sam_reeves1

OP I just went through the scenario on indoor hockey so the 70-200 f2.8 was a must. Sign up at KEH Camera. They

have sales and I was able to save 15% last week on a Nikon 70-200 f2.8 in like new - condition. KEH's grading scale is

very conservative, and the example I received was basically brand new without a box or paperwork from Nikon. It di not

have any marks on it at all and I could not tell that it had been used. Seems to work great and KEH gives you a 6 month

warranty, which is better than Nikon Refurbished. Good Luck!

Thanks to all for your help with this endeavor. With the help of Elliott and KEH I was able to get the Nikon Lens for less

than the refurb. :))

Ok, so now I am convinced that the Nikon 70-200 VR II is going to be the best option. My choices are (after I find more

money) is Used from KEH, Used from Adorama or a refurbished lens. Give the used KEH warranty is 6 months Adorama

3 and refurbished is 3. Costs are anywhere from $1,799 to $2,099 used and 1,900 to 2,000 for refurb. What's the best

value?

Ok, I know this has been discussed a lot, but I am still confused.

Facts to consider:

I am an amateur

Camera is a Nikon D800

It will be a dual use lens.

My main reason for asking the question is the 70-200 f4would be adequate for most uses, however my son plays ice hockey and I want to

capture the best shots I can while he plays. I can't afford the f2.8 at the moment, even the refurb would be hard to swing. Sigma and the

Tamron are options, but I my preference would be to have the quality and reliability of Nikon.

Other options would be the 70-200 f2.8 VR1 or the 80-200 f2.8

I plan to use the lens for other outdoor photography as well.

Opinions will be appreciated!

Thanks in advance

Sam

<p>Ok a couple of things. First the D7100 solution might be in the cards as well, ao I will consider that for a minute. I can get the D7100 body and a Nikon 24-85 f/3.5-4.5G ED AF-S VR and a Nikon 70-300 f/4.5-5.6G ED IF AF-S VR for just under 2,100 with the current Nikon promotions. I looked at that to avoid the DX lenses in case I go FX down the road.<br>

Going back to the D700, I can get a refurb from OneCall for 1,700 and use my current lenses until I can afford to upgrade. Also that goes for the D600 refurb and $1,600.<br>

Thanks for the input, I greatly appreciate all the help.</p>

<p>All,<br>

Thanks for the input, I really value the responses. So lets talk a good all around Lens to go with a D600 for the type a work I mentioned in the original post. I would have to start with 1 lens and later maybe I could add. I think there may be better choices than the "kit" lens.<br>

Also one of the reasons I mentioned the D700, is that it just feels great coming from an F3. I am real fond of metal in a camera, but is pure preference based on my past. I am sure the D600 would be plenty durable.</p>

<p>Ok do not slam me too hard on this question. I am a newbie to Digital and looking to upgrade from film to digital. Photography is a hobby and I mainly am looking to take pictures of my son in sports (mainly indoor Hockey at this point) and family, outdoor events such as airshows and maybe some landscapes. The choice is duanting and there are a lot of opinions and to what camera. So I am coming from an F3 and so have a few pieces of glass although not a lot of expensive stuff. 200 F4 AIS, 50 F1.4 AI and a 70-210 AF forgot the f stop on this but its 4.5-6.5(?).<br>

So now the question: What will be best for me?<br>

Refurbed D700 or new D600 or Refurbed D600, I am trying to stay around 2k. <br>

Thanks in advance for you opinions.</p>