Skip to main content

Nikon's smoother, faster stepping motor focus arrives in first full-frame lens

nikon fx af p 70 300mm announced afp 300e ed vr copy
Nikon
Nikon’s standard telephoto zoom is getting an autofocus boost. The FX AF-P Nikkor 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 ED VR lens, announced on July 11, brings the company’s autofocus stepping motor to full-frame lenses for the first time. Along with the new autofocus system, the FX AF-P 70-300mm brings a steadier image stabilization system ideal for shooting sports, wildlife, candids and travel shots.

The AF-P in the name means the lens has that new stepping motor autofocus, which enhances both the speed and accuracy of the autofocus system, Nikon says, an option previously available only on DX bodies. The advantages of a stepping motor system are even more noticeable while recording video, with the updated system offering smoother autofocus transitions while also cutting back on the noise of the motor.

Recommended Videos

The focus motor update is also being paired with an updated image stabilization system. The new lens’ system offers up to 4.5 stops of image stabilization, Nikon says. Image stabilization is important both for low light and for telephoto lengths, so the improvement is a welcome update for a 70-300mm lens.

An electronic diaphragm gives the lens smoother exposure transitions while recording video. It also keeps exposure consistent when using fast burst speeds for action, Nikon says.

While the lens offers a 300mm view, it can focus on objects as close as 3.94 feet from the lens. That translates to a magnification ratio of about 0.25x.

Despite the updates, the AF-P lens weighs less than the AF-S predecessor, tipping the scale at one pound and eight ounces, or about 680 grams, and measuring 5.7 inches long. The lens is designed with 18 elements in 14 groups with dust and splash sealing on the exterior.

Like other full-frame Nikon lenses, the FX lens is also compatible with DX bodies, but covers a longer focal length with the cropped sensor, equivalent to about a 105-450mm DX lens.

With the AF-P motor on the crop-sensor DSLR lenses, older DX cameras aren’t compatible with the new autofocus motor — on the FX AF-P, however, a VR on/off switch means the focusing system doesn’t limit the compatibility. However, the electronic diaphragm does limit the lens’ compatibility to more recent models, though Nikon hasn’t specified which ones yet.

The new FX AF-P Nikkor 70-300mm lens will retail for $700, but Nikon hasn’t yet shared a ship date.

Hillary K. Grigonis
Hillary never planned on becoming a photographer—and then she was handed a camera at her first writing job and she's been…
An ace photographer is about to leave the ISS. Here are his best shots
The moon and Earth as seen from the ISS.

NASA astronaut Matthew Dominick is preparing to return to Earth after spending seven months living and working aboard the International Space Station (ISS).

After arriving at the orbital outpost, Dominick -- who is on his first mission to space -- quickly earned a reputation for being an ace photographer. He's been using the facility’s plethora of high-end cameras and lenses to capture amazing shots from his unique vantage point some 250 miles above Earth. Sharing his content on social media, the American astronaut has always been happy to reveal how he captured the imagery and offer extra insight for folks interested to know more.

Read more
Filter-free and fun, the Fujifilm Instax Mini 11 Instant Camera is on sale Right Now for Prime Day
fujifilm instax mini 11 camera prime big deal days

It's 2024, and you’re considering a point-and-shoot camera. Zero judgment here. I miss the good ol’ days of flipping through actual photo albums instead of doom-scrolling on Instagram. You can get back to those days by snagging a (in the ice white color), and it’s the perfect time because it’s on sale. Get it for 24% off during Amazon’s Prime Big Deal Days, but hurry while inventory is going strong.
There’s something magical about having a physical photo right in your hand seconds after snapping the shot, and it adds a fun, retro vibe to moments you want to capture and keep. Plus, having an actual picture to hold and display can be so much more satisfying than just another digital file on your phone. I picked one up two years ago for my eight-year-old daughter, and it’s been an instant hit in our household. And now, at its $59 sale price, I'm definitely going to be stocking up on a few to gift ahead of the holiday season.

How the Fujifilm Instax Mini 11 works
The delightful throwback comes with a FUJINON 60mm lens and an automatic exposure feature that adjusts the shutter speed for the best shot, even in low light. While the picture quality won’t be as crisp as what your smartphone can capture, it’ll still produce a quality image worthy of slapping on a refrigerator.
If selfies are your thing, this camera has a dedicated Selfie Mode (with a mirror). We set up a DIY photo booth for my daughter's birthday party with sticker frames so each kid could go home with a photo souvenir, and it was a total hit.
You can opt to make it a set with a range of accessories to buy separately, like a carrying case, a handy strap, those sticker borders I mentioned, and photo albums to hold the memories.

Read more
The Canon EOS R100 mirrorless is ideal for beginners — $170 off today
Canon EOS R100 mirrorless camera with lens attached

If you don't want to spend the money on a high-end DSLR camera, mirrorless cameras are an excellent alternative. But they, too, can be expensive, at least normally. Right now, thanks to a bevy of Prime Big Deal Days discounts, the best camera deals, in general, and super great Prime Day camera deals there are a ton of offers available. So, it's a great time to shop if you've been on the fence. However, we wanted to call out a great deal for novice photographers on the Canon EOS R100 mirrorless camera. Normally $600, it's just $429 right now as part of the event, saving you over $170. The bundle includes the RF-S18-45mm lens. Again, a great starting point for casual or novice photographers.

 
Why shop this Canon EOS R100 mirrorless camera deal for Prime Big Deal Days?

Read more