Thanks from Sydney Russell, great video. I’ve just bought a second hand D3200 kit with Nikon 18-55 and it also came with a Nikon 55-300, hard case, tri pod, etc and all for £200, an absolute bargain for that kind of kit. Great for a beginner like myself. Keep the videos coming.
I have the Nikon AF-S DX 55-300mm f/4.5-5.6G ED VR lens, which I’ve been using for 12 years now. It works great with the D5100 - in my opinion, that’s the best combo you can get with this lens. I’ve also used it on my D3300 and now on my D7500, but it doesn’t feel as good or is harder to get just right with these cameras, at least from my experience. I love this lens since it’s been my main lens for all this time, but I’ve decided to use half of my savings to invest in an upgrade that I hope will be my main lens for the next 12 years (unless I feel forced to switch to mirrorless before then). My plan is to use it for at least the next 10 years and longer if possible. The new lens I’ve chosen is the Nikon AF-S 70-200mm f/2.8E FL ED VR, which is high-end but intended as a one-time investment, or at least that’s my hope. I primarily shoot nature, animals, and zoo photography.
Thank you Russell :) I have just got the same lens for a D5100. My parents gave me a Praktica VF for my 21st....Hey ! in Manchester in 1967 !!! and it all started. :) GREAT vid Russell. Do more.
what an awesome dad for getting you a camera for your 21st birthday! and thank you so much for this video, really well put together and very helpful for a beginner like me :)
Thanks for the video. I have been using a compact camera over the years but became disappointed with the results. Did an introduction course and have spent a lot of time learning more about photography buying myself a Nikon D3500. Used the 18-55 kit lens and very pleased. After a month I got a 35mm prime lens. It is now permanently on the camera and it's an impressive lens but got a bit frustrated when a Robin kept teasing me by sitting on a fence and flying off every time I approached, then coming back. I am now ordering the 55-300 lens. It's going to be a Christmas present so I will have to wait to take it for a walk with the camera. I also like the idea of of the kit lens 18-55 and this lens 55-300. Nice range. Thanks for the video. Keep making them
I'm starting to get into real photography with my moms 11-year-old Nikon D5100 that currently has an AF-S Nikkor 18-55mm lens on it and thinking of getting the lens you were showcasing.
Great video! Thanks for sharing it with us, I found it very clear and I needed an accurate review like this one as Im considaring purchasing this same lens. Thank you! Greeting from Argentina
Just now i buy the 55-300mm nikon lens. And it really suck at night when low lights to do autofocus. don't know why,when you to close to the object also it can't do a focus
This was quite a timely review for me, as I've been considering purchasing this exact lens. Thank you for posting it. You may know this already, but as I didn't hear you mention it I thought perhaps I'd bring it up just in case. I recently took up digital photography myself as a hobby, and purchased the Nikon D3300 - very, very similar to your D3400. Like you I then got a zoom lens, in my case a 70-200 VR2 Nikkor. After a series of frustrating landscape shots where everything seemed either in soft focus or slightly out of focus, I found out in a Nikon forum that one is supposed to turn the VR off when the camera is mounted on a tripod. Apparently small mechanical vibrations within the camera can set up a "loop" of constant corrections by the VR mechanism, resulting in small, but perceptible, shake. Once I learned that, my pictures cleared immediately. I've also set my camera to "back button focus", which I've found terribly convenient for shooting moving subjects. You may want to give that a try also and see if you find it beneficial (numerous RUclips vids explain how to do this quick and easy procedure). By the way, if you prefer shooting in "Auto" mode but find that the new lens does not you to choose your metering mode, perhaps try the "P" ("Program") setting on the wheel. The difference between P and Auto is that Auto chooses ISO, shutter speed, and aperture based on what it considers the best exposure for the conditions. In "P" mode you choose the ISO and the camera then determines the best aperture and speed combo. It's a very useful setting, and I believe that should allow you to use the focusing mode you desire. I'm not absolutely positive, as I'm still acquainting myself with the many particulars, but I should think it would be worth a try. All the best to you, and thanks again for the well done vid!
