Best Nikon Telephoto Lens?

[jodiegroeneveld]

I have a D80, with a 18-135mm lens and a 10-24mm wide angle (both Nikkor). Can anyone recommend the best Nikkor zoom telephoto lens? I am interested in having a go at sports photography, particularly water sports so really need to be able to zoom in alot.

[jdepould]

Got a spare $8000?

[kirbinster]

Don't know how long a zoom you want. The 70-200 f/2.8 AF-S VR is great. There are longer fast lenses, but the dollars add very fast.

[pmarkstone]

You'll want something fast. Nikkor 70-200 f2.8 VR is a top notch lens. Hope you're ready to drop a couple of thousand, though, for the latest incarnation. I bought a used one (the last version, not the VRII) for $1400. I use it for weddings and other event photography. It's not the longest reach, but a stellar lens.

[greenroompt]

if you are on a budget, for less than $500, you can get a 70-300. Although the 70-200 is the go to lens for most pros, it is just that: a pro lens. being that you have a d80, i take it that you are not a full time photographer yet. the 70-300 is a great lens, and you will get amazing results and 50% more length out of it. getting the 70-200 at this point, would be like getting high performance tires when you just a normal commuter, not an indy 500 qualifier.

used, you can pick up a mint condition one for about 250-300.

[nokiN]

Choose among these:

Nikon AF-S VR Zoom-NIKKOR 200-400mm f/4 G IF ED Lens 2146 - B&H

Nikon AF-S Nikkor 400mm f/2.8G ED VR Autofocus Lens 2171 - B&H

Nikon AF-S Nikkor 500mm f/4G ED VR II Autofocus Lens - 2172 -

Nikon Telephoto AF-S Nikkor 600mm f/4G ED VR Autofocus 2173 -

[OsmosisStudios]

Originally Posted by jodiegroeneveld

Can anyone recommend the best Nikkor zoom telephoto lens?

How long are you looking for?

nikoN: The OP clearly said ZOOM: the 400, 500 and 600mm lenses are all primes.