suitable nikon lens for nature but not macro

[gaddypaid]

i currently use i my 150-600 tamron and nikon 300 for capturing birds and other wildlife, but recently found myself wanting to take pictures of flowers and butterflies but my have to stand at least 6-8 feet away to get a decent shot and sometimes come out a bit misty.
My camera is a nikon d5200 it came with a 55mm kit lens which is ok but there are better lenses out there. Might even sell my 300mm as i rarely use it now i have the 600mm which i think is better.

 

[rob-nikon]

Is the 300mm the nikon 300 f4 AF-S? The minimum focus distance is 1.45m so for butterflies it should give a good working distance. The problem can be the closer you get the easier it is to spook butterflies. That said the best time is early morning before they have properly warmed up.