Nikon 2197 55-300mm f/4.5-5.6G ED VR AF-S DX NIKKOR Lens Nikon 2197 55-300mm f/4.5-5.6G ED VR AF-S DX NIKKOR Lens

Pros: I didn't realize how much I would be using this lens! Takes nice crisp photos of the moon. A must when going to places like the zoo. I recommend a first time DSLR buyer to get this lens along with the 18-55mm kit lens.

Cons: None

Other Thoughts: I got this lens as a kit with my D3100 W/ the 18-55mm. Saved like $150.00

Pros: I was very excited to open this lens when I got it in the mail. I bought it specifically for comet PanSTARRS and ISON (which will be arriving later in the year) as well as to extend the possibilities of range since I like to go hiking far away from city lights to take images of the environment, wildlife, and of course, stars. This lens was amazing at capturing comet PanSTARRS, although not as close since it only reaches to 300mm, but still takes wonderful clean shots. The lens can zoom to the Pleiades star cluster where it fills the entire screen. Nice shots too, but only limited to the 4.5 aperture minimum. I have also used this lens to capture some real nice movement of my dog (she goes with me on adventures). When shooting still objects from afar with this lens, use a tripod! Since the lens is around 8in long in total, it may slightly shake around if you dont have a stable tripod to prevent that. Example is when I took images of PanSTARRS. I had to make sure I didnt bump the camera so I can get a clear shot since the comet was a single point in the sky that I was focusing on. All other things should be fine. A shutter remote can also help with that, or use the timer! And to take into consideration of wind that can rock the camera ever so slightly but can cause motion blur in the image.

Cons: N/A

Other Thoughts: A wonderful piece of equipment and nicely made. Super clean glass (and make sure it stays tat way!) that takes crisp photos.

Pros: I bought this to extend the telephoto range of my Nikon D5100 (with 18-105mm F:3.5). This has a very useful zoom range. I like the overlap between 105mm tele on my walkaround lens and the 55mm wide of this lens; it minimizes lens changes.

I was surprised at the excellent resolution of this lens even when I used it on an extension tube for 1:1 macro images. I enjoy the 9x magnification I get (normal 35mm lens is 50mm, this goes to 450mm). A whole lot of fun.

I find it very fast focusing in reasonable light. I got amazing pictures of birds in flight over a hundred feet away!

The VR II image stabilization is also amazing: I can hand-hold this lens at 450 mm equivalent with lots of visible shake, which instantly calms down as I press the shutter release to the point where I can get sharp images at 1/125 sec, when I'd expect to need 1/500!

Cons: Seems to have focusing problem with my cheap CPL (polarizing) filter. May be the fault of the filter, maybe the lens. Has rotating front element, which is not nice for a polarizer--but should not affect focus. Without the CPL filter, images are razor sharp.

Included lens hood very effective and easy to use--but delicate (repairable). Do not use as lens protector. Trust me.

Other Thoughts: Good quality, has metal mount. Smooth yet without lens "creep" (zoom changes as you tilt lens up or down). Relatively light--nice for travel. Outstanding value!

f:4.5 is only about 1/3 stop slower than ordinary f:4, easily compensated by increasing ISO setting (newer cameras like my D5100 give excellent results even at ISO 800 or higher).

Add "CPU" type extension tube (must have contacts to exchange data with camera) to get great 1:1 macro images from several feet away!

So light and compact I recently accidentally grabbed my camera with it attached to go to an outdoor wedding. Had trouble getting group pictures because widest zoom is 82mm equiv, but was able to get lots of good pictures including many stunning images from 30' away. Super separation from background, beautiful bokeh (look it up!) Never would have gotten these with my 18-105 lens--but I did miss having it!