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.

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

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.