Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-300mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VRvsNikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 55-300mm f/4.5-5.6G ED VR
AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-300mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR
18-300mm / F3.5-5.6
27-450mm equiv.
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AF-S DX NIKKOR 55-300mm f/4.5-5.6G ED VR
55-300mm / F4.5-5.6
83-450mm equiv.
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Which to choose
When the AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-300mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR suits you better
- Brightness0.7 stops brighter — better in low light and blurs the background more
- Close focusFocuses as close as 45cm
- Zoom rangeCovers 18-300mm in a single lens
When the AF-S DX NIKKOR 55-300mm f/4.5-5.6G ED VR suits you better
- Weight300g lighter, so easier to carry
These points are derived mechanically from the numbers. How a lens actually renders does not show up in specifications, so look at samples before deciding.
Size compared
- AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-300mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR120mm long × 83mm diameter
- AF-S DX NIKKOR 55-300mm f/4.5-5.6G ED VR123mm long × 76.5mm diameter
Specifications compared
| Specification | Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-300mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR | Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 55-300mm f/4.5-5.6G ED VR | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Focal length (wide) | 18mm | 55mm | −37mm |
| Focal length (tele) | 300mm | 300mm | — |
| Max aperture (wide) | F3.5 | F4.5 | 0.7 stops brighter |
| Max aperture (tele) | F5.6 | F5.6 | — |
| Min focus distance | 45cm | 1.4m | −0.95m |
| Max magnification | 0.31× | 0.28× | +0.03x |
| Weight | 830g | 530g | +300g |
| Length | 120mm | 123mm | −3mm |
| Diameter | 83mm | 76.5mm | +6.5mm |
| Filter size | 77mm | 58mm | +19mm |
| Released | 2012 | 2010 | +2year |
| Stabilization | Yes | Yes | — |
| Weather sealing | Yes | Yes | — |
| Macro | No | No | — |
| Autofocus | Yes | Yes | — |
The difference column reads as AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-300mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR relative to AF-S DX NIKKOR 55-300mm f/4.5-5.6G ED VR.The highlighted cell is the better side for that specification.
Check prices
AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-300mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR
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AF-S DX NIKKOR 55-300mm f/4.5-5.6G ED VR
ADLinks to Amazon, B&H Photo, Adorama, KEH Camera, MPB, eBay are affiliate links. We may earn a commission if you buy through them, at no extra cost to you.Links marked “Search results” go to that retailer’s search page for this lens name.Check price and availability on the retailer’s own site.
AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-300mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR in detailAF-S DX NIKKOR 55-300mm f/4.5-5.6G ED VR in detailAll F mount lenses