Nikon’s New 70-300mm VR Lens is Its First FX Lens with a Stepping Motor

Nikon today unveiled its new 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6E VR lens, a modern followup to this popular zoom range for Nikon FX full frame cameras.

The new Nikkor AF-P 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6E ED VR features a stepping motor (indicated by the ‘P’ in AF-P) for fast and quiet autofocusing, making the lens is Nikon’s first full frame AF-P lens. The AF-P particularly comes in handy when shooting video, helping to reduce lens sounds.

Also helpful for video shooters is the Electronic Diaphragm (ED), which provides smooth exposure transitions while you’re shooting footage. ED also helps maintain consistent exposures while you’re shooting stills at a fast frame rate (like in sports photography, for example).

Vibration Reduction (VR) in the lens provides up to 4.5 stops of stabilization, allowing photographers to shoot sharp photos and smooth videos while handholding and/or in low light situations.

The new 70-300mm features two VR modes: Normal stabilization and Sport VR for extra stabilization when you’re not stationary while shooting.

Although this new lens has more features, it’s lighter than its predecessor, weighing in at 24oz (680g) compared to 26.25oz (745g).

Other specs and features of the lens include a minimum focusing distance of 3.94ft (1.2m), a reproduction ratio of 0.25x, a 9-blade aperture, dust and drip resistance, a filter size of 67mm, and a durable metal lens mount.

Here are some official sample photos by photographer Delly Carr: