Gear Purchase Advice (D5500 v. D7100 v. ???)

BVS

I'm curious about the new 70-300 DX as well. If it's decently sharp at 300mm and doesn't have crazy focus breathing like the 18-300 6.3 it could be a nice light casual walk-around lens, particularly if refurbs can be had for $200 or less like the other kit zooms.

Ironheart

According to Thom it is better at 300 than the 55-300 (easy to beat) and better than the 10 year old FX 70-300. It has limitations on which camera bodies it works on, due to the AF-P technology and fly-by-wire focus. Also no on/off switch for VR so the firmware has to support that functionality. Nikon promises firmware updates for a range of cameras. From the website:

The number of cameras compatible with both lenses is limited. Even for compatible cameras, firmware update may be required*. Fully compatible models: D5500, D5300*, D3300*, D500 and later models

Compatible models with limited functions: D5, D810 series, Df, D750, D7200, D7100, D5200, Nikon 1 series with the FT1

Incompatible models: D4 series, D3 series, D2 series, D1 series, D800 series, D700, D610, D600, D300 series, D200, D100, D7000, D5100, D5000, D90, D80, D70 series, D3200, D3100, D3000, D60, D50, D40 series, film cameras

NSXTypeR

Wow, he reviewed the 70-300 DX already? I must have missed that, I'm thinking about getting the 70-300 VRII (the FX capable one).

Actually, now that you put the list of incompatible cameras, my choice is limited because I own a D7000, so my choice of lens has been decided.

I'm a little put off about the F/6.3 at the far end though, that's a bit slow already.

BVS

Good review by Thom. Sounds like a good lens. One interesting point was that it's f/5.3 at 200mm, so it's actually a bit faster than the 55-200 models in a way.

DaveyJ

Great review by Thom Hogan! I am going to buy the lens. What Camera I am going to put it on is still out for consideration, but I am quite certain I will use my D7100,a great camera. I'll keep using my D7200 and D500 for lens like the 16-80 and the 70-300, and 10-20 Sigma. I also would like to get the new 18-55 but if it is the same as my current 18-55 I would wonder if this is a good idea. I use the D3200 a lot,it is my rough and ready field lens, but it is no D7100!
I have used the D3300 a lot but still have not even seen a D3400 but it has been striped of features I regard as a mistake. SnapBridge I could not care about at all! So now how to acquire the new DX 70-300? No way it is co I got here on a new D3400 or D5500. Those cameras are too pricey compared to the D3300. I would like the smaller camera. But the focus grids, tiny, etc., and I have never been that excited about a camera that could have been great! All to save a few ounces. Probably 50 people have contacted me about the D3400, I have a rough time recommending it compared to a D3300!

Ironheart

What features did they remove on the D3400? Perhaps it's just me, but I can't find anything even remotely useful they pulled...

DaveyJ

Panoramic, depth of field preview button, reduced flash power, $100 more dollars though....if you regard that as a plus! Many reviewers recommend buying the D3300 over the D3400. The two lens kit uses the detuned NonVR DX 70-300 lens a clear cheater move to lower price a few dollars..... on top of that.....no added features other than SnapBridge? This long after the introduction of the D3300? ? There are other features scuttled also, NEW DSLR buyers are looking a SnapBridge saying......WHY?

Pistnbroke

Whatever you buy you need fine focus adjust ..so that's D7100 or better