Nikon AF-S DX Nikkor 35mm F1.8G vs Nikon Nikkor AF-P 70-300mm

Focus is available to 11.8 inches, measured from the image sensor. It doesn't put the lens into macro territory, but with the ability to magnify subjects at 1:6 life-size at its closest focus distance, you can still capture small details—just not as small as you would with a 1:2 or 1:1 macro lens.

I returned this lens. It just wasn't sharp enough, IQ wasn't very good compared to any of my other Nikons. I took some shots of the moon with it on the D850, and the shots I took with at 105mm and cropped with my 105mm macro were actually better than the ones taken at 300mm with this lens. I ordered a Tamron 70-200 G2 with the money from this and it is much higher quality

As for the Sigma: It is quite a bit sharper, has less purple fringing, significantly less bokeh fringing (long. CAs). It is heavier and more expensive, but it is a significantly better lens as well.

Manual focus will not work at all. I'm very disappointed with the lack of longevity of this lens. I do not have a disposable income! I would have thought the lens would have lasted a long time since it was a Nikon. Bottom line, if you can afford to replace this lens every 12-14 months, then it's well worth it for the quality and clarity of photos this lens can give you

This lens doesn't have image stabilization. So, even if you could focus it in the dark -- which autofocus mechanisms have trouble doing -- guess what? The image may come out blurry, anyway. I did learn a trick as time went on, though: the kayaks have glow sticks at each end (green on the stern, red on the bow). Focus on one of those, and hold down the AF lock

I checked the calibration and it had gone from +1 to = -5. I then used it for a couple of hours and it started to give me autofocus issues that turned soft again. As an additional symptom of the soft focus issue, VR would sway around not locking on to the subject I was trying to capture. It seesawed back and forth, not really locking on to the subject

Other thoughts: I read the reviews regarding this lens on a few reputable sites, and the lens performs and works nicely for an entry level type kit lens. If you are a beginner or amateur, this would be a nice zoom lens to purchase. Most people that hobby in photography don't need a top shelf $2000 zoom lens.

General initial shots at 70mm and 300mm confirm that it is tack sharp. It zooms very quickly, if not quite as fast as the 300mm prime. It comes with a, not particularly great, lens bag, and the lens hood is substantial. It focuses very close and whilst no where near macro is going to be great for friendly birds