300 f/4 AF-S vs. 70-200 VR vs. 80-200 AF-S

[baseballer]

Ok. I have a tough choice here.
I currently own the 80-200 f/2.8 AF-D. While I like it, it's sorta slow focusing and has cost me a shot or two at horse races.

I have rented (twice) the 70-200 VR and loved it both times.

My friend purchased the 80-200 f/2.8 AF-S and said he has had no problems with his.

1. However, I want a 300 f/4 for bird/rabbit/hummingbird/etc shots.
2. So, should I keep the 80-200 AF-D and get the 300 f/4
3. Or should I sell the 80-200 AF-D, use that money to help purchase the 70-200 VR and save for the 300 f/4.
4. Or should I sell the AF-D and get the AF-S (not too much of a price difference) and then save for the 300 f/4 (which will take longer)

 

[davidzvi]

How about getting the 70-200 and a 1.4tc or 1.7tc instead of the 300f4?

 

[davidzvi]

The 70-200 and 300 f4 are both great lenses. Both can be used with the 1.4tc so you can get the 70-200 with the tc for now then get the 300 f4 later and with the tc you get 420mm

 

[Gale]

300 f4 is hand holdable and the 1.4 tc works great with it

70-200 is a great lens, but you will lose length

 

[Bigmuddy]

Baseballer - I asked this same question a few weeks back in the sports forum and kind of decided on the 7-200 2.8 vr now and work towards a used 300 2.8 after that. I am also considering the 80-200 2.8.

I tend to shoot alot of sports and I am concerned about losing the length with the 70-200 as Gale mentioned. Good luck in your choice and all those sleepless nights trying to decide!!

 

[Baywing]

I'd go with the 70-200VR now, then add the TC14EII, then save for the 300.

 

[jbear]

If you don't need VR the 80-200 AFS is a stunner. It is sharper from f2.8-4 than the AFD and MUCH better with the tc14e than the AFD is with a Kenko pro (I had 2 AFD's before getting the AFS). The 300 AFS f4 is another of Nikon's best IMO, and makes a great close-up lens in addition to being super 420 f5.6 with the tc14e. I don't have a need for VR, and that is obviously a consideration in your decision malking process. I find that I can justify a 300 2.8 and the f4, but not everyone does.

 

[Gregg Heckler]

I'd get a 70-200 which you'll use more often and a TC-14 or 17 and then save for the 300 later. You can also use the TC on the 300 then..

 

[snownow]

get the 70-200, stunning lens. If you really need the 300, look at the 70-300 vr, its no slouch and about the same price of a TC...so you can get both!