Next lens for nikon d5100?

I have a nikon d5100 with the nikon 18-55 lens (came with the kit) i'm asking what would be a good next lens? I want a higher zoom lens of good quality but not much over $700. I have been looking at the nikon 18-105 lens and some tamron lenses. I have heard that the nikon 55-300 isn't very good.ayways, what are your thoughts?

I've been using the Nikkor 18-200mmG VR ED for the past five years or so. I never have to swap lenses. Sold the 18-55mmG that came with my D40, and the 18-135mmG that came with my D80. One lens does it all.

While the Nikkor 18-200mm is highly regarded, and you can't go wrong with it, I chose the Tamron 18-270mm F/3.5-6.3 Di II VC PZD. Two reasons: that extra 70mm reach, which I've used, and less expensive. It is my walking around lens that I don't have to change.

I also use the Nikon 18-200mm and the range does cover everything one would normally need.

However you are asking the lens to do a great deal of work so there's some lens distortion however most people don't notice it. So it would be a very good option to replace your current 18-55mm.

To say any Nikon lens 'is not very good' unless you happen to be a lens designer is not really an objective comment. You can't expect perfection in a lens from any manufacturer if you are paying just a few hundred £ or $.

The Nikon 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6G ED-IF AF-S VR Zoom-Nikkor Lens may be in your price range. Other wise go for the 18-200 and sell off your old lens.

With any zoom lens you never want to try and cram too much into one lens. The more range the lens covers, the less quality you get.

I own the nikkor 18-105 and it's not a bad lens by any means. (although not the sharpest either).

The 55-300 is too much. I would not recommend tamron (i also own a 70-300 from them, and to put it nicely, it's a bad lens).

It might be worth thinking about the nikon 105mm prime lens, as this will give much sharper images (although lacks on the flexibility of a zoom lens)

The 18 - 200 is supposed to be a very nice lens (although i have not tried it myself).

I would recommend going to a camera store and trying the different lenses on a D5100 body, so you can get a feel for the whole bundle.

So you want even more zoom?

16-85mm and 18-105mm are your only options for below $700. The 55-300mm is quite a good lens but there's nothing wide about it. It's great for far away things like animals, sports etc.though.

Here's a Lens Buying Guide - http://www.the-dslr-photographer.com/2009/11/buying-a-lens/