Which one is better between Nikon 70-300 vs. 55-300? As both lenses provide a good quality picture but have a good amount of price difference, it makes buyers confused.
Both Nikon 70-300 and 55-300 have their pros and cons. In this article, we will precisely compare these two lens features, similarities, and differences.
We also share a quick comparison table so that you can pick the best one. So let’s start with the comparison.
Nikon 70-300 Vs. 55-300: Key Difference Overview
The main difference between Nikon 70-300mm and the Nikon 55-300 mm is that Nikon 70-300 mm optical performance is excellent and allows faster and more efficient full-time manual focusing while Nikon 55-300 comes with a delay in autofocus and doesn’t allow manual focusing.
![Nikon 70 300 Vs 55 300](https://ronspixguide.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Nikon-70-300-Vs-55-300.webp)
Overall, Nikon 70-300mm is preferable for better quality images, and Nikon 55-300 mm is for budget users.
Quick Comparison
Specifications | Nikon 70-300mm | Nikon 55-300mm |
---|---|---|
Autofocus | Super fast, efficient, and silent autofocus | Autofocus delay and lack of manual focusing |
Optical image stabilization | Built-in Optical image stabilization ability | Built-in Optical image stabilization ability |
Angle | Wide angle view with a minimum angle of 5.3 | Wide angle view with a minimum angle of 5.33 |
Sharpness | Maximum resolution and super bright images | Overall good brightness |
Aperture | 6.3f wider aperture | 5.6f wider aperture |
Nikon 70-300 Vs. 55-300: What Are The Similarities?
Metal Mount
![Nikon 70-300 Vs. 55-300 Mount](https://ronspixguide.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Nikon-70-300-Vs.-55-300-Mount.webp)
Both Nikon 70-300mm and 55-300mm provides metal mount. It is more durable than a plastic mount. So both lenses are highly durable.
>> Difference between Nikon 70-200 Vr1 and Vr2
Weather Sealed
Nikon 70-300mm and 55-300mm don’t have weather sealed. But it comes with extra seals to protect the device from dust, rain, or water splashes.
Silent Focus Motor
Both Nikon 70-300mm and 55-300mm contain a silent focus motor. So that you can enjoy faster and quiet focusing facilities.
Nikon 70-300 Vs. 55-300: Differences
Focus Speed And Accuracy
Edge: Nikon 70-300mm
Nikon 70-300mm lens provides silent, faster, and full-time manual focus while Nikon 55-300mm lens has no full-time manual focus.
So you can’t make manual adjustments in autofocus mode in Nikon 55-300mm lens. Also, the focusing speed is slower than Nikon 70-300 mm lens.
You must be impressed with Nikon 70-300mm accurate, quiet and faster focusing power.
Focus Motor
Edge: Both
Both Nikon 70-300mm and 55-300mm lens comes with a built-in focus motor. It offers silent focusing.
So you can enjoy autofocus even if your camera won’t have a focus motor with these two brilliant lenses.
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Optics
![Nikon 70-300mm Optics](https://ronspixguide.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Nikon-70-300mm-Optics.webp)
Edge: Nikon 70-300mm
Both Nikon 70-300mm and 55-300mm provides built-in optical image stabilization features.
It provides a sensor to detect the vibration of the camera. But the sensor’s performance is more accurate in Nikon 70-300 mm lens.
As a result, both 70-300mm and 55-300mm lenses can adjust the optical path according to movement. It helps you to avoid motion blur issues.
Especially when you capture live elements, it gives you an amazing performance.
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Angle
![Nikon 70-300mm Angle](https://ronspixguide.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Nikon-70-300mm-Angle.webp)
Edge: Nikon 70-300mm
Nikon 70-300mm and Nikon 55-300mm both give you a wide angle of view.
The minimum angle view of Nikon 70-300 mm is 5.3° while Nikon 55-300mm allows a minimum 5.33° angle. So you can get the closer snap with the 70-300mm lens.
In both lenses, you have the freedom to capture small subjects or portions of a scene. Yet these are the longest lens; you can also derive the narrowest angle view.
However, the maximum angle view of Nikon 70-300mm and 55-300 mm is 22.8° and 28.83°.
So both lenses allow capturing the widest angle of view to include more elements in one frame.
Zoom And Magnification
Edge: Nikon 70-300mm
Nikon 70-300 allows 4.3x zooming ability while Nikon 55-300mm gives 5.5x zooming ability. A higher zooming ability means you have the freedom to use it in versatile jobs.
But 70-300mm performs better zooming than the 55-300mm lens.
Telephoto Lens
![Nikon 70 300 Vs 55 300 Telephoto Lens](https://ronspixguide.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Nikon-70-300-Vs-55-300-Telephoto-Lens.webp)
Edge: Both
Both Nikon 70-300mm and 55-300mm is provides telephoto lenses.
A telephoto lens is a must to capture faraway scenes without moving the camera. When you need to capture a scene from a distance, place telephoto lens is helpful.
Reversible Lens Hood
Edge: Nikon 70-300mm
Nikon 70-300mm provides a reversible lens hood while Nikon 55-300mm lens hood is not reversible.
