Nikon AF NIKKOR 70-300mm f/4-5.6 G Autofocus Lens, Black {62}

Nikon's 70-300mm f/4-5.6 G: reach without the weight penalty

The AF NIKKOR 70-300mm f/4-5.6 G covers a focal range that handles a wide spread of real-world shooting situations, from compressed mid-range portraits at 70mm to pulling in distant subjects at 300mm. The G designation means no aperture ring, keeping the design simple and the price accessible while still delivering autofocus on compatible Nikon F-mount bodies. A 62mm filter thread is a common size, so you won't need a dedicated polarizer or UV filter that only fits this one lens.

Stopping down to f/22-29 at the narrow end gives you the depth control needed for certain creative applications, but the practical shooting range sits in the f/4-8 zone where the optics perform their best. This is a screw-drive AF lens, which means focus speed depends on the in-body AF motor of the camera it's mounted to, bodies with stronger motors will get more responsive tracking. At 300mm, the telephoto reach is enough to work wildlife from a respectful distance or compress a crowd at a sporting event without hauling a heavy prime.

Who It's For

Sports photographers working sidelines on a budget get 300mm of reach at a fraction of what a fast telephoto prime costs, useful for isolating players from crowd backgrounds. Birders and wildlife shooters who want a light setup for day hikes will find the 70-300mm range covers most encounters without the bulk of a dedicated super-telephoto. Portrait photographers on Nikon F-mount bodies can use the 70-135mm portion of the range to work at flattering distances. Travel photographers who want one lens that handles both moderate and long focal lengths without checking a second bag will find the 62mm filter thread and compact build practical to manage.

Key Features

• 70-300mm focal range with f/4 max aperture at wide end
• Nikon F-mount screw-drive autofocus compatible with most DSLRs
• 62mm filter thread fits standard accessories across lens collection
• Minimum aperture reaches f/22-f/29 for extended depth of field control
• Lightweight telephoto reach for wildlife, sports, and compressed mid-range work
• G-series design without aperture ring for simplified mechanical setup

FAQ

What autofocus motor does this lens need?

This is a screw-drive AF lens, so it requires an in-body autofocus motor-found on most Nikon F-mount DSLRs and film bodies. Older film bodies and some entry-level DSLRs without AF motors won't autofocus with this lens, though manual focus still works.

Is the 70-300mm range practical for wildlife?

At 300mm on a full-frame body, you get solid reach for birds and smaller game from moderate distances. On a DX-format sensor, the effective reach extends to 450mm equivalent, which tightens the working distance considerably.

What's the filter size for this lens?

62mm. That's a common thread size, so a single polarizer or ND filter works across multiple lenses without needing adapters.

How does f/4-5.6 perform in low light compared to faster zooms?

It's slower than an f/2.8 telephoto, so you'll need faster film, higher ISO, or a tripod in dim conditions. The trade-off is a lighter, more affordable lens that's still portable enough for all-day shooting.

Can you stop down to f/22 for maximum depth of field?

Yes, the minimum aperture reaches f/22 at 70mm and f/29 at 300mm. At those settings, diffraction softens fine detail, so practical shooting sits in the f/8-16 range for sharpness.

Does this lens have an aperture ring?

No. The G designation means aperture control happens entirely through the camera body. This simplifies the design and keeps costs down, but requires a compatible Nikon body with aperture control.