Thanks for that BC - some food for thought! I always use the extra reach though, as I mainly shoot birds, and usually would shoot at around f8 where I can anyway so the 70-300mm should be suitable The lens I want in the long run is the 300mm f4, but at the moment I need something to replace my Tamron, which, surprise surprise just gave up and died the other day

x

ha ha...well you wouldn't believe I have the older Nikon 300mm f4 too!! Really! My version is afrom about 1998-99 but is excellent condition. I don't use it that often as being a fixed focal length it is quite restrictive as a lot of stuff i do I don't need to be so close, birds are another story of course. The later versions have faster AF but mine seems fast enough.

If you're ever selling it....

xx

Laura,I'd need to think about this, but can you just confirm (or not) this is a model and version you may be interested in?

http://www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/3004af.htm

Mine doesn't have a case but has the leather hood, it has one or two little marks on the tank like barrel but in v.g.c. Optically it looks very good. It has the tripod mount. At a guess these are worth approx £350-450 but obviously i would be more specific if i sell.

Hmm - I don't know BC - it's a very very tempting offer, and I'd love to take you up on it especially at such a good price (even at the top end of your margin) - however, for my needs, I suspect, having thoroughly read the reviews, I would probably be better with the newer one which is a shame, as I far prefer the look and build of the older one!

xx

Ok, thanks.

Sorry about that, I feel bad for umming and ahhing about it - and I'd have them all if I could, but I can't and need to make sure I get it right Sorry!

xx

It is important to get the lens you really want when they cost several hundred pounds, or as most people do, have the best they can afford. For many people it becomes a compromise of many factors such as cost, but also what we are prepared to carry because of size and weight. If you can hang in there and get a new 300/4 or whatever Laura go for it!

Just for the record anyone I am now withdrawing the 55-200 from sale as i have a period starting today whereby I won't be able to post out for a couple of weeks due to commitments etc.