Nikon SLR Cameras

What lens is best for me?

Meowsers
Meowsers

I'm a passionate hobbyist, and am looking to add some gear to my camera bag.
My skills are not amateurish, but unfortunately I have a very tight budget so my gear is…
*Nikon D7100
*Tamron 28-75 F/2.8

I want to add a telephoto lens for portraiture and wildlife, only thing is I can't decide which one, my budget is about $800 and I don't mind buying something used if I have to.

Here are some that I was considering:

#1.Tamron 70-200mm f/2.8 (non vr) $770 new

#2.Nikon 80-200 f/2.8d ed af $770 used

#3.: Nikon 70-200mm f/2.8G ED-IF AF-S VR1 $1, 300 used

If you have opinions on any of these lenses or better suggestions I would much appreciate them.

NOTES:

I understand the crop ratio of my dx sensor camera.

I don't mind heavy or long lenses, so those are not cons for me.

I prefer constant apertures, especially 2.8 or faster.

Wider aperture is more important than Vibration Reduction in my opinion, and VR is not a necessity.

And obviously my #3 choice of lens is way out of my price range, and will take a few extra months before I can afford… In your opinion is it worth the wait?

Added (1). I do use manual override often, so if you have a the telephoto Tamron is the focus sharp and accurate enough that I won't miss that feature too much?

fhotoace
fhotoace

While the 80-200 mm lens is an old design, it is still a classic.

Of all the third party lenses made, Tokina make the best, both in quality and the ability to take the riggers of day in and day out use.

And you are right. VR is not necessarily needed when shooting in some situations.

Here is a shot taken with a 300 mm f/2.8 VR lens with the VR shut off.html

Chandan
Chandan

I'm trying to do some research regarding lens for the D7100, which I'm planning on getting. I know the D7100 has some serious resolving power and needs lens that are as good.

I was wondering which lens are good enough for the D7100. I've heard the kit lens really isn't up to the resolving power.

So I'm wondering if the 35mm f1.8, 50mm 1.8D and G, and 85mm f1.8 D and G are good enough.

Also wondering what else is good.

Any links to the information I'm looking for would be great as well. I don't remember if there's a website that has resolving power of cameras and lens.