Lens difference?

[Lake Films]

Hey guys. Being new to the world of Photography I do not really know lens' all that well yet. So, my question is, is there a big difference in focal distance between a 55-200mm as compared to a 70-300mm? Thanks, I appreciate your input.

[BGund]

70-300 is obviously longer, and you will notice the difference. You wont notice as much difference between 55-70 as 200-300.

300 is mainly used for sports like football, where that players are fairly far away. It is also good for wildlife.

The biggest thing to consider is the minimum aperture of the lens, when you are shopping.

You will love lenses that open up to 2.8 or 4 if you are shooting inside.

[WaveRiderXIX]

The reach isn't everything.
I'd rather go with glass that has more clarity than length.
Some manufacturer glass looks better than others zoomed in.
Depends what you shoot. The most common zoom lens people get is a 70-200.

Also as BGund said, you'll want to consider the aperture.
a 2.8 lens will give you much more DOF than say a 5.6.

[DivotDan]

One thing to consider is the 70-300 is also a FX lens and the 55-200 is a DX lens, so the longer one will be compatible with future FX cameras (should you ever go there). That, combined with it's awesome VR, extra length, instant manual focus, and great optics are why I decide to go with this lens over the 55-200.

It is also physically longer and heavier, so if you want it for casual shooting this might be a disadvantage (I really like it being heavier). I would also say it is build better and more durable. But it should be for like $300 extra dollars.