Telephoto lens upgrade...any suggestions?

[evader]

Currently shooting with a D60 with 18-55mm, 55-200mm and 35mm lens'

I think I'd like to look at upgrading the 55-200 lens and was wondering if anyone has any suggestions as to which lens' to look at?
I would like to get more into sports photography and have not been very happy with the 55-200 when shooting my sons sports so far. Aside from shooting my sons soccer and baseball games (he's only 6yrs old) I have a friend involved with the local school board that will allow me access for shooting some of the high school sports starting in the fall...football, basketball, soccer, volleyball, etc.

I would like a lens that will be good for shooting this type of photography...something fast enough for shooting indoors as well as outdoors in the evenings when they play football under the lights.

I've heard good things about the Nikon 70-200 VRII. I know it's pricey and I would have to save for quite a while before I was able to add that one...but if that's the best way to go I would rather save for that one than purchase something I'm not going to be happy with.

I would also be using the lens for more than just sports...like nature shots...animals...that type of stuff. So I'm wondering if I should be looking at something with more reach than the 200mm?

Anybody have any suggestions for something that would work for what I need it for?
Thanks in advance...I appreciate the help

[Aegea]

For wildlife photography you will probably find yourself wanting more reach (unless your stalking skills are really good ) However, from what I've read the 70-200 takes teleconverters very well, so you could always get a TC14E, a TC17E, or even a TC20E if you find the lens too short. BTW, the 70-200 f/2.8 is one of the lenses I lust after.

[OsmosisStudios]

The 70-200 f/2.8 is probably your best bet, to be honest. Either that or a 300mm f/4 prime, but that limits your composition. You could do 70-200 f2.8 and a 1.4 teleconverter.

[evader]

thanks for the replies...I'm leaning towards the 70-200 f/2.8 right now. Time to start saving my pennies...can't wait to see my wife's reaction to this one

[IlluminatingPhoto]

If you have never used the 70-200 I would recommend renting one for a week. It is an extra cost but if you find that you need more reach you have only spent a hundred bucks or so.

just my 2 cents

[evader]

that's a very good idea...I will definitely look into finding a place to rent one. Thanks