Nikon 70-200 f4 vs 70-300 af-p

Nikon 70-200 f4 vs 70-300 af-p

BGD300V1 • Veteran Member • Posts: 3,776

70-200mm f4 vs 70-300mm AF-P VR

Nov 26, 2019

4

I'm getting ready for a 5 week trip and setting up my traveling kit.  Trying to decide between the 70-200mm f4 and 70-300mm AF-P I did a quick field test. Once close, one middle and one far shot with each.

Here are the two far shots and I don't see that much difference between them.

These were shot as raw and just saved as .jpg with NO processing in FastStone.  These are large images so pixel peepers have fun.

70-200mm f4

70-300mm AF-P

By my kitchen scales the 70-300mm is 6 oz lighter and it's about 1" shorter in stowed position.  It gets to go on the trip.

Nikon Z7 Nikon Z6 Nikon Z50 Nikon 200-500mm F5.6E ED VR Nikon AP-F 70-300mm F4.5-5.6E +8 more

Jay A • Senior Member • Posts: 2,547

Re: 70-200mm f4 vs 70-300mm AF-P VR

In reply to BGD300V1 • Nov 26, 2019

These look remarkably similar.

Do your measurements include the FTZ adapter or just the weight and size of the 70-300 alone?

Nikon 70-200 f4 vs 70-300 af-p

OP BGD300V1 • Veteran Member • Posts: 3,776

Re: 70-200mm f4 vs 70-300mm AF-P VR

In reply to Jay A • Nov 26, 2019

Jay A wrote:

These look remarkably similar.

Do your measurements include the FTZ adapter or just the weight and size of the 70-300 alone?

Since I have to take it along for either I didn't include it in the weight.

Nikon Z7 Nikon Z6 Nikon Z50 Nikon 200-500mm F5.6E ED VR Nikon AP-F 70-300mm F4.5-5.6E +8 more

Nikon 70-200 f4 vs 70-300 af-p

madecov • Veteran Member • Posts: 6,802

Re: 70-200mm f4 vs 70-300mm AF-P VR

In reply to BGD300V1 • Nov 26, 2019

I didn't download and pixel peep but the 70-300 image has clearer lettering to me on the boat. It could be a slight change in lighting but I liked the 70-300 image better just for that.

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No plan survives first contact with the enemy.

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Jay A • Senior Member • Posts: 2,547

Re: 70-200mm f4 vs 70-300mm AF-P VR

In reply to madecov • Nov 26, 2019

madecov wrote:

I didn't download and pixel peep but the 70-300 image has clearer lettering to me on the boat. It could be a slight change in lighting but I liked the 70-300 image better just for that.

The 70-300 is very impressive. I've owned both and am always very happy with its results at 300mm. I'd love to see some comparisons at the shorter lengths.

BTW, in my earlier post I meant to say 70-200, not 70-300.

So essentially, the 70-200 with adapter is considerably longer (stowed) and heavier.

Nikon 70-200 f4 vs 70-300 af-p

FuhTeng • Senior Member • Posts: 1,524

Re: 70-200mm f4 vs 70-300mm AF-P VR

In reply to BGD300V1 • Nov 26, 2019

Hey look, the two reasons why Nikon's in no hurry to bring out Z-mount versions of these lenses - they're both really good!

I appreciate the comparison. The AF-P is so good, and small, and inexpensive, that I see no need for me to get the 70-200 f4 (but I do love the 70-200 E!). The 70-300 is weather sealed, as I confirmed nicely in Utah and Arizona when it was glued to my D850 for my entire trip.

https://photographylife.com/reviews/nikon-70-300mm-vr-af-p/3

That shows me the f/4 is better at 200 mm, but I'd rather have another 100 mm than slightly better Imatest results.

Good choice for the trip, but it's nice that we can't go wrong with either option.

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Revision1 • Regular Member • Posts: 158

Re: 70-200mm f4 vs 70-300mm AF-P VR

In reply to BGD300V1 • Nov 26, 2019

BGD300V1 wrote:

I'm getting ready for a 5 week trip and setting up my traveling kit. Trying to decide between the 70-200mm f4 and 70-300mm AF-P I did a quick field test. Once close, one middle and one far shot with each.

Here are the two far shots and I don't see that much difference between them.

These were shot as raw and just saved as .jpg with NO processing in FastStone. These are large images so pixel peepers have fun.

70-200mm f4

70-300mm AF-P

By my kitchen scales the 70-300mm is 6 oz lighter and it's about 1" shorter in stowed position. It gets to go on the trip.

The pictures are not comparable: the 70-200 F/4 picture is underexposed compared to that done with the  70-300 AF P.

For travel I always bring my 70-300 mm lens; smaller size and the additional 100mm focal length outweigh any other consideration.

