My trusty 70-300 AF-P VR lens just recently started causing me problems. With my new Z6III and FTZ, I started to get occasional "Error. Press shutter release button again." errors. Yesterday, issues seemed to get worse and the lens stopped focusing (AF or MF) while I was trying to shoot a swim meet. Power cycling the camera/lens didn't seem to help immediately. But, after longer breaks in the action with the camera off and/or the lens detached, the lens would then start to work again only for the issues to return after a dozen shots or so.
I've tried cleaning the electrical contacts on the lens. And I don't think the FTZ is the problem since other AF-S lenses work fine.
I really like this lens. Sharp enough and fast enough focus for my needs. A faster aperture would definitely be nice, but I value the portability and discreetness. My primary uses are photos/videos of my kids and their high school/college teams (ultimate frisbee and swim meets), all handheld except for the occasional tripod video. I really appreciate the reach and primarily use the lens between 200 and 300mm.
1) Any ballpark estimates on what it might cost to repair this lens? And what would be a typical turnaround time?
2) Recommendations on other options if I need to replace it? Generally I'm open to used equipment but a little worried after these issues. Some ideas I had:
- AFS 70-200/2.8: Buy a used AFS 70-200 to save some $$$. Which one? My local camera shop has a VRII for $600 that is tempting. Anyone have a good comparison of the 3 AFS models? Would performance still be ok with a TC? And can I expect them to hold up over time?
- Buy another 70-300 AF-P? Still seems like a great deal at $550.
- Z 70-180/2.8: Sounds like good performance for the price and relatively portable, but I think I would miss the 180-300. My understanding is that it doesn't perform well with a 1.4 TC?
- Z 70-200/2.8 or 100-400: Big, heavy, conspicuous and $$$. But I might rent one to see what I think.
- Any other options I'm missing? Tamron/Sigma/Tokina?
Thanks in advance for any input. I'm a longtime lurker on these forums and I've learned a lot from you all over the years.
A repair by Nikon will likely be spendy. You can go to a local shop, if you still have one, and see what they will tell you. A used 70-300 AFP should be under $400 on FB Marketplace, CL, offer up, etc
Its amazing what people will pay on eBay for a lens “for parts not working”.
About ten years ago I got a 70-300 VR in a bundle with other. I knew it was in bad shape when buying the bundle but was was as bad as you can imagine - must have been left in the rain overnight! Black mould inside the lens made for an artistic soft focus effect and neither AF nor MF functioned. It was stuck at about 20 feet so you could focus with your feet.
I listed it with very full disclosure and plenty of sample photos and I think it sold for around $200 if I remember correctly.
Depending on your aperture needs, the Nikon 28-400 might be another option. The best way to think of it is as an f8 zoom. If you want sharpness edge to edge you will want to be at f8 and when you use it above 200mm you will be at f8. It's much more versatile than a 70-300, but you lose a stop of light.
DWOfPaul wrote:
Depending on your aperture needs, the Nikon 28-400 might be another option. The best way to think of it is as an f8 zoom. If you want sharpness edge to edge you will want to be at f8 and when you use it above 200mm you will be at f8. It's much more versatile than a 70-300, but you lose a stop of light.
+1
Very pleased with my 28-400 recently bought here.
Also, a 70-200 f2.8 + TCs, which can get you to 280 f4 and 400 f5.6, is in a whole other league vs a supper zoom, but it's also a much larger, heavier, and costly setup. You also lose the zoom range if that's important to you. I held on to my Nikon 70-200mm f/2.8 G II ED VR for times when I need f2.8, but otherwise, it's the 28-400mm lens I am taking with me.
If you have never used an f2.8 zoom or a 100-400mm zoom before it might be worth renting a 70-200mm or 100-400mm just to experience what a more premium lens might offer your photography. But modern optics have gotten so good many photographers are finding lighter lenses with longer zoom ranges more useful than premium zooms. A lens doesn't help your photography much if you leave it at home most of the time due to size, weight, etc. Or if your missing shoots due to having to swap lenses often.
I have the Nikon 28-400mm. It is very good for what it is, I use it for landscape and the occasional critter that come by. But f/8 for a swim meet is kinda tough. So I would advise getting a faster lens.
Isn't the AF-P a crop sensor lens? Just get the Tamron 70-300..or anything that properly covers the sensor. Never mind did some googling, I think it's an FX lens. If you can't get it repaired just buy a new one.
I'll check with my local shop on a repair estimate for the 70-300 AF-P VR.
