Nikons recent lenses with nanocoating in them is apparently even better quality than L series lenses. Still, most of them are overkill for me.
Might just settle on an EF 200mm f2.8 L USM. Only €700 and heard it does a decent job.
It's too easy to wish for overkill. We all go there. But, settling for next best is what has saved me a lot of money. I am right there with you, though.
But if you can find a decent used lens in the range you described, even though it may not be the exact same, (last year's best, for instance) it will be near half the price of the newest ones, with similar properties.
I am lucky to have a number of pro dealers in downtown Indy (less than an hour's drive), who all shuffle items that the "big boys" use and discard. I have not bought "real" camera things in about five years, but my time is approaching again. Things are going better for us and "my free cash," though still a dream, is within view.
