What type of camera do you have?

Honestly the stock lenses on the nikons are okay but nothing compared to what's out there...
I agree with everyone else, don't waste your time on the 55-300. Get a nicer lens (preferably VR) with a lower f and a shorter/lower range. It honestly makes a MASSIVE difference.
Also you can get sigma lenses that are usually a bit cheaper than nikon and just as good or sometimes better. Just make sure it works with your camera first

 

The big question is...

What do you plan on using the camera for?

Cameras/photography is much like a reef tank. When you first dive in it seems fairly easy and not that expensive but as you dig deeper you keep finding it is more costly than originally planned. Do lots of research before buying a lens. If buying used check the AF motor and check for mildew/fungus in the lens.

 

The big answer was...

In post #1

 

Just for fun shooting what.

Landscape
Portraits
Macro
Etc.

 

That translates to me to be "general purpose". Like anything that may come up in life, like landscape, portraits, macro and every other etc that comes around. Those things are pretty easy to squeeze out of any multi-purpose lens (minus true macro), but it's the tank pics that require special consideration.

Can you rent lenses where you are from?

 

I mean the 55-300 is not bad. It really depends on what you are shooting. The lens is not terrible or anything. Nikkor lenses are of great quality and will probably give you some sharp images. Its just that there is distortion at both the far ends of the range. But I think what everyone is trying to say is that you won't catch a sports photographer or a photo journalist etc shooting with a lens like this. Photographers in those fields just need something fast and reliable, or else they may miss a shot thats worth big money. I'm sure the lens will do great for whatever you plan to shoot, general purpose lens. If your'e going to be mostly taking pictures of your tank than all you really need is a tripod and you'll be fine.

So conclusion is that its not a terrible lens. There is just better ones out there, but that means more money. Good luck on your decision!

 

I have a Canon 20D. 24-105 f4 lens & 100 f2.8 macro lense.

 

Umm. Rent lens? I have never tried it. I wouldn't want to do that cause i would get too obsessed with the lens and never return it. lol. I walked into best buy today and they are having a sale on the Nikon D5000 for $599. I think i am going to take it! What do you guys think? I have decided to change my mind and maybe go for a 55-200 lens. After what you guys have said i think it will be better in the long run! Keep the commets coming! LOVE IT!

 

I saw a lens that was something-135mm. It looked like plenty of zoom for me! Any suggestions on that or do you think something like the 55-200 would be better in the long run? I am so confused with all these numbers! lol

 

I rent when I'm trying to decide between lenses. That way you can take them out for a spin to see if they are what you are looking for.

You'll have to give us more than just the range. The brand and f/# are needed for us to give an opinion.


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