A reversible lens hood keeps your camera ready to use. When you are doing sports photography or wildlife, it can create a big difference in capturing a rare scene.
Nikon 55-300mm lens needs some time to make it ready for the shoot. But both lenses contain a lens hood that blocks a strong light source to prevent glare and lens flare.
Focus Length
![Nikon 70 300 Vs 55 300 Focus Length](https://ronspixguide.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Nikon-70-300-Vs-55-300-Focus-Length.webp)
Edge: Both
Nikon 70-300mm allows a minimum focal length of 70mm, and a maximum focal length is 300mm while a 55-300mm lens gives you a minimum 55mm focal length and a maximum of 300mm.
So you can capture both the small and largest views with these lenses.
Weight
Edge: Nikon 70-300mm
Nikon 70-300mm lens is only 415 gm while Nikon 55-300mm lens is 530gm. A lightweight lens is more handy compared to a heavy lens.
So, Nikon 70-300mm is handier and more comfortable to carry than Nikon 55-300mm lens.
Minimum Focus Distance
![Minimum Focus Distance Nikon 70-300mm](https://ronspixguide.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Minimum-Focus-Distance-Nikon-70-300mm.webp)
Edge: Nikon 70-300mm
You can focus the subject that is 1.1mm away to derive a closer view with the Nikon 70-300mm lens while Nikon 55-300 mm lens allows a minimum focus distance is 1.4m.
The minimum focus distance indicates the closest distance you can focus on with the lens. So, Nikon 70-300 mm is great for macro photography.
It is a better choice for closer shots.
Aperture
Edge: Nikon 70-300mm
You must be impressed with Nikon 70-300mm wider aperture sensor.
It allows a 6.3f wider aperture to capture light without blurring issues while the widest aperture of Nikon 55-300lens is 5.6f.
So 55-300mm lens aperture is lower than 70-300mm. You can also derive a blurred background to focus on the subject with Nikon 70-300 and 55-300mm lenses.
Rounded Blades
![Rounded Blades Nikon 55-300mm](https://ronspixguide.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Rounded-Blades-Nikon-55-300mm.webp)
Edge: Nikon 55-300mm
Nikon 55-300 lenses contain rounded blades, but 70-300mm doesn’t have rounded blades.
Rounded blades control the way by which light gets processed through the sensor. It helps to derive better, softer-looking bokeh in your images.
Sharpness
Edge: Nikon 70-300mm
Nikon 70-300mm is unbeatable for its solid sharpness and it is better than Nikon 55-300mm in brightness.
Even at a 300mm focal length, it can deliver vivid images. Maximum resolution you can achieve at f/5.6.
However, Nikon 55-300mm lens overall gives you pretty good brightness. It works great between 55 to 135mm.
After crossing the 135mm frame, it starts to lose its sharpness.
Price
Edge: Nikon 55-300mm
Nikon 55-300mm is a low-budget lens that gives you excellent optical performance while Nikon 70-300mm is an expensive lens.
Despite a few negative aspects, such as focusing delay, Nikon 55-300mm is also good for general usage.
But Nikon 70-300mm provides high-end features to derive professional shots. So compared to the performance, it is worth the cost.
Nikon 70-300 Vs. 55-300: Which Lens Is Best For You?
In terms of edge characteristics, undoubtedly, Nikon 70-300mm is a better choice than Nikon 55-300mm.
It means Nikon 70-300mm lens will give you better performance, features, and focusing power than 55-300mm.
But compared to the lower price range, 55-300mm is a good option for super-telephoto.
But Nikon 55-300mm is suitable for general use.
Conversely, if you need a professional lens for high-quality images, then Nikon 70-300mm is the best.
You can enjoy accurate autofocus, fast manual focus, evenly spaced zoom, low distortion, and superior sharpness with a 70-300mm lens.
FAQs About Nikon 70 300 And 55 300
What is the difference between 70-300 and 55-300mm lenses?
70-300mm focuses faster and more efficiently than 55-300mm lens.
Besides, 70-300mm is lighter and more versatile than 55-300mm lenses.
What is the Nikon 55-300 mm lens used for?
It is a basic lens for capturing images of family events, vacations, or natural scenes.
What is the Nikon 70-300mm lens used for?
Nikon 70-300mm lens is a truly versatile lens that is used for sports, wildlife photography, or capturing astronomical subjects.
Is a 55-300 mm lens good for a portrait?
Yes, a 55-300mm lens is a good choice for portraits. Even it performs well in wildlife photos.
Is Nikon 70-300mm lens worth the cost?
Nikon 70-300 mm is a super efficient telephoto lens that allows a wide range of zooming, accurate focusing, and many more features to derive a professional image.
So yes it is worth the value.
Final Words
In this Nikon 70-30 vs. 55-300 comparison guide, we try to cover all the positive and negative sides of the lens.
Hopefully, it helps you to choose the right lens according to your requirements and budget.
But the overall performance of Nikon 70-300mm and 55-300 mm is good. It can meet your general user needs.
Finally, the best option vastly depends on the photographer’s needs, purpose and budget. So, determine your need first, then pick the right lens accordingly.