Bugfan Loc: Toronto, Canada

When the 18-300 mm came out I was among the first to buy one. I have mine mounted on a Nikon D200 that I've had over ten years now. That camera and lens has become my travel set. I have it and a charger in a case that I travel with. The lens is not perfect, it would be nice to make it faster for instance, but it represents a good compromise for what I use it for. I also have a D800 and a D3, both FX cameras, and a load of FX lenses too but that's too much weight for travel. And as to image quality, I do get compliments for my travel images, no one seems to complain so the images coming from it are certainly good enough. For artistic critical stuff there are always the FX lenses and cameras.

And just to further illustrate it's strengths, when Nikon finally came out with a 28-300 FX lens I snapped up one of those too as my walk around lens. I really love that range for general photography.

kchamb3

I have the Nikkor 18-300 and it's a great lens on my D5000. It's faster than my Nikon lenses and works great. I used it for photographing my sons football games (never thought I would miss football).
I've not used it for anything other than the games so I cannot say how it performs in closer ranges. I still use my stock lense for portrait and close in shots.
It is heavy and I recommend either a tri or mono pod. My arms hurt after the first use.

guligian Loc: Louisville KY

I just made the same move you're contemplating. I went from a 5200 to a 5500 and from your two lenses to the 18 to 300. I am delighted! Go for it!!!!