Starter lens for my D70?

[Beef Merciful]

I'm shooting martial arts events w/my D70 and I'd like to get a lens that is more appropriate (than the 18-70mm that came with it). I have about $1500.

Whaddya think??

[Beef Merciful]

i found an 80-200mm f/2.8D on pricegrabber starting @ $899

[specradio]

Pick an 80-200 2.8 up off of ebay. They have the old push/pull version for around $500, and sometimes if you're lucky you can get the D version with the zoom ring.

[dhyravy]

I use the 80-200 2.8 and love it. It's built like a tank and very sharp.

[Old Timer]

I agree the 80-200 f2.8 is a very versatile lens. How close are you able to get to the action in these martial art contest? If this is your main concern you may want to think about something like the 28-70 f2.8 that I have found to be a very nice substitute for the 18-70 that I had with my D70.