I'll cover the aspects of this lens from a practical perspective. The specs can be had from the internet.
FINISH & BUILD:
All plastic, but very well finished. The zoom ring is much superior to Nikon's other lens in this price range- smooth, well damped and clear notches at either ends. While the lens has a plastic mount, it should last years if one uses it with respect.
AF SPEED:
I'll compare the AF speed of this lens with 3 others: the 55-200 VR, the 70-300VR (AF-S) and the USD/USM from Tamron and Canon.
Compared to the 55-200/55-300, there is no competition. This AF-P blows them out of the water.
Compared to the 70-300 AF-S, the practical difference is marginal. While the AF-P is much faster (3-4x) than the AF-S if you rack from minimum to infinity, the AF-S is almost as fast in the real world where focusing involves the lens moving in smaller distances. So if you have a 70-300 AF-S, stick to it. The AF-P seems faster as it does not jerk like the AF-S does when focusing.
Compared to Canon's USM and Tamron's USD, the speed is about the same. The AF-P seems slightly slower than the Canon STMs.
Low light AF is poor, compared to Tamron's f/6.3 lens. Strange that Nikon could not ensure better compatibility. My Tamron 150-600 works better on the D5200 at f/6.3, than the AF-P works with the D7200.
FOCUS RESET ISSUE:
Most of you would have read that the AF-P works on some Nikon DSLRs (like the D5200) but the focus resets after the meter goes to sleep. In reality, the focus does NOT reset when the meter goes to sleep. When you re-acquire focus after the meter goes to sleep, the lens first goes to infinity and then reacquires focus. This takes about 0.5 sec and robs the lens of the advantages of its otherwise excellent AF speed. You can reduce the impact by extending the standby timers to 30m in custom settings.
VR and Weight:
VR seems good. It seems to work well in panning as well. So the inability to switch off VR in some Nikon models is not a minus. However, the light weight of this lens makes it a mismatch in the heavier DSLRs (like D7200, etc.) as the AF point shifts ever so slightly doe to the shutter vibrations, a problem that heavier lens like the 70-300 AF-S do not have (their extra weight help in stabilizing the shooting action). I would recommend this lens strictly with the lighter Nikon bodies.
SHARPNESS & COLOR:
Compared to the 70-300 AF-S, the AF-P has superior sharpness at 300mm (at f/6.3) whereas the gap narrows when the AF-S is taken to f/8. Till 250mm, the AF-S holds its own.
Color seems to be better on the AF-S. Depth in color shades is much better on the AF-S. The AF-P glass seems to be of the cheaper versions as used in the older 55-200. If micro-contrast is important, choose the AF-S.
SUMMARY:
If you have a lighter Nikon (D3300+, D5200+), this lens is a no-brainer. Its cheap, light, and transforms the cameras. You may have to cope sometimes with focus lags or freezes (esp in low light), but the pros outweigh the cons.
If you have a mid-range Nikon (D7200+), the AF-S is the better option. Its AF is almost as fast as the AF-P, is as sharp till 250mm, doesn't freeze and the weight helps in stabilizing.
| Brand | Nikon |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Nikon Corporation, Nikon Corporation Shinagawa Intercity Tower C, 2-15-3, Konan, Minato-Ku,Tokyo 106-6290 Japan |
| Model | 20062 |
| Model Name | AF-P DX |
| Model Year | 2016 |
| Product Dimensions | 12.5 x 7.19 x 7.19 cm; 414.58 g |
| Batteries | 1 Lithium Ion batteries required. |
| Item model number | 20062 |
| Special Features | image stabilization |
| Mounting Hardware | 70-300mm Lens with Cap |
| Number of items | 1 |
| Colour Screen | No |
| Image stabilization technology | Optical |
| Has Image Stabilisation | Yes |
| Minimum diaphragm opening | 32 |
| Min Focal Length | 70 |
| Batteries Included | No |
| Batteries Required | No |
| Battery cell composition | Lithium |
| Form Factor | DSLR |
| Mounting Type | Nikon F |
| Actual viewing angle | 22 Degrees |
| Has Auto Focus | Yes |
| Includes Rechargeable Battery | No |
| Is there a timer? | No |
| Includes AC Adapter | No |
| Includes remote | No |
| Manufacturer | Nikon Corporation |
| Country of Origin | Japan |
| Imported By | Nikon India PVT.LTD. Plot No: 71,Sector 32, Institutional Area, Gurgaon-122001, Haryana, India.Tel No: 1800-12-7346 |
| Item Weight | 415 g |
