Camera equipment question

I work at a small daily newspaper and we're a one man shop in sports. Our big lens was broken last year by the action coming a little too close to it. We have a Nikon D100 and have been given $500 to purchase a new big lens to do football, baseball, softball, soccer, etc. What would give me the best bang for our buck? Thanks for any suggestions.

 

For that price, my offhand suggestion would be a used Nikon 80-200/2.8 since I would imagine you could get one in that price range. It may be a bit scuffed but those things are tough as tanks.
Also, I would suggest a used D1H body. I have a D70 (roughly equal to the D100) and D1H, much prefer the speed, size and toughness of the D1H. You can get them dirt cheap these days. My last one was about $100 last fall, works like a champ.

 

With camera equipment, always always always buy used.

 

Any suggestions for good sites for used camera equipment? I need to upgrade my current point-and-shoot options but don't want to deal with the Internet Flea Market that is Craigslist or eBay.

 

I wouldn't think 200 would be enough to shoot sports effectively.

 

A 200mm lens will be fine for sports action.

bhphotovideo.com and Huntsphotoandvideo.com have great 'used' options.

 

You can shoot football with a 200. Baseball as well if you can get situated by the dugout.

 

How's this for $110? Don't know the maker (and I have Canon lenses besides). The price too good to be true?

 

Buy a teleconverter for outdoor sports. It'll turn your 200 into a 300, though with a reduction in your biggest available aperture. Still cheaper than buying a 300 instead.

 

Bingo.....

 

Thanks, folks. I am still learning about this, too.