Nikon D3200 and NIKKOR 55-300mm f/4.5-5.6G ED VR Lens/Tamron 70-300mm F4/5.6 DI LD Ma

It's Christmas soon, and my father said that he wants to get me a Telephoto my D3200. I was looking at those two lenses above

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Nikon-AF-S-NIKKOR-55-300mm-4-5-5-6G/dp/B003ZSHNCC/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1384190153&sr=8-2&keywords=nikon+70-300mm

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Tamron-AF-70-300mm-4-5-6-Macro/dp/B000HDZAUA

What's the real difference between both of them? I discounted the Sigma 70-300mm as I found out the AF won't work as this lens doesn't have a motor? Will the Tamron be compatible with my D3200 (I mean will all features be available). Is the Nikon really worth the extra £60 - £80?

Also, changing the subject, what is the best lens for landscape photos, not too expensive please!

Sorry if I sound a little clueless, only got this DSLR a couple of weeks ago, and photography involves a steep learning curve.

thanks in advance for your help!

The Tamron you linked doesn't have the VC (Vibration Control) that I could tell, where'as the 55-300mm Nikon SHOULD be the VR (Vibration Reduction) that would make it a little easier to get steady handheld shots when zoomed. To me, that's invaluable.

I did not think of that at all, yes that would be very important for me haha. I don't want blurry shots

Looks like I'll have to be extra nice to my father to get him to buy me the Nikkor then!

​cheers

I only have the kit lens (18-55mm) just looking for something good for macro and landscapes. (Will this be good for them, I know it's good for Macro but not so good for landscapes?)

I'm going to Iceland in February so I want a good all-rounder.

If I put some of my cash in (which i'm willing to) I could get the 70-300mm at a push. Is it worth the extra £80 - £100?

​cheers

EDIT: Having looked at the price of some of the wide angled lenses perfect for landscape/architectural photography, I'm never going to afford those, so this is pretty much my only option I think.

Also, don't overlook reconditioned lens. A good way to make the dollars go further. I have used a 55-300 for a while and couldn't tell it wasn't new.

Rancher said:

Also, don't overlook reconditioned lens. A good way to make the dollars go further. I have used a 55-300 for a while and couldn't tell it wasn't new.

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I always try and go for the cheapest option I can, so refurbished lenses are good, it's just that I'm in the uk so I don't have a lot of choice.



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nikonpup said:

your 18-55mm is a general purpose "normal" zoom lens. It is not a macro lens. On a budget, get the 55-300mm. When budget and experience increse then buy better glass. I used "kit lens" with my d50 and d5100 for many years and they worked well for me.
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I think I might go for the 55-300mm as I'd prefer to spend some money getting a new SD card and tripod 1st. I can always sell it in the future when I decide to buy a new one

Cheers for your help!

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With my D3200 I've got just three lenses - the kit 18-55, a 35mm f/1.8, and the Nikkor 55-300. I really don't think I'm going to need anything else for a while - this is plenty to keep me going for a wide range of shots while I get used to the camera and learn more. Really pleased with the quality and versatility of the 55-300.

Same here I have the 55-300 and love it.

Re landscapes, the kit lens will do fine for those type of shots. Just keep it towards the wide end and you will get some fine shots.