I have 2 Nikon lenses with Carl Zeiss optics and the quality is second to none. My 35mm SLR came with an off brand lens, and it is in the same focal length as one of my other lenses (only this one has a macro feature so I keep it in my bag) and the quality of the images of both lenses is amazing. The off brand is not as sharp nor do the colors come through the same. Both lenses have the same filter on the front so I know it is not the filter.
Massey
Digital photography has come of age and, finally, at a price that most anyone can afford. You hit the ideal price range of $200.00 to $300.00. You can get a lot for your money, especially, if you are willing to go to $350.00.
#1 Get a camera that is suitable to your needs. If you are not going to go to print in a professional manner, you will never need countless millions of pixels. Never let the number of pixels be a deciding factor over form and function. For most folks purposes 4 megapixels are fine, but in the rush to pixels as sales points many cameras in the range you are priced at, now, typically, have more.
#2 Most all lens are good enough in the price range you specify. Names are just names and at the lower pixel levels, you’ll never record any difference in fine, top name lens versus a normal good lens.
#3 Look at and understand all features you get on any camera. You must have a macro selection. You must have a camera that will let you shoot standard, shutter speed, and aperture specific shots as well as low light grab shots and other nice features. All these basic features should be top knob click or button push selectable and not digital menu selectable. Digital menu selectables can be ASA (effective film speed) and other more complex or rarely accessed features.
#4 I prefer a camera that uses AA cell Nmh, lithium, Ni-Cad or common alkaline cells. This makes the camera rechargeable using modern, high power density cells. Plus, if you are in the field and the charge fails, you can revert to common old AA alkaline batteries.
#5 Use a camera that has not only a cheaper memory card, but one that is standard in the vast majority of cameras. In most all instances, this is a form of standard SD card. All of the above criterion has been met in my now 4 year old Sony camera save this last criterion. Sony, like their old Beta tape days used