Nikon 2161 AF-S VR 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6G IF-ED camera lens

Nikon AF-S VR 70-300mm Telephoto Zoom

This Nikon AF-S VR 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6G IF-ED lens is a high-power telephoto zoom for Nikon F-mount cameras. It suits photographers who want a versatile 4.3x reach for sports, wildlife or travel subjects. The Silent Wave Motor delivers fast, quiet autofocus with instant manual override. Vibration Reduction II steadies handheld shots at slower shutter speeds.

Build Integration and Handling

The lens mounts directly on any Nikon F-mount body, covering both FX and DX formats without an adapter. Internal focusing keeps the barrel length constant, so balance stays the same while zooming. A 67 mm filter thread accepts standard circular polarisers or protective filters. The 4.9 ft minimum focus distance works across the entire zoom range for close-up flexibility.

Optical Capacity and Limits

Seventeen elements in twelve groups include two ED glass elements to control chromatic aberration. Super Integrated Coating reduces flare and ghosting in backlit scenes. The nine-blade diaphragm produces smooth background blur at wider apertures. At 300 mm the maximum aperture narrows to f/5.6, limiting low-light use and shallow depth of field. Magnification tops out at 0.25x, so true macro work is not possible.