Nikon 18-300mm 3.5-6.3G AF-S DX Nikkor VR first thoughts (huge step in size)

Thursday 10 April 2014

Nikon 18-300mm 3.5-6.3G AF-S DX Nikkor VR first thoughts (huge step in size)

Nikon is trying all they can to get smaller with their camera equipment in the Nikon DX world. They are doing this because there is a movement towards mirrorless cameras, which are smaller. Nikon does have the Nikon 1 serie, but it hasn't been as successful as they have hoped, so they need their very popular DX serie to become smaller, so they will try to push what they can out of the Nikon DX serie.

Nikon 18-300mm 3.5-6.3G

The former Nikon 18-300mm wasn't a great performer, but it is a more professional build lens than the new 18-300mm. It uses the 77mm filter size which is mostly standard on the better lens, where the new 18-300mm uses 67mm. The new 18-300mm only has 7 rounded diaphragm blades, where the older had 9. This may give the older lens a better bokeh effect. And finally the lens construction in the older lens is more complex.

The new lens needs a little bit more light, when it is taking pictures in the 300mm range than the older lens. From the MTF charts the new lens shows to be a little bit more sharp than the older lens, but the difference is that big.

What is better on the new lens:

Less weight and size
Looks to be a bit better performer on the optic side

What is worse on the new lens:

Less professional build lens
Looks to have a little worse bokeh effect

The difference doesn't look big except on size and weight and having a big all-round zoom this is a major advantage, so go for the new lens.

Follow the Nikon 18-300mm 3.5-6.3G AF-S DX Nikkor VR at Nikon Index.

Here are some interesting compares with other camera models:

Photospots

Thursday 10 April 2014