Which 70-300mm is compatible with D5100 ?

If I need 70-300mm for my Nikon D5100 - What should I look for ? which 70-300mm is compatible with D5100 ?

Both the VRI and VRII are. In fact, any lens with an "S", as in AF-S, is compatible.

Is this good ? Nikon Ed AF Nikkor 70 300mm F 4 5 6 D Zoom with Hood Caps Box not VR EX 018208019243 | eBay

Seems like it does not have VR - it VR very important ? I know it is vibration reduction but will I see the affect of having no VR in my photography ?

I have that lens from my film days. It's okay, I suppose. But the thing that bothered me most about it was the slowness of obtaining a focus. As long as you're shooting things that don't move, you'll be fine, but if it's animals or birds you're after, you'll find yourself getting very frustrated.

Btw, the newer VR 70-300 VR lenses have a lot more going for them relative to the older non-VR lens than just VR. The optics have been improved as well as the focus speed. But more importantly, that lens will not focus on your camera (it's a "D" lens...no S) so as long as you don't mind manually focusing, I suppose it's okay

ah..ok..I am new with DSLR so I appreciate your advise as I am still learning. I guess I should avoid this lens if it is slow.

What non-expensive lens would you recomment beyond 200mm range ? I have 18-55, 55-200 right now.

55-300vr is well thought of on this site and a refurbished one is not too dear. Check the 55-300 thread to see examples of what this lens can do.

Could you please provide me link to that thread ?

Here you go...

http://nikonites.com/telephoto/13163-nikon-55-300mm.html#axzz2wKtfBvg6

Of the consumer-level ~55-300 range, 70-300 VR is considered cream of the crop. I've been doing extensive homework when I was on the market for this kind of zoom and this was the best bang-for-buck without breaking the bank.

As far as lenses, 5100 will take ANY Nikon-F mount lens period. You will only get metering with CPU lenses, and auto-focus with AF-S marked ones.

That said, don't be afraid to venture into the vintage territory and explore some of the past lenses since some can really beat lots of the lower end ones today. They'd also teach you how to shoot "film" since you won't have any metering available, but that's why you have Playback button in the digital age.