Review by Klaus Schroiff, published March 2007

Lens kindly provided by Erik Heyer!

Introduction

The Nikkor AF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 D ED is a lens with a little bit of a story. Its principal optical design is identical to the Tamron AF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 LD. The licensing background is unknown here. However, the lenses are probably not identical - it is quite safe to assume the Nikkor it still features the native Nikon lens coating as well as a true Nikon ED element. Looking at the lens schemas the Nikkor AF 70-300mm f/4-5.6G is also virtually identical except for the ED element and outer cosmetics.

The build quality of the lens is Ok with an outer barrel made of medium quality plastics. The Nikkor extends when zooming towards the long end of the zoom range (see below) and when focusing towards closer distances. The broad, rubberized zoom ring as well as the small focus ring operate relatively smooth and even without being damped. The Nikkor does not feature an internal focus design so the front element rotates (as does the focus ring). The 70-300mm D ED has no internal AF motor and relies on a slotted drive screw operated by the camera. As a result the AF generates a moderate degree of noise but the AF speed is actually quite fine - at least on the Nikon D200.