best outdoor camera and lens for under $600

bone

Looking for birthday present for daughter. does not like point and shoot anymore and wants to take mostly wildlife photos. Any advice?

Chuckc

Wildlife photography can easily lead to NAS or the Canon equivalent quickly. If you are looking at new and Nikon you are looking at a d3100 with 18-55 kit lens and maybe a 55-200 VR to go with it. It's not a bad place to start at all.

WaterEngineer

You need to increase your budget and the 55-200 is not near enough lens for wildlife and birding.

I agree with the D3100 which will set you back about $550, with the 18-55 kit lens. The non-VR 70-300 would be better and these days can be found for about $150. However, if there is desire for the 70-300 VR model, and I would suggest this lens, then the cost is another $550 or so.

Can you get awa with used equipment? If so, then go to KEH.com. very reliable.

Flash

Also Cameta Auctions on eBay for the Camera. She really needs no more than a 10 meg if you get a good lens.