Lens for D80

[c_t_v_123]

I just bought myself a Nikon D80 which cam with the standard 18-135mm lens.
I primarily take sailing photos and require a telephoto lens, something along the line of a 300mm or 400mm but have a low budget.

Should I stick with the Nikon Lens or go for a 3rd party lens?
What would be the best lens for this?

Help or advise or comments would be greatly appreciated.

[coldrain]

There is not that much choice...
Best candidates on a low budget are the Nikon 70-300 VR ED ($700?) and the Sigma 135-400. The Sigma is surprisingly good at 400mm for a lens below $600.

If you have more budget, the Sigma 50-500 and the Tamron 200-500 (both below $1000) are worth considering. Also the Sigma 80-400 OS (image stabilized) is nice option which still is below the $1000 mark.

[swgod98]

the Nikon 70-300 VR ED ($700?)

$499 @ bhphotovideo.com

[c_t_v_123]

Thanks Guys, info was great.

I also looked at this lens Sigma EX 50-500mm f4-6.3 APO DG for NIKON.
Do you know how good this lens is?
Would it be a suitable lens for sailing photography?

Thanks Again.

[Prospero]

I have heard lots of good things about the 50-500, it is a very remarkable lens for such a large zoom ratio. Here's a review: http://www.photozone.de/8Reviews/len..._463/index.htm

However, I doubt if it is the best lens to use for sailing photography. I here assume that by sailing photography you mean that you will be shooting from a boat, which is moving due to waves. At 500 mm, even on a tripod this may cause vibrations ruining the image. I would therefore chose a lens that has VR or OS (in the case of Sigma). For instance the new 70-300VR, the Sigma 80-400 OS or, if you can stretch your budget, the Nikkor 80-400VR