SPSF posted:DIESELBOB,
The issues I'm having now with all of these extra pixels - I'm able to see the limits of the kit lens. Am considering spending some money on a decent Sigma lens.
I have a Nikon D5300 (same sensor as D5500) that I use as my travel & light hiking camera. The best zoom lens I found for it was the Sigma 17-50mm f2.8 OS. I bought a used one on ebay for less than $300. Here's a DxO comparision. Under "Lens Metrics" look at the line labeled "Resolution." The Sigma has significantly more resolution than anything Nikon sells. The very best zoom lens is the Sigma 18-35mm f1.8, but because it has a limited zoom range you would need to pair it with another lens, such as the Sigma 50-150mm f2.8 or 50-100mm f1.8. Those are considerably more expensive lenses, and heavier. DxO:
https://www.dxomark.com/Lenses...919_1208_919_173_919
Kent in SD