long lens questions...nikon

[Elaine]

My dad is enjoying his new Nikon D200 and got the 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6 VR with it. He'll be driving to Alaska in a couple weeks and would like some longer glass to go along too. He's considering these:

Tamron 200-500 f/5-6.3
Sigma 170-500 f/5-6.3
Nikon 80-400 f/4.5-5.6 VR

He was all set on the Nikon with VR but then wondered if the extra 100mm would serve him better. I'm thinking the VR would be better. Any thoughts or other suggestions?

[Seymore]

If he's not planning to take a tripod or monopod, the VR would suit him better than the reach, IMPO.

[pathfinder]

The Nikon is faster by 1/2 a stop, and with VR, functionally more like 2 - 3 stops faster. It may be better optically also.

The Sigma or the Tamron will require a tripod for better results. The extra 100mm is nice, but not a deal breaker.

[pnphoto]

Although I have technically much better glass, the 80-400VR is my preferred long lens for travel.

Here are some shots taken on a recent trip to Calgary.

1/320 sec and 280mm - VR on
http://pnphoto.smugmug.com/photos/165933729-L.jpg

http://pnphoto.smugmug.com/photos/165933804-L.jpg

1/80 sec 240mm - VR on
http://pnphoto.smugmug.com/photos/165935591-L.jpg

Mine is quite sharp out to 400mm (although better at less than 400 mm). I like VR, I definitely get more keepers with it.

[Elaine]

Thanks all! After talking with him today, it sounds like he's decided to go for the Nikon 80-400 VR. Unfortunately, B&H is out of stock for about 3 weeks, and he'll be leaving on his trip in about 2 weeks. So he probably won't get it for this trip. But he's enjoying his 18-200!