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Renato

'The world is going to pieces and people like Adams and Weston are photographing rocks.' Henri Cartier Bresson, in the 1930's

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Nikon 70-200 f4 vs 70-300 af-p

OP BGD300V1 • Veteran Member • Posts: 3,776

Re: 70-200mm f4 vs 70-300mm AF-P VR

4

Revision1 wrote:

BGD300V1 wrote:

I'm getting ready for a 5 week trip and setting up my traveling kit. Trying to decide between the 70-200mm f4 and 70-300mm AF-P I did a quick field test. Once close, one middle and one far shot with each.

Here are the two far shots and I don't see that much difference between them.

These were shot as raw and just saved as .jpg with NO processing in FastStone. These are large images so pixel peepers have fun.

70-200mm f4

70-300mm AF-P

By my kitchen scales the 70-300mm is 6 oz lighter and it's about 1" shorter in stowed position. It gets to go on the trip.

The pictures are not comparable: the 70-200 F/4 picture is underexposed compared to that done with the 70-300 AF P.

For travel I always bring my 70-300 mm lens; smaller size and the additional 100mm focal length outweigh any other consideration.

According to the EXIF one was shot at 1/1600 and the other at 1/2000 even though I didn't detect much change, if any, in light.

There may be a lot of factors in play, tranmittance, coatings, and the fundamental lens design.

What I am trying to present is a practical comparison not a detailed optical analysis.  As a retired engineer, I really like the stuff that Jim Kasson does but, (emphasize retired) I have no desire to duplicate his efforts.

Here are a couple of crops from comparable areas of the original pics.  It looks to me that either lens is capable of performing in the field on a trip that involves weight limits for baggage and my ability to carry stuff.

70-200

70-300

70-200

70-300

70-200

70-300

Nikon Z7 Nikon Z6 Nikon Z50 Nikon 200-500mm F5.6E ED VR Nikon AP-F 70-300mm F4.5-5.6E +8 more

Re: 70-200mm f4 vs 70-300mm AF-P VR

In reply to BGD300V1 • Nov 27, 2019

I was thrilled to see a thread on these two lenses for travel purposes, as I am currently considering buying one of the other to fill out a travel kit based around my D7500. So thanks OP!

Short background: I'm an amateur enthusiast who only recently put hands back on an SLR after a 20-year hiatus. So for now at least, I am far less limited by my equipment than I am by my rusty (and in some cases, deficient) skills. That being said, I am planning to add a full-frame body to the mix in a couple years (likely either D850 or Z7), so hoping to make purchases now that will end up supplementing what I have in the future -- and which I will not regret later.

So in short, I'm looking for a lightweight travel setup that will allow me to capture some nice images and sharpen up my skills. As indicated in my gear list, my kit so far is comprised of the D7500 body, a Nikon 18-140mm f/3.5-5.6, a Tokina 11-20mm f/2.8, and a Nikon 35mm f/1.8.

With this in mind, here are the options I'm considering:

Option 1: Buy the Nikon 70-200mm f/4 and keep the Nikon 18-140mm

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Cost: $1400

-- Weight: 1340g

Option 2: Buy the Nikon 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6, sell the 18-140mm, and buy the Nikon 16-80mm f/2.8-4

-- Cost: Approx $1400, depending on trade-in value of 18-140mm

-- Weight: 1160g

Option 3: Buy the Nikon 70-200mm f/4.4-5.6, keep the Nikon 18-140mm, and pocket the savings for that full-frame body later

-- Cost: Approx $550

-- Weight: 1170g

What would you guys do? Any thoughts you may have are most welcome! And thanks

Nikon D7500 Nikon Z7 II Nikon AF-S DX Nikkor 35mm F1.8G Nikon AF-S Nikkor 50mm F1.8G Nikon AF-S DX Nikkor 18-140mm F3.5-5.6G ED VR +3 more

Nikon 70-200 f4 vs 70-300 af-p

FuhTeng • Senior Member • Posts: 1,524

Re: 70-200mm f4 vs 70-300mm AF-P VR

1

Why full frame? Make sure you need it rather than want it.

The right answer for a long zoom for AF-P compatible DX cameras is the DX VR version, but if you really want something for FF eventually, go with the FX AF-P. I don't understand the appeal of the 70-200 f/4 for DX. It's not fast, it's not long, and it's much more expensive than the longer AF-Ps. Then save the money. OR get that wonderful but big and heavy Sigma 18-35 wonderfulness for all the indoors low-light shooting I'd be doing this time of year.

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Nikon 70-200 f4 vs 70-300 af-p

OP BGD300V1 • Veteran Member • Posts: 3,776

Re: 70-200mm f4 vs 70-300mm AF-P VR

Pepprjack wrote:

I was thrilled to see a thread on these two lenses for travel purposes, as I am currently considering buying one of the other to fill out a travel kit based around my D7500. So thanks OP!

Short background: I'm an amateur enthusiast who only recently put hands back on an SLR after a 20-year hiatus. So for now at least, I am far less limited by my equipment than I am by my rusty (and in some cases, deficient) skills. That being said, I am planning to add a full-frame body to the mix in a couple years (likely either D850 or Z7), so hoping to make purchases now that will end up supplementing what I have in the future -- and which I will not regret later.