I rented the Nikon Z 70-200/2.8 and 1.4 TC for the second day of the swim meet and was very happy with the results. Most of my shots were at 280mm effective with the TC. Shooting at f4 vs. f5.6 was also a big help. Lens weight didn't bother me as much as I thought it would, and I would mostly be using this for dedicated events vs. casual shooting.
The 70-200/2.8 is beyond my budget so thinking about the 70-180/2.8 + 1.4 TC. But, a little worried about the range I'd give up (250 vs. 280/300) so will need to give this some more thought.
If you are thinking about the 70-200 f2.8 route, you may also want to consider a used 70-200 FL. Sure, the 70-200 S is even better, but the FL is a well regarded lens too.
Edit: If you do go the 70-180mm root and find 250mm is to short, and you can deal with changing lenses you might want to look into a used 300mm f4 PF. It's pretty wild that lens can now be had for 800 or less used.
To the Original Poster: The questions that first come to mind for me are whether you had any issues with the lens before using it on your new Z 6III? Also, what is the firmware for the FTZ? Up to date? Has the lens been subjected to moisture since you used it for photographing swim meets since indoor Natatoriums are very humid places? Thinking about possible fungus issues. Any episodes of drops, dings, or other trauma? If you investigated and checked off those possibilities are not issues, given the cost of the lens I’d replace it. I used to own one and got great results with it on a Z6-FTZ combo. So pound for pound, the 70-300 AF-P E (for FX) is a terrific value. Given you know how to use it and it’s low cost, make your life easier and just replace it.
JadedWriter wrote:
Isn't the AF-P a crop sensor lens? Just get the Tamron 70-300..or anything that properly covers the sensor. Never mind did some googling, I think it's an FX lens. If you can't get it repaired just buy a new one.
There are actually three versions of the AF-P 70-300mm, two DX lens, one with VR and one without plus a very good FX version which does have VR.
I thought there were only two versions of this thing after Googling. No wonder why I was super confused by the initial question. pwschladen wrote:
There are actually three versions of the AF-P 70-300mm, two DX lens, one with VR and one without plus a very good FX version which does have VR.
@DWOfPaul: Yeah the 300/4 AF-S or 70-200/2.8 FL are also great options. Coincidentally, another photographer at the swim meet was using the 300/4 AF-S and a Tamron 70-200/2.8 on a Z6 III.
@James Farrell: It only started acting up once I started taking swim meet photos, so it could me moisture related. No drops, but it's definitely been (very lightly) splashed on a few times. I'm going to try it more outdoors at some upcoming ultimate frisbee games. But replacing it is also a good option. I also see that Tamron has a 70-300 for Z mount that gets decent reviews, although it's slightly slower at 300mm (6.3).
(Not sure the best way to quote/reply to previous responses, hope this works...)
Strosek wrote:
@DWOfPaul@: Yeah the 300/4 AF-S or 70-200/2.8 FL are also great options. Coincidentally, another photographer at the swim meet was using the 300/4 AF-S and a Tamron 70-200/2.8 on a Z6 III.
@James Farrell@: It only started acting up once I started taking swim meet photos, so it could me moisture related. No drops, but it's definitely been (very lightly) splashed on a few times. I'm going to try it more outdoors at some upcoming ultimate frisbee games. But replacing it is also a good option. I also see that Tamron has a 70-300 for Z mount that gets decent reviews, although it's slightly slower at 300mm (6.3).g
(Not sure the best way to quote/reply to previous responses, hope this works...)...Show more →
I haven’t used the Tamron Z. Mount 70-300 but from the reviews it appears to be good optically and it is light. I considered it but hesitated due to lack of VR. Of course for subjects in motion that may not be a big deal.
I have the Tamron 70-300 f6.3 in E mount. It's a decent lens and fits its role nicely as a light and fairly compact 70-300 option. I did find the lack of VR noticeable on the long end.
I think you need to decide if you need a faster aperture or not. You mentioned having f4 over f5.6 was a notable improvement for your needs. f6.3 will be slightly darker than f5.6.
If you are okay go with f6.3 you may want to consider the Tamron 50-400 f6.3. You will gain longer reach, wider reach, and VR over the 70-300, granted it is a larger and more expensive lens. But it will get you much closer to the quality of a 100-400 than the 70-300 will get you.
I tested my 70-300 some more and it also acts up in non-humid environments. Works fine for a while, but then the focus motor gives up.
I rented a Z 100-400 and really liked the extended range to 400. The Z 100-400 is out of my price range, but I found a like new AF-S 80-400 VR for a great deal. In initial testing, my copy doesn't seem as sharp as my 70-300, but it definitely meets my needs and I'm very happy for the price I paid.
