Im looking to get a new lens for my Nikon D80. I've heard a lot of good things about the Nikon 70-300 f/4-5.6G AF-S VR lens and was looking at possibly getting this lens. My main uses for my camera are landscape and nature/wildlife. I would like to keep within the 500-700 dollar range. Any suggestions on a new lens would be appreciated. I was also thinking maybe of a less expensive lens like the 70-300 but add a teleconverter like the Kenko 1.4x. Thanks!

For wide angle shots, I use Tamron 17-50 f2.8. It should be within your price range.

I don't know about the Kenko tele, but 70-300 VR doesn't fit Nikon TC 1.4 E II.

Either way, a TC on any 70-300mm, which all end up at f/5.6, would put you beyond the technical limits of the camera's AF system, so while Nikons will continue to try to focus (unlike Canon bodies that actually shut off the AF system if the effective max aperture is reported to be above f/6.3 or so), you will likely only get usable results in very bright light on subjects with good contrast with the center point.

I forgot to mention that Im in the market for a zoom lens. Sorry guys, lol.

Hi I wish that I could comment spec. on this lens but I can't. However I recently received am insurance settlement for a great deal of medium format equipment that was replaced with a settlement for digital camera equipment.
I had to purchase this equipment, for the cash value would have been ridiculously too low.

I have no need for all of this equipment and I am looking for buyers..
It is truly a bonafide list of equipment.

I have a number of Nikon lenses, bodies, motor drivers, flashes, a nikon film scanner ( that I was going to use to scan my 6x6 negs., etc. etc.

If anybody is interested I can email them a list

Brand new, still in the boxes, never used, Nikon Canada Warranty.

Thanks,
David

Sorry but I do all my shopping out behind the barn.

I bought the 70-300 VR lens a year ago...it's a great lens!

Well slayer7124 i don't know if im to late with this info but i do have the 70-300mm VR Nikon lens & it works very well with my D50 and a Kenko DG 1.4X and it does auto focus but rarely on the first time . I guess it all depends on good light. And if your really up for a good challenge like birds in flight the focus ring is right up close to the camera body . One good positive is that you can help it focus for in flight shots after a bit of practice it has a manual and a Manual auto setting. I had trouble getting my fingers on the focus ring at first so i had put a large rubber band on it and it really helped. This setup with the 70-300mm VR and the Kenko is gonna run you between the $ 600 and $ 750 mark. So if i could suggest another option for you would be to take a serious look at the Sigma 150-500mm f/5-6.3 DG APO OS (Optical Stabilizer) HSM Auto Focus Telephoto Zoom Lens for around $950 which i think is a good option for more range.

Hey knight. Thanks for that info. You aren't too late, however that sigma is a but out of my budget for right now. I'm thinking of going with the 70-300mm VR and the 50mm f1.8 for now to add a little bit more to my kit.

Hey Dan i just bought a D80 yesterday i should receive it by the middle of next week :)

Nice! Thats the camera I have as well. I'm waiting for BHphoto to open its ordering again and I'll probably be buying the lenses as soon as they do. Do you happen to know if a teleconverter would work with the 70-300 VR on the D80?

Nice! Thats the camera I have as well. I'm waiting for BHphoto to open its ordering again and I'll probably be buying the lenses as soon as they do. Do you happen to know if a teleconverter would work with the 70-300 VR on the D80?

Nikon TC 14 E II doesn't fit the 70-300 VR,

Dan i have the Kenko 1.4X Teleplus PRO 300 DG and i will try it as soon as i get my D80 .I will post my results l8r this week.

Dan i have the Kenko 1.4X Teleplus PRO 300 DG and i will try it as soon as i get my D80 .I will post my results l8r this week.

Thanks knight!

FWIW-
I have the 70-300 VR as well as a Sigma EX 1.4X TC & a Kenko Pro 300 DG 1.4X TC. On my D50, the Sigma seems to have a bit more of an issue with AF hunting on BIF than the Kenko. (Sigma has its first lens' side contact taped to allow AF)

A non-objective comparison of the three on a test target ~40' distant...
Bare -- Kenko -- Sigma

http://www.nikonians-images.org/galleries/data/8202/5-6-crop_800x600_.jpg

Thanks for the visuals telecorder. What focal length were all those? I just purchased the 70-300mm VR the other day and am waiting for it to come in, hopefully today!

Images were taken in aperture-mode at f/6.3 on a tripod weighted with a bowling ball hung under it. Distance to target was ~40'.

The images are original FOV but reduced in size/compressed for posting. Image-4128 is bare 70-300 VR; Image-4136 is w/Kenko & Image-4149 was w/Sigma.
EXIF-->
[Camera] D-50
Exposure Time = 1/1600" (Kenko & Sigma were at 1/640-sec due to increase in effective aperture to ~f/8.8)
F Number = F6.3
Exposure Program = Aperture priority
Exposure Bias Value = -0.67EV
Max Aperture Value = F5.66
Metering Mode = CenterWeightedAverage
Focal Length = 300mm

Exposure Mode = Auto exposure
White Balance = Auto white balance
Focal Length In 35mm Film = 450mm
Gain Control = None
Contrast = Normal
Saturation = High saturation
Sharpness = Hard
Subject Distance Range = unknown

[MakerNote (Nikon)]
ISO Speed Used = 200
White Balance = AUTO
Sharpening = MED.H
Focus Mode = AF-A
White Balance Bias Value = 0
ISO Speed Requested = 200
AE Bracket Compensation Applied = 0EV
Tone Compensation (Contrast) = AUTO
Lens Type = Nikon G series Lens
Lens Min/Max Focal Length, Max Aperture = 700/10, 3000/10, 45/10, 56/10
Colour Mode = MODE3a
Lighting Type = NATURAL
Hue Adjustmen = -3
Noise Reduction = OFF

Image optimisation = CUSTOM
Saturation = ENHANCED