Which Telezoom for D 7000?

[raghunath]

Hello everybody!

I need to acquire a fast lens for sports, wildlife and portrait photography for my Nikon D7000.
I already have the Zoom Nikkor 55-200mm f/4.5-5.6 VR and the Zoom Nikkor 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 G.

However, I am looking for a faster lens inside of $ 1,000.00

I am looking at the following lenses and have noted that:-

1. Nikkor 80-200mm f/2.8D ED - No VR
2. Sigma 70-200mm f/2.8 EX DG HSMII - a little soft at 200mm?
3. Tamron SP AF70-200mm f/2.8 Di LD - AF is sloppy?

So which one will be the best deal?

[FrankMi]

Can just over 1 EV be worth $1,000?

[Goldcoastgolfer]

Isn't it 2 stops at full zoom?

[FrankMi]

You are correct, Malcom, the f-stop depends on the amount of zoom.

I would try to avoid running the lens wide open at full zoom due to image softness and lack of DoF. As a result, I'd be concerned about the cost/benefit ratio, particularly with my limited budget. Obviously, raghunath has fewer budget constraints!

I'm sure that some of the CiC posters (or monitors) can provide him with the guidance he is looking for.