Nikon's basic telephoto zoom without VR or AF-S, requiring a body-driven autofocus motor.
The Nikon AF Nikkor 70-300mm f/4-5.6G is a budget consumer telephoto zoom for Nikon F-mount bodies, providing a 105-450mm full-frame equivalent range on DX. The 'G' designation indicates no aperture ring — aperture is set entirely via the camera body. It uses a screw-drive AF mechanism requiring a Nikon body with an internal AF drive motor. There is no VR (Vibration Reduction) and no ED glass. As a budget consumer lens it occupies the entry tier below the AF-S VR 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6G IF-ED and the 70-300mm AF-S VR E.
The optical design uses 13 elements in 9 groups. Nine rounded aperture blades produce acceptable out-of-focus rendering. The 62mm filter thread is a common Nikon consumer telephoto size. At 425g the lens is moderate for its range. Minimum focus distance of 1.5m suits the telephoto use case. There is no VR; at 300mm a minimum 1/300s shutter speed (or 1/450s on DX) is required for sharp handheld results. Screw-drive AF requires a Nikon body with an internal AF motor — D40, D40x, D60, and D3xxx/D5xxx bodies will not autofocus this lens. Variable aperture from f/4 at 70mm to f/5.6 at 300mm.
The 70-300mm G's practical case is as an affordable entry telephoto for Nikon F-mount bodies with built-in AF motors. Without VR or ED glass, the primary use case is outdoor daylight telephoto — sports, wildlife, and events where the lighting provides sufficient shutter speed for the focal length. On DX the 105-450mm equivalent covers the full practical reach of most outdoor events. The screw-drive AF is functional and reliable on compatible bodies, though slower than AF-S designs.
On the used market the AF 70-300mm G is one of the most affordable Nikon telephoto zooms. Condition checks: zoom ring smoothness, front element for any haze or cleaning marks, and aperture blades for oil contamination — typical concerns in budget zoom lenses of this era. Confirm the target body includes a built-in AF screw-drive motor; bodies without one will not autofocus this lens. The AF-S VR Nikkor 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6G IF-ED provides VR, ED glass, and AF-S motor at a modest premium on the used market. Compatible with all Nikon F-mount bodies that include an internal AF drive motor.