Nikkor 55-300MM AF-VR or 70-300MM AF VR?

Nikkor 55-300MM AF-VR or 70-300MM AF VR?

One is cheaper, lighter, smaller and slower, and the other is the exact opposite.

If you currently have a DSLR that came with the 18-55MM Standard lens then you should get the 55-300MM as it will continue your lens zoom and "kit".

Well, the big difference is the 55-300mm is a DX lens and the 70-300mm is a FX lens. If you are using a cropped camera (D3xxx, D5xxx, D7xxx, etc), this will be no difference, but if you want to go full frame some day (D600, D700, D800, D3s D4, etc), then you need FX lenses.

Also, the 70-300mm is a higher grade lens. The 55-300mm is a budget lens.

In addition to the above, notable differences are that the 70-300mm has internal focusing, and the 55-300 does not. This means when you focus, the 55-300 lens barrel extends and retracts from the lens, turning as it focuses. This makes it hard to use either polarizer or graduated and filters.

And the 70-300mm has an upgraded focusing mechanism, that allows manual focus override in auto mode. The 55-300mm has to be switched to manual for manual focus to work.

The speed of the lenses are the same.

While the 70-300mm is expensive, almost $600, you can usually find them Nikon factory refurbished at a good discount. I bought mine refurbished and have had no problems.

http://www.adorama.com/...AFVRR.html

The refurbished price is about the same as the 55-300mm retail price. And if you have a 18-55mm kit lens, you won't notice the gap between 55mm and 70mm.

55-300 has better bokeh