Lens for Nikon / Africa

[PSam]

Thanks to my original find a camera thread, got some great advice from you guys and am very happy with the D80 + 18-200mm lens I ended up with. I'm off to Africa in ~3 weeks and would like a little more reach, so one more lens is in the cards.

I'd like a fixed 300 or 400, but I am limited on the amount of weight I can bring, also, they're more expensive than an amateur like me need to spend for something I won't use often, plus I'm not planning to be behind a camera the whole time.

I currently have the Nikkor 18-200mm lens, and I have my eye on purchasing
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Nikon 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6G ED-IF AF-S VR Zoom


any feedback would be appreciated -

 

[BlueCorn]

You'll really want the 300 or 400.

If I were in your shoes I'd rent vs purchase.


Example: http://www.rentglass.com/itemdetail.aspx?showitem=513

 

[PSam]

Yeah, they have renting available at Calumet here in Chicago - thanks for the link, I'll see how they compare. That's less expensive than I thought...

I am a little concerned about my weight limits - 3lbs. for one lens adds up when I can only take 35lbs total. I guess I could start packing and see where I'm at. May head down to Calumet and check it as well.