Peppermint, there's no need for this to be complicated. Since you already have an 80-200 that you like and have a budget of $500, look at the Nikon teleconverters. If the idea of lighter weight intrigues you, try the 70-300mm first.

Most stores have 30 day return policies, so buy from one of them and find out which works for you.

I think you'd love the 70-300mm VR on your D700. I used to have one and thought it was a great lens. Despite the lack of 2.8, I always felt the 70-300 was faster than the 80-200! Seriously, but obviously not as fast as the 70-200 lenses. Maybe I had a great sample? It is super light, sharp, a good price, and the VR is really wonderful. I used to have a 70-200mm VR 1 but gave it up for the weight, and eventually traded in my 70-300 for the new 28-300mm VR. For some reason the D700 and the 70-300mm are one of those magical combinations. Some lenses really work well together giving excellent results go get one!

80-200 with TC gives you effectively two lenses, one with f2.8 and one longer reach that is a little slower depending on which TC you use.

I am mostly concerned with image quality at the 200mm+ focal lengths. I don't need VR because I'm shooting outdoors during the day at 1/500 or 1/750 at least. I'm not concerned a whole lot with the build. I am very tempted by the 70-300, but I already own the 80-200 and don't want to sell it and regret it later. Don't know much about the Tokina 80-400...

Nikon 70-300VR - VR will help tons and it is a great lens.

80-200 is great also but much much heavier. Adding a TC just reduces the IQ especially if it is not a Nikon one.

This may sway your decision - 70-300 Refurb for $349.95
http://www.adorama.com/NK70300AFVRR.html?utm_term=Other&utm_medium=Affiliate&utm_campaign=Other&utm_source=rflAID021866

I own one and love it..

Jon

I dont know about the TC but the 80-200 is a great lens. Nothing beats F2.8 @200.

If I were you I'd look into getting a Kenko 1.7x or 2x

I use to own the Tokina and while I liked it's build quality and it's optical quality I absolutely hated how slow the AF was on my D90 and that I could not really use it in anything but bright sunlight outdoors.

Also the focal lengths would overlap so you'd basically be stuck with a 300-400 that goes from f/5.2 to f/5.6.

The 2XTC + 80-200 combo would be the best because you get the 400mm @ f/5.6 and the aperture values along the focal length will be better compared to the other lenses as well as you can always remove the TC and get f/2.8 where the others will always start at f/4.5

What would produce better images on a D700?

-Nikon 80-200 f2.8 AF-D with a Kenko 1.4x teleconverter (equiv. of 112-280mm)
-Nikon 70-300 VR
-Tokina 80-400 (can't afford and really don't want the Nikon version)

I mostly need the 200-400 end, and I'm shooting outdoors during the day. I already own the 80-200 which is a very good quality lens, but I need more zoom. I'm also considering using the DX crop mode. My budget is $500 max.

soap said:
I would call $700 for a 7/10 a /fair/ price. Not a bad price but not a great price either.

$750 for a pristine AF-D model is a good price if you are patient in the markets I play, but I do mean patient. This isn't what I would consider a "high volume" lens on Craigslist.

So what is your time worth to you? are you willing to wait three, six months for a better condition one comes by at the same price or for a $600 7/10? If I were buying for use, not resale, I wouldn't be.

So Long As It's Perfectly Functional, and I do mean Perfectly, I'd pay $700 just to get it in my hands today.

I assume the hard case is present and in good order? I also assume the tripod collar is in good order, and so is the M/A switch? These are the three items I most often see damaged.

Awesome , thanks for tips, I am gonna meet him tonight to see the condition. he said that it "looks used but in excellent condition". Hmm... will see it if it's worth my trouble. Yup I usually go for "Buy it now" on ebay, sorry guys I though this was a good deal but now I see that these really do go for $700.

I think we might need a dedicated thread where we can post questions regarding going prices for used cameras and lenses.

I would call $700 for a 7/10 a /fair/ price. Not a bad price but not a great price either.

$750 for a pristine AF-D model is a good price if you are patient in the markets I play, but I do mean patient. This isn't what I would consider a "high volume" lens on Craigslist.

So what is your time worth to you? are you willing to wait three, six months for a better condition one comes by at the same price or for a $600 7/10? If I were buying for use, not resale, I wouldn't be.

So Long As It's Perfectly Functional, and I do mean Perfectly, I'd pay $700 just to get it in my hands today.

I assume the hard case is present and in good order? I also assume the tripod collar is in good order, and so is the M/A switch? These are the three items I most often see damaged.

poster said:
Really I am yet to see it go in that range on ebay. I usually see it for around $900 upto 1k

The Buy it nows are around 900-1k. The auctions usually end around $750.

safyre said:
Going rate on ebay is around $750 used. You can occasionally find a good deal on cragslist for the lens (I've seen some pristine condition ones selling for slightly less than 700).

As long as the lens is in good condition, no scratches on front element, no fungus, minimal dust, I think its a good deal.

Really I am yet to see it go in that range on ebay. I usually see it for around $900 upto 1k

Going rate on ebay is around $750 used. You can occasionally find a good deal on cragslist for the lens (I've seen some pristine condition ones selling for slightly less than 700).

As long as the lens is in good condition, no scratches on front element, no fungus, minimal dust, I think its a good deal.

hi guys,

Sorry another one of these threads. I found a deal for one of these babies for $700. As far as I know at the moment it's in 7/10 condition. Is it worth it? Good deal or nope?

I was going to buy the 70-200 2.8 VRI but I figured I could save a bit by snagging this one.