I have the 70-200 2.8 and the 300 F4 AF-S. Both are great but pricey lenses. Mine are business purchases and needed for my work. The 70-300 as you say cannot match the IQ of the prime but unless you pixel peep and print images at humongous sizes you won't notice the difference and the cost saving is great.
The 55-300 is not a bad lens but has a fairly slow AF and is not the best for capturing fast action. Also it is not "IF" (Internal focussing) so any filter fitted on the front will move with the lens.
The 70-300 VR is and IF ED lens and does not suffer with the filter problem. It also has an extremely quick AF and is ideally suited to Aviation, birds sport etc and is extremely good value for money. Second only to the 70-200 2.8
I'd have the 70-300 out of the 2 options listed.
A couple of examples taken with the 70-300 VR
Got larger ones if needed.
typhoon3 by PsiFox, on Flickr
vulcan4 by PsiFox, on Flickr
I just use my own form of editorial control.
I go to W H Smith and have a look at the mags on offer. If there is something I find useful, I'll buy the issue in question(of any mag). If not I'll try again next month.
As for opinions on the Internet, it is a case of where 2+2 =5. People will always differ, similarly there will be others that agree with a point of view. Reviews are just the opinion of the author and should be accepted as such.
It is exactly the same on a photographic forum I frequent, Nikon bashers and Canon bashers all mixed in a cauldron of keyboard warriors and anonymity
So, got the tools, airbrush, compressor, hairy sticks on order, next on the list one subject that should not cause any controversy at all Acrylic paint for airbrush and stick!!!!!
Currently trying to decide between one of the following or perhaps some of each?
Lifecolor
Vallejo
Revell Aqua
Opinions from modelling gods and mere mortals all welcome please but I'd like to avoid having to call in the U.N.
So continuing my re-tooling exercise before I start some modelling and a question.
I always used to use sable, but have modern man made fibres caught up or do you all like natural still?
Thanks in advance.