I'm helping a friend find a super zoom to get started in nature photography. I've always shot SLRs & DSLRs and don't have any any direct knowledge. Her budget is $300-400 with a max of $500. All the players have a number of options... any suggestions?

Thanks

You 're doing your friend an injustice by encouraging the purchase of a clunker like that. Instead have them do proper due diligence on primes and normal zooms.

Thank you pal for your insightful comment, and I'm glad to see your post in the photography section after all these years.

We have discussed the pros & cons, but this is what they fell suits their needs & budget. Thanks again and GFY! Please come back IF you can contribute.

The best deal out there right now is the Tamron 16-300mm Di-II VC PZD lens. It has Instant Rebates of $130 making it $499 from Camera Land. The Tamron 18-270mm Di-II VC PZD lens is $449 from them. You could give Joel or Mark a call up there and see if there are any specials I am not aware of on either of the two lenses. I use the 16-300mm on a regular basis and get some great results, especially in the f8 or f11 range on landscapes. It will also do about a 1:3 Macro range, so it is a great lens for their purpose.

Here are a few images with that lens

That first picture is awesome. The second is rather sad.

Sad? As is mood sad?

Yes, solemn, mournful.

Tender, raw, mortal, "On Golden Pondesque"

I called that one "Swan Dance"

DPreview had a review on superzooms that may provide some comparison info to make a decision.

http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/2015-roundup-long-zoom-compacts/16

Since I retired I don't like to carry a huge kit full of prime lenses. I hate cell phone cameras and the image quality of most compact cameras. Bought the Sigma 18-250mm 3.5-6.3 macro hsm and have been very happy with it. I use it on one of my 3 Sony APS-C bodies.