit nose down in even shallow bags, making it a “carry anywhere” telephoto zoom.