I really must'nt spend any money on photo stuff for a while - if and when I can afford it, the decision must be between a longer, good quality lens, or a D200 with it's extra mp.

As I bought a - loads a money - SB80-DX flash when I got by D100, which is not compatible with the D200. I will just have to save the pennies and go for the D2X for all those features that I miss, that seem to be dissapearing from non pro cameras.

Don

My Canon 20D was presented with a big brother for Christmas the 1DmkIIN.
Now he needs a few tips on the finer points of shooting with his new sibling, using either his 70-200 F/2.8L IS or 300f/4L IS with or without his 1.4 & x2TC.
He hopes to add the 400f/5.6L at some future date.
He also hopes he will not be made redundant!!!!!

I've just bought a Nikon D200 and 80-400 VR, I would now like a AF-S Nikkor 300mm f/2.8D VR but I think my Bank Manager would kill me. Unless I come up on the Lotto or Premium Bonds!!!

Got the 350D yeasterday. next stop, the sigma 175-500 and a good (and low cost) tripod.

Why not snap up the one that Salty is selling over on BF.

depends if ive got enough money before its sold. my old 100-400mm will do for now though.

Edit=Looks like He's not selling it any more.

Sigma 170-500
 

I have been using the Sigma 170-500 for approx. 4 years on a Pentax MZ7 & MZ6 with excellent results. I just bought a Pentax istDS2 and the Sigma is fantastic. I took all my lenses to the store before I bought the DS2 to try them and even the staff were impressed with the quality of the images.

When I bought mine new I paid around $1000 CDN and $150 CDN for a circular polarizer. Filter size (from memory) is 86mm.

In my experience, I would recommend the 100-400mm IS AF for what you want. Happy New Year

As 'Warehouse Express' were knocking £20 off the price of my original choice (Gitzo G1227) and throwing in a free ball and socket head I decided to go for it.

Ordered about 3:00pm yesterday, it arrived before 1:00pm today and seems a nice piece of kit. Not sure whether I can get on with the ball head (bit of practice in use required, I think) but the pan head off my old Velbon fits it anyway, so I'll be able to use it without problems until I can afford the Fluide head that I would have chosen had funds allowed!