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Nikon AF NIKKOR 70-300mm f/4-5.6 D ED Autofocus Lens {62}
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$126.00
Nikon's F-mount 70-300mm telephoto with ED glass
The AF NIKKOR 70-300mm f/4-5.6 D ED covers a focal range that handles portrait compression at 70mm and pulls in distant subjects at 300mm, all through a single zoom ring. The ED glass element keeps chromatic aberration in check at the long end, where lesser telephoto zooms tend to fall apart on high-contrast edges. A 62mm filter thread means circular polarizers and ND filters are easy to source.
The D-type designation is worth understanding: this lens sends distance information to compatible Nikon bodies, which improves 3D Matrix metering and TTL flash exposure accuracy. For shooters pairing it with a film body or an older digital SLR, that communication layer makes a real difference in exposure consistency across varied lighting. Autofocus is driven by the camera's internal screw-drive motor, so performance depends on the body it's mounted to.
This is a proven F-mount telephoto that earns its place in a bag through sheer reach and optical correction at a size that doesn't demand a second thought about packing it.
Who It's For
Sports and action shooters at outdoor venues get 300mm of reach for isolating athletes without needing a fixed prime. Birders and wildlife photographers working in decent light will find the ED element keeps feather detail and branch edges clean even wide open. Portrait photographers looking to compress backgrounds at 70-105mm on a full-frame body have a workable fast-ish aperture at the short end. Travel photographers shooting Nikon F-mount film cameras get the full benefit of D-type distance metering for slide film accuracy.
Key Features
- 70-300mm zoom range with f/4 widest aperture
- ED glass element controls chromatic aberration
- D-type lens communicates distance to compatible bodies
- 62mm filter thread
- Autofocus driven by camera body motor
- Nikon F-mount compatibility
FAQ
- Does this lens work on modern Nikon DSLRs?
- Yes. The F-mount AF NIKKOR 70-300mm D ED mounts on all Nikon F-mount bodies from film SLRs through current DSLRs. The D-type distance communication improves metering and flash exposure on compatible digital bodies.
- What does the ED glass actually do?
- ED (Extra-low Dispersion) glass reduces chromatic aberration, especially critical at 300mm where color fringing becomes visible on high-contrast subjects like branches against sky.
- How fast is the autofocus?
- Autofocus speed depends entirely on your camera body's screw-drive motor. The lens has no internal focusing motor, so pairing it with a body that has a robust AF system matters.
- What filter size does this lens use?
- 62mm. Standard size, easy to find polarizers, ND filters, and UV protectors without special ordering.
- Is this lens sharp at 300mm?
- Sharpness at 300mm is solid for the aperture range (f/5.6 at that focal length). Stop down to f/8 or f/11 if maximum edge-to-edge acuity matters for your subject.
- Can you use this on a film camera?
- Yes. It works on any Nikon F-mount film body. The D-type designation won't activate distance communication (film cameras don't use it), but the lens functions fully.
- What's the minimum focus distance?
- The lens focuses down to 4.9 feet (1.5 meters) across its zoom range, making it workable for frame-filling portraits at 70mm.
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Focal Length | 70-300mm |
| Max Aperture | f/4 |
| Min Aperture | f/5.6 |
| Mount | Nikon F |
This description was generated using AI based on KEH's internal product standards, product expertise, and knowing what customers care about most. While we strive for accuracy, details may vary by individual item.
| Brand Name | Nikon |
|---|---|
| Filter Size | 62mm |
| Focus Type | Autofocus (camera motor) |
| Lens Mount | Nikon F Mount D Type |
| Lens Type | Telephoto / Long |
| Max Focal Length | 300mm |
| Min Focal Length | 70mm |