First Telephoto lens for my D80

[tissa]

I am thninking of buying my first telephoto lens for my D80 - Nikon. I want use this lens for taking photographs in low light and for wedding/and other indoor photographs.
I have 50mm 1.8F , 18-200 VR, and old lenses from my Nikon film camera Sigma 35-70/Tokina 100-200 Manual foucus lenses.
Any suggestion appreciated

Tissa

[I @ M]

AF-S NIKKOR 200mm f/2G ED VR II is just what you need, fast enough for sports and great quality lens for weddings.

http://www.nikon.com.au/productitem.php?pid=1400-492a78c3f0

[kiwi]

Totally disagree, Andrew, ### you on about

We've discussed this 1000 times

If you don't have a 400 2.8 vr you simply should not do weddings.

[mongo]

Tissa,

Don’t listen to the 2 previous clowns – they just want to scare you, bankrupt you or quickly turn you into a bank robber.

Listen to this clown instead. Mongo does not know how long a lens you want when you say telephoto. Perhaps a 70-200mm f2.8 (with or without a converter) ; 80-200mm f2.8; the new 24-120mm f4 or a 300mm f4 (with or without a converter).

If money is no object, there are others Mongo could suggest.

[tissa]

mongo,

I would say 80-200mm f2.8. I am not particular about the brand, I am looking for a in-expensive or budget priced lens - which would produce reasonably good pictures with D80. I think the lens need not have a motor as D80 has one. Any other recommendations ?

Thanks
Tissa

[kiwi]

Why would you only accept reasonably good pictures for a wedding?

"dear couple, hire me and I will give you reasonably ok pictures"

If you are going to do weddings professionally get pro grade gear, including at least a d90

The nikon 80-200 and sigma 70-200 are both good value lenses and good for weddings

[mongo]

..The nikon 80-200 and sigma 70-200 are both good value lenses and good for weddings

Exactly what Mongo was going to suggest next. New 80-200 about $1300 but do not discount buying either of these 2 lenses second hand - Mongo would - great value !

[Darey]

The first Telephoto I bought for my D80 was a Nikon 80-200mm f2.8 and i think it still is the best lens i could have got. It provides pro level Image Quality and is very usable in low light conditions.
Add a Keno extension tube kit and you have a great macro lens.
Add a 1.4 x teleconverter and you have a nice f4 120-300mm lens
Add a 2 x teleconverter and you have a very usable f5.6 160-400mm lens

Hope the above helps