nikon 55-300 VR lense

[Nell79]

Would like some feedback regarding this lens. I have a D5000 with the 18-55 kit lens and would like a little further reach. I am just getting started in photography and am on a tight budget. I will be traveling to Alaska this summer and am hoping between the kit lens and the 55-300 VR , I will be able to get some nice shots-landscape and/or wildlife. Any thoughts, suggestions and advice will be greatly appreciated. Love this site, have learned so much from it!

[lil red bird]

Try lens rentals as instead of buying.

[OsmosisStudios]

The 55-300 VR is a step-up from the 55-200, for sure, but if you're serious, the 70-300 VR is a better long term option.

If you just need something for the trip, though, then I would go with lil red bird and rent. I was in Alaska in 09 and while 300 was long enough for certain things, there were a lot of situations where i'd have appreciated 500+mm. If you can, see if you cant find a Sigma 150-500 HSM OS for rent (or similar).