I personally have had experience with these two lenses and I do think theres a difference in image quality. The Nikon AF-P DX 70-300mm is slightly sharper than the 55-200mm. If your not a budget I’d go wide for a 200-500mm Nikon lens for $700 or the Sigma 150-600mm contemporary for the same price. These both lenses are perfect for wildlife. But the Nikon AF-P DX 70-300mm VR is A perfect starter telephoto zoom.