Ray32506 Loc: Pensacola, FL

Your right, that is a great lens for the price. It has an f3.5 aperture which appears to be about the largest available before getting into the mega buck lenses. I have been looking at it myself, and Adorama has it priced at $387.00 after their in store rebate and a $70.00 mail in rebate. It's too bad I didn't wait to purchase it at that price.

Tamron 18-270mm F/3.5-6.3 DI-II VC PZD Piezo Drive Ultrasonic Motor Aspherical (IF) AF Zoom, for Nikon Digital SLRs - Bundle - with New Leaf 3 Year (Drops & Spills) Warranty, Tiffen 62MM Photo Essentials Kit(UV/CP/812)

http://www.adorama.com/TM18270PNKA.html

AndyCE Loc: Pittsburgh, PA

Hello Ray, (and all)
I think I need to clarify what I'm most interested in at this point in time. (because I'm more confused!) My main areas of interest at this time is nature/outdoors and portrait photos. (I've been an avid hunter, hiker, fishing, etc for years,) I also have a 22 month old so I'd like to get the best lens that could do both. (if that is even possible)
I did get the standard lens 18-55mm, the zoom lens I'm asking about is not going to be the only lens I purchase. I obviously don't get as much time in the woods as I used to, but as my daughter gets a little older I hope to introduce her to the great outdoors. I really do appreciate every reply, and really appreciate all your patience! I haven't seen a forum like this since the days of Prodigy! (if anyone remembers those days!)
Thanks again!
Andy

Ray32506 Loc: Pensacola, FL

Hello Andy,

It sounds like you're getting a lot of good advice, but if you're like me, sometimes a lot of good advice tends to become confusingly overwhelming.

Based on what you are wanting to do, I believe the Tamron 18-270mm might be your best choice. It will provide you the ability to get the optimum range for portraits, which the general consensus is in the 85-105mm range. Additionally, it will provide you with the wide angle lens needed for your best landscape photography. It will also provide for the occasional times you will want a mid-range telephoto that will come in handy for shooting birds and other wildlife. If I had it to do over, I'm certain this is the lens I'd choose for my stay on the camera every day lens.

By-the-way, didn't you say you're from Minnesota? I used to spend a good bit of time there. It is beautiful country. Anyway, good luck with your choice!

Sharp Loc: Jax fla

So what about wide angle landscapes guys for the 5200
8-16mm tamron

FairwayPhotos Loc: Massachusetts, USA

I used the nikon 18-200 on my DX cameras for years and loved it. You can pick up the first version for short money.

Nikon_DonB Loc: Chicago

You really can't get a better value in the 55-300. I had one with my D3100 and I recently bought one for my daughter.

It will serve you well.

Sharp Loc: Jax fla

If you guys were going to Alaska would you want a 8-16mm for wide angle shots or to expensive if I only had 600. For lenses
Also do most like the tamron better than Nikon

Sharp Loc: Jax fla

Also what do most wildlife photographer prefer auto focus or Man

MarkD Loc: NYC

You can go for a multi lens set-up or you can get a single all-in-one lens (aka superzoom). A multi lens set-up could include relatively inexpensive but still very good lenses like an 18-55 VR and 55-300 VR or more expensive lenses. An all-in-one lens like a Sigma 18-250 Macro OS HSM, Tamron 18-270 VC PZD, or Nikon 18-200 VR will give up some sharpness especially at the long end. Many find the loss acceptable. Many others don't. FWIW, I have a Sigma 18-200 Macro OS HSM and I'm very happy with it.