Looking for a Nikon Lens review: I want to purchase the Nikon 55-200 DX VR II lens for my Nikon D3300 Camera. Looking for any fellow Hedgehogs that may have experience and advice about...

Silverman Loc: Michigan

I want to purchase the Nikon 55-200 DX VR II lens for my Nikon D3300 Camera. Looking for any fellow Hedgehogs that may have experience and advice about this lens. I recently purchased my D3300 with the 18-55 DX VR II kit lens.
I realize it is not the "Top Choice", but I have limited funds to purchase a decent Telephoto lens for my interest in Landscape and Nature Photography. Your honest opinions please. Thanks.

camerapapi Loc: Miami, Fl.

I have used such a lens with satisfactory results. It is light, mostly plastic but offers very good performance, especially for someone like you in a budget. If you want to save money buy refurb.
Keep in mind that a lens is just a tool be it a kit lens or a professional one. Your lens will do its part if you do yours.

Silverman Loc: Michigan

Thanks for your honest, respectful, reply. I am considering a "Refurbished" lens, that will fit into my Photographic budget.

Dngallagher Loc: Wilmington De.

Silverman wrote:

I want to purchase the Nikon 55-200 DX VR II lens for my Nikon D3300 Camera. Looking for any fellow Hedgehogs that may have experience and advice about this lens. I recently purchased my D3300 with the 18-55 DX VR II kit lens.
I realize it is not the "Top Choice", but I have limited funds to purchase a decent Telephoto lens for my interest in Landscape and Nature Photography. Your honest opinions please. Thanks.

I had that lens, well almost, I had the non VR version as a kit lens. It is not bad, but not great either... and a plastic mount lens like the 18-55.

I opted to replace it with a 55-300 zoom - metal mount and a bit more zoom range. I am happy with the shots that the 55-300 puts out. The 55-300 VR is nice - the VR can help out with camera shake at low shutter speeds for sure.

Silverman Loc: Michigan

Thanks

mas24 Loc: Southern CA

There is nothing wrong with the Nikon 18-55mm lens and the same for the 55-200mm. Best Buy had a sale not long ago offering these same two lenses with the D3300 body, carry bag, and SDHC card for $500. Your camera has 24 megapixels. Your camera does not have the internal motor as the D7xxx series. Another option is the 70-300mm. I am one who does not mind manually focusing a lens. I have manual and auto. Enjoy your D3300.

WayneT Loc: Paris, TN

I have the 55-300mm and enjoy that extra reach. This lens isn't that much more expensive and you can pick them up refurbished or used in excellent condition for very good prices. Check out Nikon refurbs, KEH, B&H and Adorama or any of the better resellers.

warrior Loc: Paso Robles CA

Silverman wrote:

I want to purchase the Nikon 55-200 DX VR II lens for my Nikon D3300 Camera. Looking for any fellow Hedgehogs that may have experience and advice about this lens. I recently purchased my D3300 with the 18-55 DX VR II kit lens.
I realize it is not the "Top Choice", but I have limited funds to purchase a decent Telephoto lens for my interest in Landscape and Nature Photography. Your honest opinions please. Thanks.

http://www.nikonusa.com

relie Loc: Western Massachusetts

Hi, I've owned and used the 55-200 and for an inexpensive lens, it's pretty good. But, found a deal on EBay on a 55-300 and find the extra reach very useful . I would strongly recommend the 55-300mm lens.
Good luck!

Picdude Loc: Ohio

Silverman wrote:

I want to purchase the Nikon 55-200 DX VR II lens for my Nikon D3300 Camera. Looking for any fellow Hedgehogs that may have experience and advice about this lens. I recently purchased my D3300 with the 18-55 DX VR II kit lens.
I realize it is not the "Top Choice", but I have limited funds to purchase a decent Telephoto lens for my interest in Landscape and Nature Photography. Your honest opinions please. Thanks.

I got my D5200 with the 18-55 and 55-300 lenses and also like Landscape and Nature photography. What I ended up finding was that although the 2 lenses covered the focal length gamut from 18-300mm, I was spending A LOT of time switching lenses to go between wide angle and close-ups. I foresee that in your future as well if you go with the 55-200. I eventually solved the problem by picking up an 18-140mm lens which has basically retired my 18-55. This allows me a good combination of wide angle and zoom when I want it without all the fumbling, and the 55-300 when I really need the reach. Nikon also makes an 18-200 zoom which seemed the best of all worlds, but it was more expensive than the 18-140 and on several reviews the 18-140 got higher IQ (Image Quality) ratings.

Silverman Loc: Michigan

Thanks

mas24 Loc: Southern CA

Silverman wrote:

I want to purchase the Nikon 55-200 DX VR II lens for my Nikon D3300 Camera. Looking for any fellow Hedgehogs that may have experience and advice about this lens. I recently purchased my D3300 with the 18-55 DX VR II kit lens.
I realize it is not the "Top Choice", but I have limited funds to purchase a decent Telephoto lens for my interest in Landscape and Nature Photography. Your honest opinions please. Thanks.

I forgot to mention that you can buy Tamron and Sigma lenses. They are good too. My next lens will probably be one of these.

Gene51 Loc: Yonkers, NY, now in LSD (LowerSlowerDelaware)

Silverman wrote:

I want to purchase the Nikon 55-200 DX VR II lens for my Nikon D3300 Camera. Looking for any fellow Hedgehogs that may have experience and advice about this lens. I recently purchased my D3300 with the 18-55 DX VR II kit lens.
I realize it is not the "Top Choice", but I have limited funds to purchase a decent Telephoto lens for my interest in Landscape and Nature Photography. Your honest opinions please. Thanks.

Glass is great, build quality is low, but it is serviceable. You won't be disappointed, and at F8 even a seasoned pro will not be able to tell that you didn't use a pro lens - it is that sharp.

Check out http://www.photozone.de/nikon--nikkor-aps-c-lens-tests/246-nikkor-af-s-55-200mm-f4-56g-if-ed-dx-vr-review--test-report

It was reviewed on a 10 mp body, so your results may vary.

JRFINN Loc: Plymouth, MA

This guy is the best I've seen online with many reviews.
http://www.kenrockwell.com/index.htm

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

Silverman wrote:

I want to purchase the Nikon 55-200 DX VR II lens for my Nikon D3300 Camera. Looking for any fellow Hedgehogs that may have experience and advice about this lens. I recently purchased my D3300 with the 18-55 DX VR II kit lens.
I realize it is not the "Top Choice", but I have limited funds to purchase a decent Telephoto lens for my interest in Landscape and Nature Photography. Your honest opinions please. Thanks.

There are no "junk" lenses out there. Try some comparisons.

http://www.dpreview.com/products/compare/lenses
http://lenshero.com/lens-comparison
http://www.the-digital-picture.com/Reviews/ISO-12233-Sample-Crops.aspx
http://www.lenstip.com/lenses.html
http://www.dxomark.com/Lenses/Compare
http://www.lenscore.org/