I think if you were to get a Nikon D80 or 90 body, you would be able to use the older Nikkor 80-200 f/2.8 which has about the same optical quality of the newer 70-200, but without 10mm on the short end and the VR feature. That said you also drop about half the price, there is one locally that is near new for $850. If you go that route I would suggest a monopod, it will help stabilize the long lens. Here is a link to some info on that lens
Nikon 80-200mm f/2.8 AF-D