I've never used the Nikon, but that old EF 200mm f2 Canon lens was a nice piece of glass. Made me more than a bit of money, that lens. The Nikon is also reputed to be nice, I just prefer the Canon. Should be able to get either at a good price used.
I don't know about the Canon but the Nikkor is acceptable in the last 2 iterations of the design, obviously fully open otherwise what's the point? There are several images taken with that lens in my gallery.