Hey guys, Im looking to possibly buy a new lens for my Nikon D80. I only have the one lens that came with the kit which is an 18-135mm. I would definitely like a zoom lens. I would be willing to spend upwards of 500 bucks. I mostly shoot wildlife/nature scenes. Plus I'll be going to Australia in May and would love to have a new lens to take over there. Thanks in advance!

I hate to recommend something I haven't used, but from what you say it sounds like the 70-300VR (http://nikonusa.com/template.php?cat=1&grp=5&productNr=2161) lens would be a good one to consider. Right in the $500 neighborhood too. Sigma's 10-20 isn't going to help you with wildlife but it's about the same money and I've been really happy with mine.

Thanks Another view. I've heard that 70-300vr lens name thrown around on this forum quite a bit. I'll have to look into it.

I can suggest buying a nikor 18-200mm lens. This is the very best nikkor lens to date.

I'll second the 70-300 VR. I have the old non-VR version of this lens and have had good results with it.

3rd for the 70-300 VRII

The 70-300VRII is f/4.5 - f/5.6

Street price is ~$450-500


The 18-200 VR is reputed to be a great all-in-one walk around/vacation lens but its IQ is not up to the 70-300VRII

User-Reports at http://www.photozone.de/active/survey/querylens.jsp

18-200VR
18-mm (Wide Open/Stopped Down) v 200-mm (Wide Open/Stopped Down)
51/71 v 45/62
70-300VR
70-mm (Wide Open/Stopped Down) v 300-mm (Wide Open/Stopped Down)
85/96 v 70/83

http://www.bythom.com/70300VRlens.htm
http://www.slrgear.com/reviews/showproduct.php?product=992
http://www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/70-300-vr.htm

Your 18-135 will cover the wide...