Best superzoom lens

[GreatMoloko]

I'm prepping a list of photography gear for a honeymoon to Yellowstone (she's already well aware of my passion for photography and my alternate purpose in getting her to agree to honeymoon in Yellowstone)

I only own the kit 18 - 55 and 55 - 200 lenses that came with the D60 package.

I am looking for something to keep me far away from the bears (if I'm lucky enough to see one) and so I'm wondering if it'd be better to rent (wedding nixes any money I might possible be able to buy a $1,000 lens) a Bigma (Sigma 50 - 500), Nikon 80 - 400, or go for broke and rent one of the 400 or 500 prime lenses. 600 is not happening.

I'm leaning towards the 80 - 400 due to the VR and range... this way I can cut out the 55 - 200. The Bigma is a very close second for the extra 100 mm, but the lack of VR hurts. To counter that I have a decent tripod and am looking at a monopod to make it easier on the hiking.

Let me know what you think. (also monopod suggestions would help)

Thanks in advance.

[OsmosisStudios]

The 80-400 wont AF on youe D60. It doesnt have the AF-S motor

I'd sao go for broke and get a 400/2.8 VR or 500/4 VR and bring the rest of your gear for the ride.

[GreatMoloko]

Do you know if the Bigma (Sigma 50-500mm f/4-6.3 EX HSM) will AF with the D60?

thanks,

[sk66]

The Bigma w/ HSM will autofocus.

If this is a "one time deal", I'd say rent. But if you want a good zoom for a good price, the Bigma is pretty hard to beat. It will be slow in poor light, especially at 500mm.