Which nikon lens is better? 70-300mm or 55-300 mm?

I have a nikon D3000, & i want a lens that zooms really far, any help?

The lighter weight of the 55-300 is an attractive feature. However, according to these reviews the 70-300mm AF-S VR (do not get the cheaper versions of 70-300mm) seem to have better image quality at 300mm than the 55-300mm. The 70-300mm will autofocus faster and more reliably.

http://www.slrgear.com/...59/cat/all
http://www.slrgear.com/...992/cat/13

I'd say the 55-300mm. It has a wider angle when zoomed out, so you might come across a time when you need to fit more in the shot. It goes just as far so you're not missing out on how far it will go.

However, I don't know much about DSLR lenses yet, but from what I've seen and guessed, it seems like 55mm would be a wider shot.

It might not be as good quality though. Don't take it from me unless you're sure I'm right.

I'm inclined to say 70-300 but honestly, I've yet to handle the 55-300 long enough to form a real opinion. 70-300 does win on handling and build quality

I own two Nikon DSLRs (D5000/D3000) I have the 55-200mm and the reach was okay. I read some mixed reviews on this lens and was skeptical. I purchased the lens and that weekend took the lens to the Miami Metro Zoo. I was worried at first 300mm might not be enough, but I was wrong. I was able to get super close to the animals and get some SHARP shots all the way out to the max at 300mm. I shot at 5.6 (max wide open aperture) for this lens and I was told by other photographers for this type of lens it would be sharpest f8/f11. Most were surprised how sharp the photos were.

I'm on Flickr and my screen name is NikonCoupleSoFlo. I strongly suggest you see actual pictures and judge for yourself. I think some of the shots are soft wide open and others aren't though I was shooting through glass/fences in a lot of the shots.

I would definitely recommend this lens for the REACH of 300mm ALONE. My next lens will be a 70-200mm 2.8 for low light/sports since the 2.8 are a faster focusing lens as well.

What are you taking pictures of.