looking for a 2.8 zoom lens

[mnp13]

My camera took a header this weekend and broke my lens.

I've decided to take the insurance money and get a lens that is actually appropriate for the dog events I am shooting.

I need a 2.8 zoom for a Nikon D50. I primariliy shoot Personal Protection trials, so I need SPEED.

Any thoughts on brand and/or specific lenses? I'm on a budget (like everyone) but I have about 800 useless pictures from this weekend, so I can't afford not to get a good lens.

Thanks,

Michelle

 

[thebeginning]

since you said it's for events I'm guessing you'll need something in the telephoto range. a nikkor 70-200 2.8 VR or 80-200 2.8ED sounds terrific for what you're doing. check reviews here:

70-200VR:
http://www.photozone.de/8Reviews/lenses/nikkor_70200_28vr/index.htm

80-200ED:
http://www.photozone.de/8Reviews/lenses/nikkor_80200_28/index.htm

you can get the 70-200 for like $1600 and the older 80-200 version for like $1300. if you need something cheaper, check out the sigma 70-200 2.8 EX (around $800).

more reviews on those and more lenses here:
http://www.fredmiranda.com/reviews/

hope that helps! and welcome to tpf

 

[dsp921]

I can highly recommend the Nikkor 70-200mm f/2.8 VR.

 

[Tiberius]

There's an 80-200ED f/2.8 used for sale for about $500 over at the nikonians.org forums. It's the old push-pull model, but optically it's solid. If you can snag that, that's about the cheapest deal you'll find.

(Disclaimer: I am not the seller nor am I associated with him/her in any way; I just saw the deal and figured I'd point it out)

 

[Sw1tchFX]

Get the Nikkor 80-200mm ED from www.bhphotovideo.com

I use it, its a crystal clear lens, and its a little less than $900 after shipping and a UV filter. It's not push pull and its f/2.8. BUT, its big. It's about 2lbs, so it can get heavy from walking around with it.

Unless you really need VR, just get this:

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=124669&is=GREY&addedTroughType=search