Browse
Lenses Cameras Brands Mounts Focal lengths Best-of guides Compare Tools Blog

Nikon AF-P Nikkor 70-300mm F4.5-5.6E ED VR vs Nikon AF-S Nikkor 120-300mm F2.8E FL ED SR VR

Side-by-side comparison from our catalogue data. Better values are highlighted only where a clear difference exists.

Nikon

AF-P Nikkor 70-300mm F4.5-5.6E ED VR

Buy on Amazon

Nikon

AF-S Nikkor 120-300mm F2.8E FL ED SR VR

Buy on Amazon

Verdict at a glance

  • Nikon AF-S Nikkor 120-300mm F2.8E FL ED SR VR is faster by 1.4 stops (f/2.8 vs f/4.5), letting in more light.
  • Nikon AF-P Nikkor 70-300mm F4.5-5.6E ED VR is lighter by 2570g.
  • Nikon AF-P Nikkor 70-300mm F4.5-5.6E ED VR goes wider (70mm vs 120mm).
  • Nikon AF-S Nikkor 120-300mm F2.8E FL ED SR VR is the newer design (2020 vs 2017).
Specification comparison
Spec AF-P Nikkor 70-300mm F4.5-5.6E ED VR AF-S Nikkor 120-300mm F2.8E FL ED SR VR
Brand Nikon Nikon
Mount Nikon F Nikon F
Type Telephoto Zoom Telephoto Zoom
Focal length 70-300mm (wider) 120-300mm
Max aperture f/4.5 f/2.8 (faster)
Released 2017 2020
Blades 9 n/a
Format full-frame full-frame
Groups 14 19
Af motor Stepping motor SWM
Elements 18 25
Weight g 680.0 (lighter) 3250.0
Filter mm 67 112
Length mm 146.0 303.5
Stabilized Yes Yes
Diameter mm 80.5 128.0
Min focus m 1.2 (closer focusing) 2.0
Max magnification 0.25 n/a

Nikon AF-P Nikkor 70-300mm F4.5-5.6E ED VR

A full-frame telephoto zoom from 2017 with a stepping motor, VR and ED glass. It is a lighter alternative to the 70-300G VR.

Pros

  • VR
  • Quiet AF
  • Full-frame coverage
  • Light for its range

Cons

  • Needs an AF-P compatible body
  • Soft at 300mm
  • Slow aperture

Nikon AF-S Nikkor 120-300mm F2.8E FL ED SR VR

A 2020 telephoto zoom with a constant f/2.8 aperture, fluorite and SR elements and VR. It weighs about 3.25kg and takes 112mm filters.

Pros

  • Constant f/2.8
  • VR
  • Weather-sealed build
  • Fluorite and SR elements

Cons

  • Heavy at 3.25kg
  • Large 112mm filter size
  • Minimum focus of 2m

More comparisons for Nikon AF-P Nikkor 70-300mm F4.5-5.6E ED VR

Compare other lenses or browse our best-of guides.