Looking for a nice 300mm lens for Nikon D5300?

I have a Nikon D5300, I currently have a Sigma 300mm lens with macro, and the quality on it just doesn't seem the best it is also very annoying when using the autofocus as it is very noisy. I want a better quality 300mm lens for a reasonable price (lower than $500 if possible). I'll be using this lens to take pictures of birds so let me know of other lenses you might recommend for such as well.

You know you want the original Nikon version but you don't want the price. Stop complaining. You should already know by now that in photography, you get exactly what you pay for.

https://www.youtube.com/...o7FtQyfTqo

300mm really isn't enough for birding unless the birds are urban. If you're serious about birding, save up and get the Nikon 200-500mm lens. Unfortunately, it costs $1400, but it performs quite well, noticeably better than the 3rd party lenses.

Tamron SP 70-300mm f/4-5.6 Di VC USD

Best thing for you to do is buy a used lens. There are no 300mm lenses under $500 for or by Nikon.

KEH is probably the best place on the web to buy used gear. They always under rate the condition of their stock, you always get gear in better than expected condition. They provide 6 month warranties too.

KEH.com has a Nikon 300mm in your price range: https://www.keh.com/shop/lenses/nikon-autofocus--fixed-focal-length-lenses,-mfg--fixed-focal-length-lenses,-non-mfg--300-mm--400-mm--500-mm--600-mm.html?dir=asc&multi=true&order=price&stock=0

Here is a link to B&H showing what's new on the market - https://www.bhphotovideo.com/...877a7c9b6&

Once you have a short list, go to photozone.de to compare image quality.

I once bought a 3rd party lens, and experienced lots of vignetting (more than what I considered "reasonable"); I vowed NEVER to buy 3rd party lenses, that are inferior in quality build and glass elements… That's why they're cheaper! Yeah, you'll find naysayers but I speak from MY OWN PERSONAL EXPERIENCE (of over 53 years or so). IF you can't afford new, consider buying "Used," (pre-enjoyed) and you'll appreciate better quality at a savings, and you'll have the lens far longer than you'll have your current camera model. IF you ever decide to sell the lens, you'll get more for it than if you were selling a 3rd party lens. You have a very nice mid-range camera; don't handicap it with an inferior grade lens that you won't appreciate in the long run. Go to any camera shop and hold whatever 3rd party you feel is "good" and compare it with a Nikon ("Nikkor") lens; that should help you decide.
Ask yourself what's more important: saving a few dollars or getting superior quality images?

The Sigma AF 400mm f/5.6 HSM APO macro gets good reviews.
http://www.photozone.de/...rt--review

Bad news: it has been discontinued
Good News: you can get it withing your budget, but will have to hunt to find it. I suggest watching keh.com for one.