i'd like to try one of the following:
70-200 VR
80-200 2.8
80-400 VR

looking to head outdoors and see if i can shoot some wildlife. i'm thinking birds mostly...

what do you guys think?

This leaves you with 80-400 VR.

You can also consider the 200-400 f4 VR but might be a bit pricey.

Lastly, if you have a quality tripod, why not try the Bigma out? (Sigma 50-500)

Regardless, Lensrentals.com is THE place to go - Roger and co. are amazing and truely go out of their way to get it done right.<ul><li><a href="http://www.lensrentals.com/category/nikon-supertelephoto">Have a peek - email him for recommendations rcicala@yahoo.com Tell him Jeff Ahn sent ya.</a></li></ul>