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

BVS · October 2016

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 · October 2016

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 · October 2016

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 · October 2016

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 · October 2016

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 · October 2016

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 · October 2016

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 · October 2016

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

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

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