Robeng Loc: California

Ray,

If all you're shooting is landscape off a tripod and occasionally a portrait now and then you don't need the VR. Save your money. Now if you shoot a lot of hand held photography like photographing models and animals I would get the VR model. Things to consider about the VR model, the VR model is heavier, its a 82mm so you have to buy different size filters which cost more and it's bigger than the non VR version. I have the VR version and love it.

DavidPine Loc: Fredericksburg, TX

I agree with you regarding the 24-120 being more useful and quite sharp. I was surprised and I find that I use it more often than my 24-70.

hollis

Thanks Robeng - I have been giving the non VR version consideration but I don't want to buy the non vervion and then buyer's remorse. Is there another; been looking at the24-120 mm but that's a F4 opening.
Ray

Robeng Loc: California

Hollis,

Something to consider, might want to rent both version and give it a test drive and see what works better for you. As for the 24mm-120mm, not even in the same class as the 24mm-70mm f/2.8. I understand its only one stop difference but the built quality is not the same. Now I know there's a bunch of hoggers going to be upset that wrote that about 24mm-120mm.

Rob

hollis

there ought to be any qualms about you expressing your opinion which I respect

GoofyNewfie Loc: Kansas City

Not at all upset. True, it's not the same class, but for me, it works great. That extra 50mm on the long end is the deal-breaker for me. Just depends on what you shoot. I do a lot of PR -type stuff, no tripod.

hollis

"there ought to be any qualms " should have read as there ought not to be any qualms

Thomas902 Loc: Washington DC

hollis without knowing what genre you're focused on it is virtually impossible to respond to your initial query with authority...
Albeit there has been a constant stream of opinions about "Best" lol

Well as one who pays the bills primarily with studio portraiture; beauty and fashion there is one Nikkor which stands head and shoulders above all others in the approximate long end of range you are considering... That being the Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 85mm f/1.8G Lens which is a fraction of the price of the Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 24-70mm f/2.8E ED VR Lens.... Actually 5 times more cost effective... nearly 2 stops faster and superb bokeh... and best yet feather light.... I shoot this on my D610 and it's a dream to work with...

Oh, the 85mm f/1.8G walks away from those obese zooms in acuity...
Here's DxOmark's take on D610 prime lens choices
https://www.dxomark.com/Reviews/Best-lenses-for-Nikon-D610-Short-telephoto-and-standard-focal-lengths/Best-prime-lenses-for-the-Nikon-D610

And DxOMark's take on D610 Zoom lens choices
https://www.dxomark.com/Reviews/Best-lenses-for-Nikon-D610-Short-telephoto-and-standard-focal-lengths/Best-zoom-lenses-for-the-Nikon-D610

hollis in all honesty the only time I cherish zoom optics is for shooting events... period!
Once you experience the acuity of quality prime optics you'll most likely understand why those whose livelihood depend on exceeding client expectations avoid zoom optics... I know from years of experience assisting commercial shooters in my market... Their overwhelm choice is prime glass...

Hope this helps and btw that D610 is to be cherished... superb image quality... DxOmark rates its sensor second only to the D800 and D810 variants... and DxOmark has no hidden agenda... lol

Fotomacher Loc: Toronto

Fotomacher Loc: Toronto

I shoot with a D810 (previously D700, D300s and D70s) and have been using the 24-70mm f/2.8 for years. It is a "go to" lens and the one most often on the camera. Most of my glass is 77mm filter size so I can use a polarizer and V-ND with those lenses and a step ring on the 85mm f/1.8. Personally i would not pay more for VR since the lens is very fast and judicious use of ISO negates the need.

btbg

The VR lens is slightly sharper, but the non vr has several advantages. Not only is it a little lighter, it takes 77mm filters the same as the 70-200. That means that if you eventually get the three most common pro lenses you can use the same filters for all of them. Possibly a big advantage, depending on what you shoot.

The other big advantage is cost savings. The money you save would let you get an old 80-200, or a 12-24, or any of several other great lenses for the same or less as you would have paid for just the VR lens.

Jim Bob

Neither is a 24-70.

Jim Bob

Although you might consider this off topic, there are other less expensive options.