Thanks for that. I had no idea about VR on a tripod and will remember to turn it off in future. I tried back button focussing, but couldn't get it right. It never seemed to work how it was supposed to. I am hasppy with this lens and have taken some good photos with it. :-)
I know u said your not going with a 3rd party lens tamron I can’t afford a 100-400mm I have realised I will need 400mm length and I have looked through on my budget and i am going with the tamron 18-400mm and I thought it would be the best option
I want to bring my Nikon D7000 on my next travel. Can I use that lens (Nikkor 55-300mm lens), and only that one? I will travel with my wife. Thanks... My camera and lens are 12 years old, and rarely used. Or maybe I need to use the Nikkor 18-105mm kit lens? Is kit lens good?
Thanks for this video! Can you help me? I’m limited to using the exact same camera with the exact same lens. Do you have any recommendations for sports photography with this? (Football, outdoors) Many thanks in advance
The trick to sports photography is to make sure your shutter speed is fast enough to prevent motion blur. To help you achieve this you can place your camera on Apperture priority. Keep the apperture F value low (lower value = wider apperture/faster shutter speed) and let the camera sort out the rest. There is a lot of information online to help Carly! :-)
I had issues with mine until I figured out how to place the camera on to single point focus and then select the centre point. After that everything was much better. :-)
I have the occasional out of focus photo. It is much better now that I have selected the centre point on single point focus. One of the problems I have Sara is my eyesight. I cannot see whether the image in the viewfinder is in good focus. My eyesight is not bad, but the viewfinder is just not completely clear for me. I have taken some great pictures with this set up and do not regret buying the lens at all. I am thoroughly enjoying using it.
Sara Saidi This is probably a bit too late. But I'm pretty sure the auto focus is controlled by the camera, rater than the lens. Also, to Russell Platten, I believe you can adjust the focus of the viewfinder.
the nikkor 18-55 kit lens despite being so cheap is one of nikons sharpest lenses, and as for 3rd party lenses tamron and sigma lenses are as good if not better these days for 50% less cost than the equivalent in canon or nikon this isnt my opinion, there are many vids comparing these lenses against each other ... nice garden btw
This review literally answered all my questions. Thank you
Glad I could help! :-)
Thanks from Sydney Russell, great video. I’ve just bought a second hand D3200 kit with Nikon 18-55 and it also came with a Nikon 55-300, hard case, tri pod, etc and all for £200, an absolute bargain for that kind of kit. Great for a beginner like myself. Keep the videos coming.
Glad it was helpful Darrell! :-)
Nice review and some useful advice, some great photo's taken too. Thanks for taking the time to post.
Thank you Terry. :-)
Thanks for that tip, ive just bought that very lens for my 5100, it takes fabulous long shots, im very impressed, glad i see your video mate cheers
Thank you Jon. :-)
I have the Nikon AF-S DX 55-300mm f/4.5-5.6G ED VR lens, which I’ve been using for 12 years now. It works great with the D5100 - in my opinion, that’s the best combo you can get with this lens. I’ve also used it on my D3300 and now on my D7500, but it doesn’t feel as good or is harder to get just right with these cameras, at least from my experience. I love this lens since it’s been my main lens for all this time, but I’ve decided to use half of my savings to invest in an upgrade that I hope will be my main lens for the next 12 years (unless I feel forced to switch to mirrorless before then). My plan is to use it for at least the next 10 years and longer if possible. The new lens I’ve chosen is the Nikon AF-S 70-200mm f/2.8E FL ED VR, which is high-end but intended as a one-time investment, or at least that’s my hope. I primarily shoot nature, animals, and zoo photography.
Thank you Russell :) I have just got the same lens for a D5100. My parents gave me a Praktica VF for my 21st....Hey ! in Manchester in 1967 !!! and it all started. :) GREAT vid Russell. Do more.
