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AF-P lenses are not automatically cheaper than AF-S lenses. AF-P and AF-S identify different autofocus motor designs, not a price tier or a ranking of optical quality. Any price gap depends on the specific lenses being compared, their features, condition, and compatibility with your camera.
What AF-P and AF-S mean
Nikon AF-S NIKKOR lenses use a Silent Wave Motor (SWM), which converts traveling waves into rotational energy to focus the lens. AF-P lenses use a pulse or stepping autofocus motor. Nikon describes AF-P focusing as quieter and smoother than AF-S focusing, a benefit when recording video with a DSLR. Those descriptions explain the drive systems; they do not establish that one family is universally faster, better at tracking, or optically superior.
Nikon’s 2016 announcement of AF-P DX 70-300mm lenses likewise highlighted fast, quiet autofocus and smooth operation for movie recording. These are potential usability advantages, not evidence of a general price premium or discount.
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A lens’s motor is only one part of its design. Nikon’s AF-P lineup includes lenses with different formats, zoom ranges, apertures, stabilization, and construction. For example, Nikon described the AF-P DX 18-55mm as compact and lightweight, with a retractable barrel. Its AF-P DX 70-300mm was offered in versions with and without VR. Those are distinct configurations, so a price difference between them and an AF-S lens cannot be attributed to the motor alone.
#1 Best Overall
- Super Integrated Coating Pulse; Stepping Motor AF System; Access Lens Settings in Camera Menu; Rounded 7-Blade Diaphragm
- Fully compatible models: D5600, D5500, D5300*, D3400, D3300*, D500 and later models (*Firmware update may be required). Compatible models with limited functions: D5, D810 series, Df, D750, D7200, D7100, D5200, Nikon 1 series with the FT1. Incompatible models: D4 series, D3 series, D2 series, D1 series, D800 series, D700, D610, D600, D300 series, D200, D100, D7000, D5100, D5000, D90, D80, D70 series, D3200, D3100, D3000, D60, D50, D40 series, film cameras.
- 70-300mm super-telephoto zoom power brings faraway subjects within reach. Capture sports, wildlife, concerts, landmarks and more with phenomenal clarity and precision
- Superb optics and telephoto field of view are great for stills and HD video. Ultra-fast, near silent autofocus powered by a new pulse motor (utilizing stepping motors)
- This Certified Refurbished product is tested and certified to look and work like new. The refurbishing process includes functionality testing, basic cleaning, inspection, and repackaging. The product ships with all relevant accessories, a minimum 90-day warranty, and may arrive in a generic box. Only select sellers who maintain a high performance bar may offer Certified Refurbished products on Amazon.com
Other AF-P lenses have different feature sets again. Nikon’s full-frame AF-P NIKKOR 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6E ED VR has an electromagnetic diaphragm, dust and drip resistance, and a metal mount. Nikon said this model was lighter than its predecessor despite its new technologies. Its U.S. suggested retail price at launch in 2017 was $749.95; Nikon noted that actual dealer prices could change. That dated launch MSRP is neither a current price nor a matched comparison with an AF-S lens.
The available model examples do not support a market-wide AF-P discount, percentage difference, or claim that AF-P is a budget category. To understand a particular price gap, compare equivalent models rather than the labels.
Rank #2
- F-mount lens/DX formatfilter-attachment size: 58mm, (p = 075 mm) Maximum Reproduction Ratio: 0.22x. 105-450Mm (35mm equivalent) Aperture range: f/45-63 to F/32
- Nikon VR image stabilization. Access Lens settings in camera menu
- The number of cameras Compatible with both lenses is limited even for compatible cameras, firmware update may be required* Fully compatible Models: D7500, D5600, D5500, D5300*, D3400, D3300*, D500 and later models
- Compatible Models with limited functions: D5, D810 series, DF, D750, D7200, D7100, D5200, Nikon 1 Series with the ft1
- Incompatible models: D4 series, D3 series, D2 series, D1 series, D800 series, D700, D610, D600, D300 series, D200, D100, D7000, D5100, D5000, D90, D80, D70 series, D3200, D3100, D3000, D60, D50, D40 series, film cameras
How to compare two lenses fairly
Before deciding that an AF-P option is cheaper—or better value—compare the complete lens and the price you can actually buy it for:
- Mount and format: Confirm the mount and whether the lens covers your camera’s sensor format. Do not compare DX and full-frame models as though they were equivalent.
