Can anyone tell me the real life difference between this lens and another similarly spec'd Nikon lens.

All I can see is a increased diameter in the much more expensive one, allowing more light, but what a price difference!


[Edit] The link to Nikon ebay was self generating - no input from me!

[Edited on 22/7/12 by Mark Allanson]

The 70-300 is slightly better made, downside is its heavier. It focuses faster when using auto focus, and I believe can be used on a full frame body, unlike the 55-300. I have the 55-300 myself, and find it fine for my needs.

The 55-300mm is a DX lense, and those will not work on a full frame camera.