Thank you Roy. I still have the Roleiflex in a drawer somewhere! I use this lens all the time! :-)
what an awesome dad for getting you a camera for your 21st birthday!
and thank you so much for this video, really well put together and very helpful for a beginner like me :)
Glad you enjoyed it! :-)
Thanks for the video. I have been using a compact camera over the years but became disappointed with the results. Did an introduction course and have spent a lot of time learning more about photography buying myself a Nikon D3500. Used the 18-55 kit lens and very pleased. After a month I got a 35mm prime lens. It is now permanently on the camera and it's an impressive lens but got a bit frustrated when a Robin kept teasing me by sitting on a fence and flying off every time I approached, then coming back. I am now ordering the 55-300 lens. It's going to be a Christmas present so I will have to wait to take it for a walk with the camera. I also like the idea of of the kit lens 18-55 and this lens 55-300. Nice range. Thanks for the video. Keep making them
:-)
I'm starting to get into real photography with my moms 11-year-old Nikon D5100 that currently has an AF-S Nikkor 18-55mm lens on it and thinking of getting the lens you were showcasing.
I love mine! :-)
Thank you . Good video. Simple and informative.
:-)
Thanks for taking the time for this video , nice simple and factual , well done !
:-)
i am a complete novice with a d3400 and have just bought this lens based on your review, it looks like the perfect lens for me. Thank you for sharing.
Glad I could help Sheila. Good luck with your new hobby! :-)
Great video! Thanks for sharing it with us, I found it very clear and I needed an accurate review like this one as Im considaring purchasing this same lens. Thank you! Greeting from Argentina
Thank you Ignacio. It is a good lens. Remember to try single point focus in the centre if you find that your shots are occasionally blurry. :-)
Thanks Russell very informative indeed.
:-)
Thank You Russel, This video is really useful!
Thank you. :-)
@@RussellPlatten Thank you for the inspiration, Now I have my own Nikkor 55-300 :)
thanks for sharing ideas!
Thank you for taking the time to comment. :-)
Beginner myself got 55-300mm lens on it's way to me cant wait thanks for the video tips
Good luck with your photography escapades Malcolm! :-)
Just now i buy the 55-300mm nikon lens. And it really suck at night when low lights to do autofocus. don't know why,when you to close to the object also it can't do a focus
Amazing informational video, just the information I need. Thank you.
Glad I could help Ethan! :-)
Really a good lens indeed. Thanks
Thanks for a great review.
Glad I could help! :-)
.... excellent Russell ....
Thank you. :-)
Fantastic review
Glad I could help Craig! :-)
You look so Happy ❤
:-)
Nice video - clear and to the point. Thanks
Thank you. :-)
Great video. Thank you. What size is the hood? I've just bought one of these lenses on ebay but no hood. Is it the HB-57?
Yes it is the HB-57 Mario. :-)
@@RussellPlatten excellent. Thank you Russell 😉
@@marioamorim9019 Glad I could help Mario! :-)
This was quite a timely review for me, as I've been considering purchasing this exact lens. Thank you for posting it.
You may know this already, but as I didn't hear you mention it I thought perhaps I'd bring it up just in case. I recently took up digital photography myself as a hobby, and purchased the Nikon D3300 - very, very similar to your D3400. Like you I then got a zoom lens, in my case a 70-200 VR2 Nikkor. After a series of frustrating landscape shots where everything seemed either in soft focus or slightly out of focus, I found out in a Nikon forum that one is supposed to turn the VR off when the camera is mounted on a tripod. Apparently small mechanical vibrations within the camera can set up a "loop" of constant corrections by the VR mechanism, resulting in small, but perceptible, shake. Once I learned that, my pictures cleared immediately. I've also set my camera to "back button focus", which I've found terribly convenient for shooting moving subjects. You may want to give that a try also and see if you find it beneficial (numerous RUclips vids explain how to do this quick and easy procedure).
By the way, if you prefer shooting in "Auto" mode but find that the new lens does not you to choose your metering mode, perhaps try the "P" ("Program") setting on the wheel. The difference between P and Auto is that Auto chooses ISO, shutter speed, and aperture based on what it considers the best exposure for the conditions. In "P" mode you choose the ISO and the camera then determines the best aperture and speed combo. It's a very useful setting, and I believe that should allow you to use the focusing mode you desire. I'm not absolutely positive, as I'm still acquainting myself with the many particulars, but I should think it would be worth a try.
All the best to you, and thanks again for the well done vid!
Thanks for that. I had no idea about VR on a tripod and will remember to turn it off in future. I tried back button focussing, but couldn't get it right. It never seemed to work how it was supposed to. I am hasppy with this lens and have taken some good photos with it. :-)
Well then, I hope you continue taking satisfying pictures for a long while to come. Have fun! :)
Ditto!
thanks for the tips
Really helpful for me too.