- Focal length and aperture: Match the focal length or zoom range and maximum aperture as closely as possible.
- Stabilization: Check whether VR is included. Some lens versions differ on this feature.
- Features and build: Compare weight, dimensions, construction, and details such as the mount or diaphragm design.
- Use case: If you record video, Nikon’s stated advantage for AF-P is quieter, smoother focusing. Consider whether that matters for your shooting and recording setup.
- Purchase terms: Compare actual current prices for lenses in similar condition, and account for seller terms. A historical launch MSRP is not a substitute for today’s asking price.
- Camera compatibility: Verify the exact lens-and-body combination and required firmware before buying.
Check camera compatibility before buying AF-P
Not every Nikon DSLR is compatible with AF-P lenses. Nikon also warns that some compatible camera bodies need a firmware update to display the relevant settings. Check Nikon’s compatibility information for your exact body and lens, and confirm whether an update is required. Nikon’s 2016 AF-P announcement also cautioned that the number of compatible cameras was limited and firmware updates might be necessary.
Rank #3
- AF-P DX NIKKOR 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR
- 7 diaphragm blades; Angle of view: 76° to 28° 50'. Maximum aperture-f/3.5, to 5.6. Minimum aperture-f/22, to 38
- Fully Compatible with the following Nikon Digital SLR cameras, including: D7500, D5600, D5500, D5300, D3400, D3300, D500, D850
- Compatible models with limited functions: Df, D5, D810, D750, D7200, D7100
- Incompatible models: D4 Series, D3 Series, D2 Series, D1 Series, D800 Series, D700, D610, D600, D300 Series, D200, D100, D7000, D5100, D90, D70 Series, D3200, D3100, D3000, D60, D50, D40 Series
Compatibility is a practical part of value: a lower asking price does not help if your camera cannot use the lens as intended. Do not assume that compatibility for one AF-P lens or camera applies to every combination.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What the price evidence does—and does not—show
Nikon’s specifications and announcements document different AF-P designs and features, but they do not provide a controlled comparison of equivalent AF-P and AF-S lenses or a cost breakdown explaining a general price difference. The $749.95 figure is specifically the 2017 U.S. launch MSRP for the AF-P NIKKOR 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6E ED VR, not evidence of a current AF-P price or an AF-S price gap. A separate 2026 comparison involving an 85mm third-party lens, Nikon AF-S 85mm f/1.8G, and a Z 85mm also does not establish the price relationship between equivalent AF-P and AF-S models.
Rank #4
- Ultra-wide-angle view that surpasses any Kit Lens and lets you get creative with Composition
- Compact, lightweight, durable design that's great for travel and outings.Angle of view:109 degree to 70 degree
- Outstanding Optics deliver beautiful photos and videos, even in challenging situations. Minimum focus distance - 0.22 meter ( 0.8 feet) from focal plane at all zoom positions
- Near-silent autofocus stepping motor is ideal for recording video. Compatible format(s) DX
- Vibration reduction (VR) image stabilization keeps handheld photos and videos sharp and helps with Low-light shooting.Accepts Filter Type:Screw-on
That means the useful question is not “How much cheaper is AF-P?” but “What do these two exact lenses offer, and what do they cost in comparable condition?”
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Best Value
- Smooth, fast autofocus with Nikon's stepping motor
- Simplified Control
- Quiet focusing
- AF-P DX NIKKOR 70-300mm f/4.5-6.3G ED LensLC-58 58 mm snap-on Front Lens CapRear Lens Cap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
