Doug452 Loc: Sunrise, Fl

I've been reading here for yrs. but recently got my first DSLR, Nikon D3300 (used) that came with the Nik. DX-VR 18-55mm- 3.5-5.6GII lens, and an Albinar 80-200 lens. I'm still a rank beginner. My 1st few shots with the 18-55 were "ok" when I but the Albinar on, I kept getting the "no lens attached" msg. After much research I discovered this was NOT an automatic lens, (no electronic contact points) and could only be used on full manual. I never considered there were such things. I'd like to get a zoom 50-70 (or close) to 200 or preferably 300mm, for the Least cost possible, without sacrificing "much" quality. Nikon has a 55-300, and 70-300 VR lens I've seen. I can only afford a used one. I'd like suggestions for the best for a somewhat inexpensive price. I'd like suggestions on what may be the best for me. I am still a rank amateur, know the basic ideas, but still have much to learn. These shots were my first time out in Big Cypress Fl., all shot on auto.

NMGal Loc: NE NM

Can’t help with the lens question but I did enjoy these four. Very nice.

chris larsen Loc: Eastern North Carolina

I bought a Sigma 170-500 APO used lense from a local camera shop that I use on my Nikon D60 as well as me D610. Works well in both automatic and manual focus.

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

A VR-enabled Nikon 70-300 is a reasonable choice, especially a used copy.

PHRubin Loc: Nashville TN USA

I do not like to change lenses while on a shoot, so 70-200 or 300 plus a 24-70 doesn't work for me.
I compromised price vs zoom range and have a Sigma 18-300 mm zoom. Here is a used one for under $400:
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/802751343-USE/sigma_886306_18_300mm_f_3_5_6_3_dc_macro.html
Here is a better one: https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/802871618-USE/sigma_886306_18_300mm_f_3_5_6_3_dc_macro.html

Nikon also makes an 18-300, but it is more expensive.

The Tamron 18-400 is heavier and more expensive, but with more range.

DirtFarmer Loc: Escaped from the NYC area, back to MA

Nikon lenses come in a couple different flavors. FX (Full Frame) and DX (reduced frame) were the old choices. The new mirrorless cameras have their own version of lenses but you can get adaptors to fit older lenses.

The D3300 is a DX camera, so you can use either FX or DX lenses. The DX lenses tend to be a bit less expensive because they don't have to make a larger (FX size) image. My first DSLR was a D200 and I had an 18-200 lens for it. That lens was quite flexible since it had a wide range of focal lengths from moderately wide to telephoto. However, the sharpness of the images, while reasonable, was not always the best. The lens had a tendency to creep to longer focal lengths when hanging from the strap pointing downward, but that could be mitigated by placing a wide rubber band on the lens to restrict movement (it didn't seriously affect the user's adjustment efforts). I believe there is an 18-300 lens out now but I have no experience with it. The sharpest lens I had was a 17-55 f/2.8 but I believe they are fairly pricey (and heavy).

I used Nikon lenses, but there are some other brands that could be considered. The only other brand I ever had was a Bigma (Sigma 50-500). I don't recommend it, as it was slow to focus, not particularly sharp above 400mm, and very heavy.

NDMarks Loc: Dublin, Ca

I have my "old" Nikon 3100 (it does everything I want it to do) and it came with the 18-55 and also a 55-200. The 55-200 is fairly decent and can probably be had for a fairly reasonable price.

augieg27 Loc: Central California

Your photos are very good for the first time out.

I have a Nikon 70-300mm AF-P that won't work with your 3300 but there is the Nikon 70-300 AF-G that will work with your camera. the Nikon 55-300mm might be better for you and is less expensive

imagemeister Loc: mid east Florida

I would recommend the latest FX VR enabled Nikon 70-300 - there is a slightly cheaper DX Nikon 70-300 version, but the FX is a better investment and BETTER.
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stan0301 Loc: Colorado

I do fine with a Nikon 18-300 and a Sigma 8-16 - of course others as needed

Paul LaFontaine

I really like the sharpness of the 55-300 on my D7200 even when magnified further with the Kenco 1.4.

