Nikon D3000, need a new zoom lens?

I currently have 18-55mm and 55-200mm lens, but i'm going on vacation in august and want a zoom lens that will help me take further away photos, help! Does the 400mm work for that? Thank you for any help you can give. (only serious answers please)

A 400mm has a narrower field of view, and therefore subjects will appear to be closer

what exactly is your budget?

Nikon makes a 200-400 mm lens, but it costs about $6, 000

Maybe you will find it easier to just get closer to the subject.

I would take a wide angle zoom on my vacation, like the 12-24mm or 10-24 mm (a little lower cost)

You can buy Nikon 55-300mm f/4.5-5.6G ED VR lens, bit more sharp at the end compared to 55-200mm,

Nikon 200-400mm f/4G AF-S SWM SIC ED IF VR II is a AF-S lens and will work with your Nikon D300, http://www.amazon.com/...003JBHSHK/

A 400mm lens, even a modest Sigma 150-400mm, will cost you $1k.

You may want to consider renting a lens for a week or two rather than purchasing one. It will cost less, and if you don't need one full time - it's better than spending a lot of money for something to be sitting in your closet.

A lot of people do this.

There are on-line rentals, but also if you have a good local camera shop, they may rent lenses as well.

If you use a local camera shop, they might be able to help you with lens selection as well.