Nikkor AF 55-200mm f/4-5.6 G IF-ED DX VR or Nikkor AF-S 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 G IF-ED VR

[dug777]

The 55-200mm is just so damn cheap ($279 AUD), and it gets a good write up at photozone.de

The 70-300mm also gets a good write up, and would give me considerably more range, with considerably less overlap, at $665 AUD...

Or I could ignore both, and save some for the Nikkor AF 80-200mm f/2.8D ED at $1179 AUD. Let's assume that last option isn't on the table

 

[troytime]

as a fellow d80 owner, i'd probably go with the 70-300

i plan to buy the non VR one within the next week or two

 

[soydios]

well...it's a scale of price. IMO, the 55-200mm would not get you that much more reach than 135mm, so throw that option out and save the money if that's all you can afford. the 70-300mm VR offers a good balance between cost and results for you. I will add, however, that f/2.8 glass is worth it!

 

[teatime0315]

I vote for the 70-300... I have the D80 with the 18-135. I bought the 55-200VR and IMO it only has a minimal extra reach over the 135. I'd save and get the 70-300VR.

 

[dug777]

I think I will go with the consensus and get the 70-300mm...

More reach for my $, and it does get a good write up