Hey folks.
I've been noticing how weak my Nikkor 70-300G is since I got it a few years ago. Now I'm starting to do some work for a newspaper on campus that involves me taking a lot of photos of speakers, so I need a telephoto lens for these events. The Nikkor 70-300G is simply not fast enough. I know the step from the 70-300G to the Nikkor 80-200 or Sigma 70-200mm f/2.8 EX DG APO Macro HSM. The reason why I bring the Sigma in here is that it is in the same price range as the Nikkor. The Sigma does have the advantage of HSM, but the Nikkor is a Nikkor. I've got another 3rd-party lens (Tokina 124), but the Nikkor is going to work on the next Nikon I get (unless they screw up with another D40/x). The Sigma may have to be re-chipped (of course, not the end of the world).
I'll also, of course, be using this new telephoto for things other than speakers.
So what are yalls takes? I know it's a lot of money, but I feel spending more now will save me money later. I also know that what I'm getting now probably won't cut it.
Thanks.
John