2K budget, what lens to get?

[Wolverinepwnes]

So I have $2000 to spend on a lens. here's what i have so far:

Nikon D300s
Nikkor 50mm f/1.4
Nikkor 18-105 f/5.6-6.3 (not too fond of this, came with my D90)
Nikon SB-900

So I do portraits and wildlife. the only choices that i have come up with so far is the Nikkor 70-200mm f/2.8 VR II (when it comes out) & a 1.7x tele. , or the Sigma 150-500 OS. any suggestions?

 

[SpeedTrap]

I woulld go for the 24-70 F2.8.
Great lens and it is super sharp!

 

[Antithesis]

The new 70-200 is going to be like $2300. I'd look into an older AF-I 300mm F2.8 and a compatible 1.4x TC if you can find one in that price range. You'd be covered for most wildlife, but you'd probably intimidate anyone you were taking a portrait of. The 50mm works fine for portraits on a crop sensor though, IMO.

 

[farmerj]

80-200 f2.8 Ed and a 1.4X tele-converter

then an 85mm f/1.8

 

[PhotoXopher]

I'd get the Nikon 80-200 f/2.8 along with a couple fast 3rd party lenses to cover something near the 12-70 range in f/2.8 as well.

 

[Atlas77]

wow, sorry to interupt the "lens" talk. But, how I wish I had 2k just to blow on a lens.

 

[joemc]

I would buy the cheap Nikon 70-300 vr and then spend my big money on the Nikkor 85 f/1.4

The 70-300 is a very surprising lens for the price!

The 85 f/1.4 if just the best portrait lens...and maybe the best lens period that Nikon has ever made... I bought mine a few years ago and it has went up in value 400 bucks since I bought it.

Cheers, joe