Nikon has announced a new telephoto zoom lens for its full frame (FX) cameras, the AF-P Nikon 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6E ED VR.

Not to be confused with the two 70-300mm lenses launched recently for Nikon’s DX and Nikon 1 format respectively, this latest full frame lens comes around 6 years after its predecessor - the AF-S VR 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6G IF-ED.

Of course, the new lens can also be used with Nikon’s APS-C format cameras (DX), giving a 105-450mm focal length range. The 4.3x zoom range is ideal for most aspiring action photographers.

Nikon claims this latest 70-300mm full-frame lens is sharper, faster and better. The focus appears to be on improved handheld performance, with improved AF motor, new Advanced Vibration Reduction (VR) and Sport VR Mode.

Let’s take a quick look at what is new.

Nikon 70-300mm ED VR: new features

The Nikon 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6E ED VR inherits the Sport VR mode found in Nikon’s professional telephoto lenses. In short, Sport VR mode delivers a stable viewfinder image, which is really helpful when tracking subjects.

Advanced Vibration Reduction (VR) now provides sharp shooting at 4.5 stops slower than without VR activated. We will wait and see how notable the difference is in use, however the predecessor already offered 4-stops of VR.

A new AF-P stepping motor is claimed to be both ultra fast and quiet, enough so even for video recording, with practically no motor noise.

Build wise, the latest 70-300mm lens is around the same size as it predecessor, but is 10% lighter. Its weather-resistant build is comprehensive, now to every movable part of the lens barrel.

The lens construction has had a slight revision too, featuring 18 elements in 14 groups, with 1 ED glass element.

Another improvement is that the minimum focus distance has been cut from 1.5m to 1.2m, across the entire zoom range.

The Nikon 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6E ED VR is another one of Nikon’s new ‘E’ lenses, featuring an electromagnetic diaphragm (not a mechanical diaphragm). We have written in more detail about what this means for camera compatibility in our news story on Nikon’s 28mm f/1.4 lens.

All in all, this looks like an ideal lens for an aspiring action photographer and we will be sure to report back our experiences with the lens.

Pricing and availability

The Nikon 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6E ED VR lens sales start date is TBC. What we do know is that the RRP is £749.99 / €899.99.

More information about the lens can be found on Nikon’s website, while you can compare the latest version against its predecessor on Nikon’s compare lens part of the site.