Nikon 55-200mm vs 70-300mm Lens Guide: Choosing Your First Tele Zoom
If you're a Nikon shooter looking to upgrade from the basic lens that came with your camera, you've probably looked at the 55-200mm and 70-300mm telephoto zoom lenses.
These two lenses are popular step-up options, but which one is the right choice?
Decoding the Nikon 55-200mm Lens Variations
If you've shopped for the 55-200mm lens, you've probably noticed there are quite a few variations with different designations like G, DX, ED, VR, etc.
What do they all mean?
DX vs FX
"DX" means the lens is designed specifically for Nikon's APS-C (DX) sensor DSLRs like the D3000, D5000, D7000 series etc.
Lenses without "DX" are made for full-frame (FX) sensors but can still be used on DX bodies with an automatic crop.
G vs Non-G
"G" lenses have no aperture ring - the aperture is controlled from the camera body.
Non-G lenses have an aperture ring on the lens barrel itself.
ED vs Non-ED
"ED" stands for Extra-low Dispersion glass elements that reduce chromatic aberrations and improve sharpness, especially at 200mm.
Non-ED versions lack these special optics.
VR vs Non-VR
"VR" is Nikon's image stabilization (Vibration Reduction) that allows handheld shooting at slower shutter speeds.
Non-VR lenses do not have this stabilization feature.
The main 55-200mm variations are:
AF-S DX Nikkor 55-200mm f/4-5.6G ED VR II (DX, G, ED glass, VR)
AF-S DX VR Zoom-Nikkor 55-200mm f/4-5.6G IF-ED (DX, non-G, ED glass, VR)
AF Zoom-Nikkor 55-200mm f/4-5.6G ED (FX, non-G, ED glass, non-VR)
The VR II is the newest with updated optics and stabilization.
The IF-ED is an older DX version, while the non-DX, non-VR is for full-frames.
The Case for the Nikon 55-200mm Lens
Compact and Lightweight
Weighing just over 300g, the 55-200mm is relatively small and easy to carry around all day long.
Wide Aperture at 55mm
With a maximum aperture of f/4 at 55mm, this lens lets in more light at the wide end compared to the 70-300mm.
This gives a bit more flexibility for low-light shooting and blurring backgrounds.
Older but Reliable Autofocus
The 55-200mm uses an older style autofocus motor which is tried-and-true, if a bit noisier than Nikon's newer lenses.
But it works with all Nikon DSLR bodies.
Advantages of the Nikon 70-300mm Lens
Longer Zoom Range
As the name says, the 70-300mm zooms in much further than the 55-200mm.
Its 300mm reach opens up more framing options for sports, wildlife, and other distant subjects.
Sharper Images
Nikon's 70-300mm lens has been praised for its excellent sharpness and image quality across the zoom range, outperforming the 55-200mm, especially at the longer focal lengths.
Newer, Quieter Autofocus
Using a newer autofocus motor, the 70-300mm focuses quickly, quietly, and smoothly—ideal for video as well as photos.
However, it won't autofocus on some older entry-level Nikon DSLRs.
So Which One Should You Pick?
The 55-200mm could be better if:
You want a lightweight, portable telephoto zoom
You need the wider aperture at the short end
You'll be using an older DSLR body
Go for the 70-300mm if:
You want the extra zoom for distant subjects
Optical quality is your top priority
You'll mainly use it with a newer DSLR
Both lenses are excellent options and a huge step up from a basic kit lens in terms of zoom range and image quality.
Think about your needs, budget, and whether that extra 100mm of zoom reach is worth it.
Either way, a telephoto zoom like these will open up many new photography opportunities!
I hope that helps.
-Hakan.