Nikon Lenses - best step up from Af-s 70-300 for under £800

[Daysleeper40]

Hi All,

I know I've posted a similar query recently - so sorry if I'm a bit of a broken record - but I'm confused and here is why:

My mum has very kindly said she would like to gift me something photography related for my upcoming 40th birthday. The budget is £500 - but having given it some thought I think it would be better if I chucked some money into the pot too and took it up to £800 if necessary.

SO.... I now have more options open to me and after much umming and ahhing I think my preference would just be to upgrade my go-to zooing lens which is currently the Nikon 70-300 VR. I believe I would be best off with a 70-200 of some kind which I could add a TC to if required. I am all for buying second hand but having had a look there seems to be several f2.8 / f4.0 options and I am driving myself mad trying to choose between them.

If you were me - which lens would you opt for. The 70-200 VR II is obviously off the table - even second hand - but is the original version still a good option? Or would I be better off with the f4 - I'm assuming not given the TC idea/ Or is there a Sigma / Tamron option that would be good value? Or is there a totally differnt lens option I am missing?

Things to know:
- Will be used with a D7000
- I want to use this lens handheld - I have no interest in taking a monopod / tripod everywhere
- I'm small and have small hands - lighter is better
- I enjoy zoo togging and macro mainly - wouldn't mind dabbling in wildlife
- I'd prefer to keep the option of a zoom rather than move to a prime
- Obviously the ideal would be to get a lens and TC combo within the £800 budget

Any help gratefully received!

 

[cambsno]

The original 70-200 is a great lens. Good IQ but it is heavy and getting on a bit now, you could get one that squeaks and need a new AF motor, but there are ones out there that would be good. The f4 is much lighter and can be easier to use because of that, I had one and it had great IQ. Can you not use a TC with that?

Another older lens i have heard good things about id the Sigma 10--300 f4. The 300mm f4 Nikon is around £500 and that is a great lens but a prime.

Another option could be the 200-500 f5.6, I just sold mine for £775 so in budget and gives you 300-750 range so can get nice and close. Not the lightest though! Another option is the Tamron 150-600, again not light and better when stopped down to f8-f11 but £500 give or take.

 

[gramps]

The Tamron 70-200 G2 is allegedly a very sharp lens, one comparison (DXO I think) rated it sharper than the Nikon VRii.
The original Nikon (VRi) is still a good lens and also benefits from being f2.8 ... it was not rated as highly on FF bodies as it was prone to heavy vignetting and hence the Vii being prefered on FF.
A used Nikon 70-200 f4 would be within budget but if you are thinking of using a TC an f2.8 lens has major advantages.

 

[Son_of_Thor]

I'd have thought either the Sigma or Tamron 100-400 would be a reasonable shout?

 

[Daysleeper40]

Thanks all - it was the TC idea that was steering me towards the f2.8 lenses. I'm sure you can use one with an f4 but it will have a bigger impact. I have not considered a 100-400 lens - will look into that.