Hi all,

I'd like to get a longer zoom to go with the 18-70 (which I really like). I'm considering either a 28-200 or 70-300. My budget definitely tops out at $350 (Cheaper would be better, but I'm not interested in a cheap lens that has significant focusing, distortion, or CA issues). I do want the lens to have (D)istance technology.

The pros of the 28-200 is the overlap. My hopes is that I will not have to change lens much for shooting something like my daughter's performance where I'm shooting from the house (and beyond the reach of 70mm) and when I'm shooting some backstage action. The cons of the 28-200 is the overlap. I'm currently considering the Tamron, Sigma, and Nikkor offerings.

The pros of the 70-300 is the extended range. However with a 1.5 crop factor, 300mm may be too long for handheld. But, I cold use my tripod as a mono I guess. The benefit of the longer reach would be shooting soccer games, windsurfing, and other type events (purely armature needs though). For this, I'm considering the Nikkor offering. Would the ED version be worth the extra cost over the G?

So, what say you?

I thank you in advance for any suggestions you may have,
Tim