Glad I could help! :-)
Nice video mate. Does autofocus work on a Nikon d3200?
It should but I do not know for sure. :-)
amazing!!!
:-)
What’s better for getting really zoomed in on small birds like robins, bluetits, AF-S or AF-P?
I am not the right person to ask. I am still only a beginner! :-)
I know u said your not going with a 3rd party lens tamron I can’t afford a 100-400mm I have realised I will need 400mm length and I have looked through on my budget and i am going with the tamron 18-400mm and I thought it would be the best option
It should be fine. :-)
I want to bring my Nikon D7000 on my next travel. Can I use that lens (Nikkor 55-300mm lens), and only that one?
I will travel with my wife.
Thanks...
My camera and lens are 12 years old, and rarely used.
Or maybe I need to use the Nikkor 18-105mm kit lens? Is kit lens good?
I have this lens and I am having focus issues. I'm new to photography and what's the best settings for AF with this lens. I have the d5600.. Thanks
I have mine set to spot focus on the centre of the lens. I found the area focus very hit and miss! :-)
@@RussellPlatten cheers
Hi! Do you recommend it with the Nikon d7500???
Thanks for this video! Can you help me?
I’m limited to using the exact same camera with the exact same lens. Do you have any recommendations for sports photography with this? (Football, outdoors)
Many thanks in advance
The trick to sports photography is to make sure your shutter speed is fast enough to prevent motion blur. To help you achieve this you can place your camera on Apperture priority. Keep the apperture F value low (lower value = wider apperture/faster shutter speed) and let the camera sort out the rest. There is a lot of information online to help Carly! :-)
Sir,Auto focus works on nikon d3400?
Yes it does. :-)
And nikon d3300? It works???
Does it fit on a Nikon D3100?
Yes, it does. :-)
best review ever
Thank you! :-)
Is that your actual garden?
Yes it is. :-)
@@RussellPlatten wow very nice!
@@luap1983 :-)
Hi PLease let me know how to check the Auto focus , mine dosent seem to work D5000
I had issues with mine until I figured out how to place the camera on to single point focus and then select the centre point. After that everything was much better. :-)
sean bean voice
So I have been told. :-)
woow and he has a head too
Hi Platten! Do you know how to open this lens? I need to clean the front glass, but its different then others. Can you help me?
I do not know how to access the lens. :-)
Brillant !
Thank you. :-)
I sold the 55 - 200 VR to get the FX 70 - 300 VR
I'm sorry because I only use it on my D7200 DX and not my D800 because of the reach
:-)
Please note that you have a dx camera meaning your lens is actually about a 82mm to 450mm.
:-)
Autofocus for d3200???
Yes. :-)
Stabilisation is poor?
It seems fine to me. :-)
Is the auto focus working good ?
I have the occasional out of focus photo. It is much better now that I have selected the centre point on single point focus. One of the problems I have Sara is my eyesight. I cannot see whether the image in the viewfinder is in good focus. My eyesight is not bad, but the viewfinder is just not completely clear for me. I have taken some great pictures with this set up and do not regret buying the lens at all. I am thoroughly enjoying using it.
Russell Platten the occasinal auto focus is the normal one !We don’t have to programme it on the camera ?
Because i want to buy this lens but i am afraid that the auto focus is not working good
Sara Saidi
This is probably a bit too late. But I'm pretty sure the auto focus is controlled by the camera, rater than the lens. Also, to Russell Platten, I believe you can adjust the focus of the viewfinder.
the nikkor 18-55 kit lens despite being so cheap is one of nikons sharpest lenses, and as for 3rd party lenses tamron and sigma lenses are as good if not better these days for 50% less cost than the equivalent in canon or nikon this isnt my opinion, there are many vids comparing these lenses against each other ... nice garden btw
:-)
Nice video
Thank you. :-)
Спасибо!!!!!!!!
Добро пожаловать! :-)
sensor dirt.
:-)
Your frames are crooked
Hi, does auto focus works with nikon d3500?
It should. :-)
@@RussellPlatten thank you💞