Best Nikon lens for under $500?

I have a Nikon D5100 with a standard lens which is nice, but I find it doesn't have the kind of zoom that I'm looking for. I'd like to do nature photography but that's requires a good zoom since you can't always get close to the animals. What Nikon lens would you suggest for under $500?

For shooting "nature" the AF-S 70-300 mm is a good choice

If by "nature" you mean closeup shots of flowers and bugs, then the AF-S 60 mm f/2.8 lens would be a better choice.

This one costs only $200, has tremendous pulling power but no zoom.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/...ies_1.html

I'm pretty sure you wouldn't understand why that non-zooming lens can beat a 16X super zoom lens like the one below.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/..._5_6G.html

It's all about focal length. Zoom means nothing.

http://keerok-photography.blogspot.com/2011/05/lenses-so-many-of-them-there-is-no-best.html

You will need at least 300mm. Here are the rest of your choices.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/...4109119980

For your budget I think you should consider Nikon 55-300mm f/4.5-5.6G ED VR AF-S DX Nikkor Zoom Lens for Nikon Digital SLR. Http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003ZSHNCC/

Other best Nikon lens that more than $500, I would suggest Nikon 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6G ED IF AF-S VR Nikkor Zoom Lens for Nikon Digital SLR Cameras.http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000HJPK2C/