So in short, I'm looking for a lightweight travel setup that will allow me to capture some nice images and sharpen up my skills. As indicated in my gear list, my kit so far is comprised of the D7500 body, a Nikon 18-140mm f/3.5-5.6, a Tokina 11-20mm f/2.8, and a Nikon 35mm f/1.8.

With this in mind, here are the options I'm considering:

Option 1: Buy the Nikon 70-200mm f/4 and keep the Nikon 18-140mm

I don't know what your other options are but, I think the 70-300mm AF-P on a D7500 would be your best bet. The one I've used here is the FX version on a Z6.

Another part of my travel kit is a D500 body (same sensor as the D7500) and that gives me an effective 105-450mm lens too.

The light kit is Z6 with 14-30mm and 24-70mm native S lenses, the D500 and the 70-300mm, a Canon 500D close-up lens and an SB-500 or SB-800 flash along iwith the usual cleaning and support stuff. This all fits into a medium size backpack that counts as hand baggage for airlines.

If I had a Z7 I might consider the 50-250mm DX Z lens.

I don't have any problem using FX lenses on DX bodies, particularly in the telephoto end of things.

For road trips I easily fill a 450AW backpack with stuff.

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Nikon 70-200 f4 vs 70-300 af-p

OP BGD300V1 • Veteran Member • Posts: 3,776

Size comparison 70-200mm f4 vs 70-300mm AF-P VR

3

This shows the 70-300 on the left wearing the FTZ adapter.  Even at that it is just a bit shorter than the 70-200mm f4 on it's own.

Between them is the TC-14E III that would be added bulk for the 70-200mm to get closer to equal FLs at full zoom.  The TC would also add weight.

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Re: 70-200mm f4 vs 70-300mm AF-P VR

In reply to FuhTeng • Nov 28, 2019

Thank you! I had seen the 18-35 as well. Seemed to me initially like it might be a bit heavy, but that f/1.8 (and the reasonable price tag) are damn tempting. Assuming you own it, have you had good experiences with this lens? Thanks again!

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Re: Size comparison 70-200mm f4 vs 70-300mm AF-P VR

In reply to BGD300V1 • Nov 28, 2019

Thanks for this! Very interesting to see this comparison.

Nikon D7500 Nikon Z7 II Nikon AF-S DX Nikkor 35mm F1.8G Nikon AF-S Nikkor 50mm F1.8G Nikon AF-S DX Nikkor 18-140mm F3.5-5.6G ED VR +3 more

Re: 70-200mm f4 vs 70-300mm AF-P VR

In reply to BGD300V1 • Nov 28, 2019

This is a tremendous help — thanks for your insights on this! The more I think about it, the more I’m edging toward the lighter longer option. And I figure I’ll switch to other lenses for low light. Again, thanks for taking the time for the thoughtful answers!

Nikon D7500 Nikon Z7 II Nikon AF-S DX Nikkor 35mm F1.8G Nikon AF-S Nikkor 50mm F1.8G Nikon AF-S DX Nikkor 18-140mm F3.5-5.6G ED VR +3 more

patriot07 • Senior Member • Posts: 1,088

Re: 70-200mm f4 vs 70-300mm AF-P VR

In reply to BGD300V1 • Nov 30, 2019

3

I own both.  70-200 gets the nod for portraits or low light.  70-300 gets the nod if weight/reach are a bigger priority than low light shooting.

FWIW, the 70-300 is excellent wide open, but even better at f7.1.  The 70-200 is just as good at f4 as it is anywhere else.  So the low light difference is really significant between the two.  Also the reach difference is significant, as 300 is 1.5x the reach over 200.  Not an insignificant tradeoff on either front.

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Nikon 70-200 f4 vs 70-300 af-p

bluzman • Senior Member • Posts: 1,461

Re: 70-200mm f4 vs 70-300mm AF-P VR

1

FWIW, I own the DX version of the 70-300mm AF-P VR. It's been a workhorse for capturing wildlife images on both my D5600 and D7500. Only recently, with the acquisition of a Sigma 100-400mm, has its duty cycle decreased, but not by much.

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stonesfan • Regular Member • Posts: 377

Re: 70-200mm f4 vs 70-300mm AF-P VR

1

I pondered both for use as a sports shooter on my D7200. Was effectively the FX version of the 70-300 AF-P v the 70-200 F4.

In the event the fact I shoot under low light dictated that the 70-200 F4 won the day. Is an extremely sharp lens, even at full zoom wide open. Very pleased with my purchase. That extra F stop really does make a big difference when shooting under lights.

Nikon D7500 Nikon AF-S DX Nikkor 16-85mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR Tokina AT-X Pro 100mm f/2.8 Macro Nikon AF-S Nikkor 70-200mm F4G ED VR Tokina AT-X Pro 11-16mm f/2.8 DX II +1 more

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