DW

Hello everyone, I've been following the group for some time now and have picked up some valuable tips, thanks to all. I bought my first DSLR a little over a year ago, a Nikon D5500 and I absolutely love this camera. I have the following lenses: AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-55 mm f/3.5-5.6G VR II and AF-S DX NIKKOR 55-300mm f/4.5-5.6G ED VR. Both have suited me well so far but I wanted some thoughts on replacing these two and using the
AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-300mm f/3.5-6.3G ED VR instead. I know there would be the issue of added weight but also I wouldn't need to switch lenses. Thoughts?

PixelStan77 Loc: Vermont/Chicago

If your budget allows it, go for it. I have the 18-200 and love it.

Marionsho Loc: Kansas

Welcome to the Hog DW. I'm not qualified to answer your question. Hope you enjoy the UHH as much as I.
Marion

Bear2 Loc: Southeast,, MI

Ditto on the 18-200 VRII, it is on my D7200 all the time. If I need a little extra reach, I use my 70-300 4.5-5.6 VR on my D7000.

Duane

shutterbob Loc: Tucson

You will be happy with this lens. I frequently use one on my D7200 when I travel. I was in the Petrified Forest Nat'l Park yesterday where it was quite windy. It was nice having the huge focal range while not needing to change lenses and exposing the sensor to blowing dust. Your D5500 has a great sensor that is pretty 'clean' at higher iso settings so the 6.3 is usually not a problem.
There will surely be some here that will tell you that you need a bigger, haevier, faster lens(es). They do have their uses (I have them for my D750 & D500), but buy the 18-300 for your 5500. It is a great pairing. And don't get the 3.5/5.6 version. It's bigger & heavier, and only about a third stop faster while costing much more. And most of the reviews say the 3.5/6.3 that you are looking at is a better lens in spite of Nikon's marketing. Buy it & don't look back. You will love it?

fourlocks Loc: Londonderry, NH

This past spring, I also purchased a Nikon D5500, upgrading from an old Canon Digital Rebel. Several months previous, my best friend purchased the D7200, also upgrading from his old camera, and I was able to examine his closely before making my choice. I chose the D5500 partly because of the price and mostly because it offered the same picture quality and most of the capabilities of the D7200. At first, I was a little disappointed with the 5500's smaller size and weight but that very quickly passed as I realized what a great camera it is and how much easier it is to carry around. You made a good choice.

My old Canon had an 18-250mm lens and it was a great all-around lens, suitable for 99% of the shots I took. For my Nikon I also have the 18-55mm lens and the 55-300mm lens and since I mostly shoot outdoors, I find myself changing lenses all the time. Everything I've read in UHH and other sources indicates the 18-300mm to be a great lens and although I can't answer your question from experience, I'll eagerly await others' answers as I'm in the same situation as you are. My big question, is whether to go the expense of a Nikon lens or something like a Tamron or Quantaray lens.

Djedi

If you were currently using large f-stop primes, I would say you are making a mistake. But since you seem to be happy with your current results, then go for it. Just don't be looking for a large increase in quality (even though the 18-300 is much more expensive). Just realize that the only thing you are paying for is convenience. It's focus will be slower than your 18-55, but faster than your 55-300mm. You will have more barrel distortion at wide angle and more pincushion distortion at 300mm, not to mention more chromatic aberration in the edges, especially when compared to the 18-55mm. OTOH, the 18-300 VR is lighter and smaller than the 55-300mm VR!

mas24 Loc: Southern CA

The Nikon D5500, top dog of the 5xxx series. The D5500 is best served with the 18-140mm or 18-200mm lenses. The 18-55mm famous kit lens, which everyone seems to have, when they bought their first DSLR camera, including me, is not as crappy as claimed. It keeps cost down, which is why it is known as the least expensive of the crop sensor kit lenses. Good luck.

Mac Loc: Pittsburgh, Philadelphia now Hernando Co. Fl.

Welcome to UHH.

DRG777 Loc: Metro Detroit

I have the 18-200 on a D7200. I never want to have to change lenses in the field, with the loss of time, and the gain of dirt on the sensor. I chose this one over the 18-300 for better optical quality. The stretch to 300mm comes at a cost in lens performance. If you want to get closer than 200, you can crop the image. The rest of the time, the 18-200 is better.

Jim Bob

I suggest you read some reviews from reputable sources and rely on UHH as a secondary source at best. For your general consideration, if you are serious about photography, you may eventually discover that you can not avoid switching lenses.

Jeffcs Loc: Myrtle Beach South Carolina

The lens your considering is a nice "vacation" lens but your image quality will be reduced

JohanneT Loc: South Africa

Have a look at you photos, what mm range(lens) you use the most often. I found 18-200 is the "best range" and agree DRG777. Lens is sharper than 18-300 and the newer version VRII is improvement on the older one. With DX format you are already at 300mm with a 200mm lens and it become more difficult to keep it still in low light conditions. I really enjoyed my 18-200m for many year now upgraded to Nikon750 and 24-120 full frame.

kenneil Loc: Jupiter, Fl, Ochlocknee, Ga, Iron Range, Mn

I have used the 18-300 for about 5 years on a D7100, D500 and D750. I upgraded from the 18-200 the first year for had it. It's a wonderful ' do everything ' walk around lens with any body. Fast, light, sharp and convenient! Sell the kit lens package and never look back!😜

kenneil Loc: Jupiter, Fl, Ochlocknee, Ga, Iron Range, Mn

I have used the 18-300 for about 5 years on a D7100, D500 and D750. I upgraded from the 18-200 the first year for had it. It's a wonderful ' do everything ' walk around lens with any body. Fast, light, sharp and convenient! Sell the kit lens package and never look back!😜