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.