3 replies to this topic

[rharm]

I have a D3400 that came with a AF-P DX Nikkor 70-300mm f4.5-6.3G ED zoom lens, the non-VR version.  I am thinking of purchasing from Nikon a refurbished AF-S DX NIKKOR 55-300mm f/4.5-5.6G ED VR.  The sale price is $149.  Any thoughts?  Would I see sharper pictures with the VR and difference in aperture?  The lens would mainly be used for soccer and softball.

[mikew]

My first thought is will you have enough light for the higher shutter speeds needed for sport and if so your shutter speed should be high enough to not need VR.

My experience with the 55-300 was a nice lens not bad IQ but not quick to focus..

[TBonz]

If you are shooting soccer and softball at night, you won't have a wide enough aperture.  You really need f4 or less for any sports shooting on a field at night and you would be better off with a 2.8 even then.  The 70-200 is the best place to start...not cheap, but you can find some deals used.  No need to worry about how fast if focuses if it is too dark to shoot with at a reasonable aperture.  But, it doesn't focus nearly as fast as the 70-200 either.  I have friends who have been quite happy with the Tamron 70-200 and it is an excellent lens.  It is just a touch slower than the Nikon but much faster than the 55-300.  

[fallout666]

If you are shooting soccer and softball at night, you won't have a wide enough aperture.  You really need f4 or less for any sports shooting on a field at night and you would be better off with a 2.8 even then.  The 70-200 is the best place to start...not cheap, but you can find some deals used.  No need to worry about how fast if focuses if it is too dark to shoot with at a reasonable aperture.  But, it doesn't focus nearly as fast as the 70-200 either.  I have friends who have been quite happy with the Tamron 70-200 and it is an excellent lens.  It is just a touch slower than the Nikon but much faster than the 55-300.  

i am with tbonz i shoot sport photography  if was  not for my  fist gen nikon 70-200mm i would not be able to get shoots in need. also was not for fact of fast auto focusing i would miss the shots too. not sure where you live and if have good local camera store near you or not far driving distance. i would go to camera store and try out the lens to see what we are talking about. also camera store will say the same thing me and tbonz are saying too. i add new lens for sport photography Tamron150-600mm f/5-6.3 Di VC USD Lens for Nikon (95mm) for long shots i will not get at some sporting and action photography i do. also thanks for joining the group and you find we have good group of people get help if need it.