Nikon D3200 zoom lens advice (eBay or not?)

[tomp2000]

Hi guys

Sorry if this has been covered a million times before but I've had a quick search and read the guides and still cannot find my answer.

Looking to buy a zoom lens 70-300 for my wife's d3200 for Xmas. Was looking at the nikon lens from John Lewis which sells for around £200 but after a search on eBay it seems you can buy the same lens for half the price. Are these cheap Chinese copies that should be avoided?

Any other options I should consider before buying the nikon one?

Thanks

 

[tomp2000]

Think I meant to say 55-300mm lens. Also what are Sigma/tamron lenses like? They seem cheaper than nikons own