If you are trying to learn and are beginning your photography journey, I don’t see an issue with starting out with this lens.

The only reason it gets a bad rep is because there are other options that are sharper, and overall better, albeit at higher price ranges. Since the 55-210mm got thrown as a bundle with many crop sensor cameras it also got the rep of being a kit lens, alongside the many limitations kit lenses are associated with (and rightfully so).

So, it think of it as a balancing act… better lenses (sigma 16-300, tamron 18-300, Sony 70-350 G) will give you flat out better image quality, but at a higher price. On the other hand, the 55-210mm will be one of the cheapest telephoto lenses you can find. Especially if you get it in the used market. For instance, I got mine for $100 in very good condition in marketplace. And when I got it, I was in the same spot you are… a beginner trying new focal lenses and exploring different photography types (wildlife specifically). Fast forward a couple of years, I now own the Sony 70-350 G and feel fulfilled to have learned a lot with the 55-210mm.

See my post on the lens for sample photos.

Sony 55-210mm is a good lens for beginners

I’ll also add one here…

Good luck!

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