Rab-Eye Loc: Indiana

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FreddB Loc: PA - Delaware County

I use the 18-400 with the D5600. Kids’ baseball and soccer games. Just a tad heavy for handheld, so I use it on a monopod. I think I’ve gotten some excellent shots. Even had one of the moms tell me I have a really good camera 🙄😖🤷🏼‍♂️. Mostly, the screwed up ones happen when I don’t zoom out quick enough (soccer), and get extreme closeups of their nasal passages.

Thomas902 Loc: Washington DC

"Replacement 300mm" Jim if you are interested in publication quality I would suggest the AF 300mm f/4 AF ED IF Nikkor (1987 to 2000). However please be aware that this optic has a significant learning curve. That said, you're likely going to be happy with the consumer grade AF-S 18-300mm f/3.5-5.6 VR since it is user friendly. Albeit you'll likely pay well over twice as much for the AF-S 18-300mm f/3.5-5.6 VR than the Pro-Grade AF 300mm f/4 AF ED IF Nikkor (1987 to 2000). btw, the AF 300mm f/4 AF ED IF Nikkor (1987 to 2000) requires intimate knowledge on how to fine tune it's Focus Limiter. *See Image Below*

I had the AF-S 18-300mm f/3.5-5.6 VR but sold it once I obtained the Sigma 50-150mm f/2.8 EX DC OS HSM APO Lens for Nikon F (https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/used/853531) This is actually a far better choice than the consumer grade AF-S 18-300mm.

Since you're nearly 80 years old I believe the Sigma 50-150mm f/2.8 EX DC OS HSM APO Lens for Nikon F would be you're wisest choice if you are seeking superb image quality... The AF 300mm f/4 AF ED IF Nikkor (1987 to 2000) does have a higher IQ but it is a Professional Optic with a very steep learning curve.

Hope this helps, all the best on your journey Jim

Sigma 50-150mm f/2.8 EX DC OS HSM APO Lens for Nikon F

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AF 300mm f/4 AF ED IF Nikkor (1987 to 2000)

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tdozier3 Loc: Northern Illinois

I have the Sigma 18-300 Contemporary that Iuse with my D7500. It's a great lens. Very happy with it.

Bill Waxman Loc: Friday Harbor, San Juan Island, Washington

A friend asked me a similar question and I recommended the Tamron 16-300mm zoom for him. He got it and loves it for the ability to focus relatively closely on objects. As I recall DPReview gave that lens high marks. On the other hand, I use my original 18-200mm VR Nikon lens (re-built by Nikon at one point) and it has been great on my D500. I have other faster lenses but for just banging around outdoors that is my go to lens for backyard bird shots.

Bill Waxman

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

The 18-something superzooms are very useful with overall fine image quality. If you want to maximize image quality, look at the 70-300 options. There are both FX and DX versions.

Manny Myers

I owned and loved the Nikon 18-300 and loved it; primary travel lens. The Tamron is an excellent lens as well, so it is about your comfort zone. Primarily due to availability, I purchased the Tamron 150-600 G2 and love the results. If I need to reduce my weight load, I am seriously considering the Tamron you're looking at as well. If you can try them out beforehand, you decision will be pretty quick (or not!).

druthven

My D7100 and now the D500 spend the great majority of their time with the Nikon 18-300 attached.

bwmarkus

I too have been very happy with the Nikon 18-300. It's my walk around lens with D7500. Only considerations (for me) are size and weight. It's a little larger and a little heavier than the 18 - 140 it replaced.

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PHRubin Loc: Nashville TN USA

While I am very happy with my Sigma 18-300, the Tammy 18-400 is about the same price so I'd go with it.

Robert Rill Loc: Pennsylvania

I second the Tamron 18-400 on d7100. Very good all around combination. Anybody know of a teleconverter that works with the Tamron 18-400?

smussler Loc: Land O Lakes, FL - Formerly Miller Place, NY

And with Paul's comment about IQ on superzooms, and have seen that mentioned many a time, I went with a Sigma 100-400 for my D5600, to add a bit more reach than my 70-300. I'm very happy with it (a Used copy from eBay). And If I ever go Full Frame - It will work there also. Sigma does not make a tripod collar for it. Supposedly not needed, but I purchased a third party collar for it, which fits perfectly. I have shaky hands, so I don't see going for any longer lens, as I would probably have to use a tripod with them. At 400, I have to be leaning against something solid, as VR does little to compensate for shaky hands.

Moondoggie Loc: Southern California

I have the Tamron 18-400 and I really like it. It is very versatile and is on my D5300 all most all the time.

SuperflyTNT Loc: Manassas VA

I have the Tamron with the Tap-In console and if you’re willing to take the time you can fine tune that lens through the focal range and at different focus distances. It stayed on my D500 until I got the 200-500. All of which will be up for sale soon. Not because I don’t like it but because I’m going full mirrorless.

IsoBob Loc: Hamilton, NJ

Nikon 70-300 AP DX VR. Sharp as a tack!