jsmangis Loc: Peoria, IL

I have owned the nonVR version for nearly 4 years, and it is an amazing lens. I think that VR is not necessary on a lens shorter than 100mm, but that's just me.

LWW Loc: Banana Republic of America

The longer the lens the more useful VR becomes.

Even on a DX body, a 105 length equivalent lens is quite easy to hand hold.

A 2.8 short telephoto is pretty fast, I would save the money.

OTOH if I shot a lot of low light scenes that required f8 or more DOF my opinion would change ... but I’d probably invest in a monopod which also doubles as a walking stick.

DirtFarmer Loc: Escaped from the NYC area, back to MA

I used the old version (non VR) for about 12 years. It was a great lens but there were occasions when I wished it had VR. I had the old version of the 70-200, which had VR, and it did pretty well but I wouldn't call it outstanding. It could do maybe one stop of exposure (translated into a slightly slower shutter speed).

A couple years ago I got a Nikkor 200-500. It had the new generation VR, which I would rate outstanding. I have shots at 500mm, hand held, 1/10 second that are not perfect, but quite usable. So I got the 24-70 with the new VR. It has proven to be very useful. In low light situations the VR can use a shutter speed 3-4 stops slower than without the VR. Since I do a lot of low light work I find the newer version very useful.

I should note that I don't find all that much call for VR at the 24mm end, but at 70mm it makes a difference. I also upgraded my 70-200 to the new version.

As far as sharpness is concerned I find the new version to have better sharpness at the corners and a touch less at the center. Not enough to concern me, but the uniformity of the sharpness over the whole field is much better than the old version.

The only (minor) drawback to the new 24-70 is that it takes an 82mm filter instead of the 77mm filter that all my old lenses use. Means I have to carry two filters, but that's a small price to pay for the improved performance.

Bill_de Loc: US

I now have the VR version. 10 years ago I would have laughed at the idea on needing VR on such a short lens. Today setting the shutter speed at 1/focal length no longer works for me.

I had read reviews before buying it that indicated the older version was a bit sharper. If you are rock steady and think you will be for the foreseeable future, save your money. The non VR should be a perfect choice.

---

Silverman Loc: Michigan

I am NOT an expert by any means, although I would say, if you can afford the VR lens, it would be much more beneficial to you in the long run, the NON-VR Lens would be quite acceptable mounted on a Tripod with a cable release, to protect your images from any Camera shake.

GoofyNewfie Loc: Kansas City

I have both versions at work.
The VR version is noticeably bigger.
I too was a skeptic about needing VR on such a short lens, but I'm growing rather fond of it.
Shooting events and PR, I rarely use a tripod.
The VR does help.

Lately, the 3rd party makers have really stepped up their game.
Don't discount Sigma or Tamron, etc.

blue-ultra Loc: New Hampshire

There is a very good deal on that lens here on the Hog. I just read it and wish that it was available when I bought mine... Just go to the members buy sell section...
Oh BTW it is only a 70 mm at the top unless you have the shakes, don't need VR

Bob

Jim Bob

If you would consider third party lenses I have an excellent recommendation. But if not, I'll just keep quiet and refer you back to my original reply.

Steve Perry Loc: Sylvania, Ohio

Both lenses are really good and I have owned both. VR is not something anyone can decide for you. Only you know if it would be handy for your photography. I like having it, although I don't use it terribly often as I'm usually on a tripod. If I were hand-holding all the time, it would be a must-have.

Otherwise, the new lens is noticeably sharper in the corners - especially at wide angle - although it's ever so slightly softer dead center. The new lens basically does a better job of across the frame sharpness than the old one. It's a bigger lens though, heavier, and uses a larger filter size. Still, overall I'm happy with the new version.

CamB Loc: Juneau, Alaska

One of the main reasons to buy a 2.8 lens is to shoot in low light. Low light usually means slowwwww shutter speeds. The best chance of handheld, sharp, slow shutter pictures is VR. My 28-70 does not have it but I would love to have it. VR is magic.
..Cam

SteveR Loc: Michigan

I don't believe that VR on this lens was meant to help with camera shake. I think it's main purpose was for low-light conditions. If your concern is camera shake, it can be handled through shutter speed....except, perhaps, in low-light conditions.

CamB Loc: Juneau, Alaska

VR is all about camera shake. What else would you use it for?
..Cam

Pablo8 Loc: Nottingham UK.

It's a long while (Pre-Digital) when I had to decide between a Nikon , and Sigma 24~70mm lens. What swung it for me, was that the front of the Sigma did NOT rotate during zoom/ or focus. Using a polar filter on a rotating front would be a PITA. I suppose the latest Nikon 24~70 has been updated since then. Back when I was buying, VR was not even thought of. Still use the Sigma on Digital bodies FF and crop versions.

Largobob

I own and use the non-VR model of this lens on a D810. It is a superb-quality optic. Because it is relatively fast (f/2.8) and relatively short focal length (70mm), I don't find a compelling need for VR. At 70mm (max.), you should easily be able to hand-hold at 1/150 second.....and with an aperture of f/2.8, you should have plenty of wiggle room to adjust your exposure in most situations. I do use a tripod or monopod when I can.

Hammer Loc: London UK

I am no expert but a consideration might be the capacity of the sensor on your camera. If its a Nikon D850 compared to say a D5, I should imagine that the VR would come in very useful . In low light it would also help with longer exposures and reduce the ISO needed. I don't really know enough but do have shaky hands and do like to crop in on my photos.