Janis,
I have been using a Nikon 80-400mm VR lens with my D-200 for wildlife photography and find it works pretty well. Although I felt rather inadaquate when I came upon a large group of professional wildlife photographers in Yellowstone who had zeroed in on a grizzly bear and her cub. They had long focal length large aperture lenses that would really reach out there. But for general all around wildlife shooting, I like the lens. The zoom capability is really handy too, it gives you a lot more framing options than a fixed focal length lens when you find yourself close to your subject.

Dennis

Since this post is over six months old, I assume the person who asked the question has already purchased what they need.

My recommendation would be the Nikon 500mm f4P original manual focus lens. I think they can be purchased for about $2,000 used compared to about $8,000 for the latest autofocus version. That would give you a 750mm f4 without degrading the image with a teleconverter. Optics were excellent. I used to have one. And it could easily be resold for what you pay for it.

Quote:
I am new to photography and am getting used to my Nikon D300. Would like to purchase a telephoto lens to shoot photos of birds and other wildlife. I am considering the 70-200mm lens, 70-300mm lens or the 80-400mm lens. Also, could you give me some info on teleconvertors as well, and do they work to extend the telephoto range of the lens? Any other tips on wildlife photos would also be appreaciated.
Thanks
Janis