Nikon AF-P Nikkor 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 ED VR

NSXTypeR

mhedges said:

Enjoy! It's an excellent lens. Very sharp, great color, and super fast AF.

Thanks! I'm not sure where I can test it, but I'll give it a whirl soon.

NSXTypeR

Spoke too soon, the lens came the day before Christmas even though I specified slow delivery to avoid the Christmas package rush.

It focuses so much more quickly than the old AF-S version! I'm glad I got it. It's sharp too. I'm a happy camper.

I was worried about incompatibility with the D7000 but in my brief time using it there hasn't been any issues. I did notice the slight issue of AF being reset if the meter times out but that's not been too big a deal for me. It's a worthy purchase for sure.

Speaking of which, it's on sale at around $600 at most online retailers.

NSXTypeR

Just shot this lens for a while at a local park. With the old 70-300 AF-S VR, I was never really able to get seagulls in flight. With this lens, it is definitely possible, even with the D7000 not really dialed in because I don't really shoot really shoot action.

NSXTypeR

Just a bump on this lens for a total noob- there's a A/M and a M/A switch which I'm totally unfamiliar with. M I know from prior lenses, that's total manual focus.

The manual itself is not helpful.

I understand that A/M and M/A is autofocus with override, but one is supposedly less sensitive to override? That's very vague language that I'm not sure how to interpret, and I'm not even sure if I want that on a D7000 with a not so great AF system.

https://www.nikonimgsupport.com/eu/BV_article?articleNo=000006502&configured=1&lang=en_GB

mhedges

Yeah it's not well documented. My understanding is that the M/A setting reacts to turning the focus ring faster than the A/M setting. I haven't played with it myself.

bald_eagle

I finally bit the bullet just before Christmas and bought the FX 70-300 AF-P to replace my AF-S (VR) version..

Must say I am impressed with how much more quickly AND quietly it focuses.
With the old AF-S everything over 250mm started to get a bit soft on my 24MP bodies, but this new AF-P seems to stay pretty sharp right up to 300mm! (obviously, it's no 300mm Prime, but is way better than my old AF-S version).

Cheers,
Baldy.

mhedges

It's an excellent lens for sure. I believe it's the best FF 70-300 currently available from any manufacturer.

NSXTypeR

bald_eagle said:

I finally bit the bullet just before Christmas and bought the FX 70-300 AF-P to replace my AF-S (VR) version..

Must say I am impressed with how much more quickly AND quietly it focuses.
With the old AF-S everything over 250mm started to get a bit soft on my 24MP bodies, but this new AF-P seems to stay pretty sharp right up to 300mm! (obviously, it's no 300mm Prime, but is way better than my old AF-S version).

Cheers,
Baldy.

Enjoy! I've been enjoying mine as well. The AF is momentarily off when the meter turns off on a D7000, but otherwise it focuses significantly faster than the old 70-300 AF-S. I agree, if you thought AF-S was quiet, this is another order of magnitude more quiet. I will say there is some hunting with the lens especially when you focused close and then to something closer to infinity, but I think that's an issue with the D7000 AF module and not an issue with the lens itself.

I was having second thoughts about picking up this lens, especially since the Z mount cameras are out. But honestly, I'd rather have the lens than to miss opportunities.

spraynpray

Anybody use this on a D850? How does the sharpness compare to a 200-500?

mhedges

Looks like this lens is now on sale for $400 (regular price $600). That's a heck of a deal. I paid $550 for mine and was quite satisfied at that price.

NSXTypeR

Wow, you bought it for a great price. I got mine at $650 in change. I still think it's a worthy purchase as I got shots I enjoy from it.

MrFotoFool

What are users honest impression of the sharpness? I would like a lighter lens (especially at the current rebate price), but I am a stickler for pro quality sharpness. (Pro quality build is not as important to me). It obviously is not a gold ring lens, so is it noticeably softer than my current setup of 70-200 f2.8E with TC14iii teleconverter?

mhedges

Hard to say since I don't have that lens and TC, but my guess would be it's not quite as sharp. I'm sure it isn't as sharp as the 70-200E on its own but I don't know how much the TC affects things.

For $400 I'd say buy it and try it yourself. Can always return it if you aren't satisfied.

Here's an album of full rez pics I took with the lens. All closeup type stuff (butterflies)

https://www.flickr.com/gp/76951579@N02/6WaX9s

MrFotoFool

Thanks for reply. I think I am better off sticking with what I have.

CEBlueclouds

spraynpray said:

Anybody use this on a D850? How does the sharpness compare to a 200-500?

Got the lens as a gift in Mid 2018 and used is sparingly over the next one year as a walk around lens. 200-500 is much sharper wide open but it gets sharper as you increase aperture. Haven't used it since Oct 2019....Hardly used any other lens since i got my 500pf in Feb 2020.

Sample at f/10


Sample @f/8


you can see more here
https://www.flickr.com/photos/74752281@N00/albums/72157697699671725/with/41953216214/

MrFotoFool

Since I want both light AND sharp (and larger aperture), I just purchased a 300 f4 PF on Ebay. Based on reviews I think this is my best option. It even includes a third party arca-swiss tripod collar (not that I will use that feature much).

NSXTypeR

MrFotoFool said:

Since I want both light AND sharp (and larger aperture), I just purchased a 300 f4 PF on Ebay. Based on reviews I think this is my best option. It even includes a third party arca-swiss tripod collar (not that I will use that feature much).

You definitely picked the more expensive but likely sharper option. Enjoy!

DaveyJ

Unfortunately I NEED zoom lens. I am often in places ten steps back or forward can get you in REAL trouble. So the 70-300 NEW ONE or the 200-500 F5.6 Nikon is My choice. That has also stopped me from getting the quite expensive (for me with Farm Taxes being what they are here) from getting the Nikon 500 5.6 PF. By real trouble I mean from getting hit, to getting in lots of poison ivy. I will NOT even buy land where there is significant poison ivy!