daledo Loc: Billings, MT

The sigma 18-300 was my go to lens for many years on d3100, d7000 then d500. Still using it on the d500. It could be a very sharp and quality all around lens for you. They are listed at around $250 and $450 used on ebay and around $400 used at B&H. I think they're around $600-700 new. While I switched to using mirrorless now I still enjoy using the 18-300 for those all around outings when I want to keep the weight and bulk down. The 27-450 equivalent to full frame cameras keeps you ready for anything. I still have the 18-55 but only use it when teaching photography to my grandkids on the d3100.

rmorrison1116 Loc: Near Valley Forge, Pennsylvania

My most versatile small zoom lens for my Nikon cameras is my Nikkor 28-300. They cost around $900 new but I've seen them going for as low as $400 for a good used copy. I also own a Canon 28-300 for my Canon bodies, but the Canon lens is considerably more expensive than the Nikkor lens. It's light grey with a crimson band. Anyway, I recommend the Nikkor 28-300. It's a great lens for the money.

charles brown Loc: Tennesse

I had the Nikon 55-300 VR lens for many years. It was a good lens for the price, but the 70-300 is supposed to be a better lens. Enjoyed the pictures but suggest you post them on the Photo Analysis forum for review.

Thomas902 Loc: Washington DC

Fabulous imagery Doug... Albeit I'm totally terrified by Alligators! Those monsters give my heart palpitations
You're a brave sole to wander around where they hang out...

Best advice? From too many years of experience... Keep that Nikon DX-VR 18-55mm- 3.5-5.6GII lens (or sell it to me, I'll give you $69 plus shipping after you've cleaned all the Alligators out of it)... Seriously keep that AF-S (I assume it's the AF-S version) of the 18-5.6 G VR II variant, it's a winner and if it's working on your D3300 it's not the AF-P version which I'm not interested in at this juncture.

As for your Albinar (Samyang) 80-200mm F/3.9 Macro AIS Manual Focus Lens For Nikon {55} KEH might give you $25 (max) since they are out of stock on that item.
https://www.keh.com/shop/albinar-80-200mm-f-3-9-macro-ais-manual-focus-lens-for-nikon-55.html

As for the list of optics others on UHH are recommending I'm thinking maybe they didn't read your post carefully... "... I'd like suggestions for the best for a somewhat inexpensive price. I'd like suggestions on what may be the best for me. I am still a rank amateur, know the basic ideas, but still have much to learn."

From my experience I would suggest the Nikon AF-S DX Nikkor 55-200mm f/4-5.6G IF-ED VR
https://www.mpb.com/en-us/product/nikon-af-s-dx-nikkor-55-200mm-f-4-5-6g-if-ed-vr/sku-2417152
mpb has one at $109 that might be a good fit for your needs since it comes with

What's included
Standard 6 month warranty
52mm Front Lens Cap
Instruction Manual
Instruction Manual (a)
Nikon CL-0815 Soft Lens Case
Nikon HB-37 Lens Hood
Original Packaging (b)
Rear Lens Cap - F Fit

How good is it? I use that DX Zoom all the time on my Nikon D300s, and it is awesome!
DxOmark gives it a very high rating for all optical aspects... but it isn't a Pro Build so treat it gently k?
Here is what they discovered in their test suite for the Nikon D3400 which is pretty much the same as your D3300.
https://www.dxomark.com/Lenses/Nikon/Nikon-AF-S-DX-NIKKOR-55-200mm-F4-56G-ED-VR-II-mounted-on-Nikon-D3400__1105

Below I've posted the Global Sharpness Map at 1/3 across the sensor for your Nikon Body
Probably best to avoid the 55-300mm variant as it's very weak beyond 200mm and contrary to what the Lion's share of UHH members may tell you (that long is good, and even longer reach is better) I believe your eye for aesthetics deserves quality image capture (which the 55-300mm will not likely give you) if you doubt this compare DxOMark's data for both the 55-300 against that of the 55-200... Beside you'll have to pay more for the 55-300mm because many naive users' perceived valuation can be (and likely is) sadly distorted.

Hope this helps (and no I don't work for either KEH or mpb) it's just that from your initial go at photography I honestly believe you deserve the most appropriate tool(s) in your price range.

Wishing you much joy and success on your photographic journey Doug
Cheers! Thomas

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