cjc2 Loc: Hellertown PA

As a long time photographer (so now an older man!), I have several longer, fast lenses that I have used for sports for years. Although I would purchase the VR if I were to purchase new lenses today, I am still very happy with what I have. I know that Nikon would like to see me buy the new versions each time a new one comes out, but I think not. For the price difference you're mentioning, the AF version will work just fine. All this depends upon what you shoot. When I shoot Football, or another sport on a field outdoors, I'm usually on a monopod and even the best VR system will not hold your subjects still! Don't get me wrong, I love my new 300/F4 PF and its VR system, but I normally use something longer and faster on the sidelines. I think that the AF is far more important than the VR. In that lens, do yourself a favor, and get the AF-S version. Hope this helps.

kurtwist

Both autofocus and VR can be very useful occasionally - e.g. when the camera is off the tripod and your hands are occupied-and those occasions are sometimes unrepeatable. Most often the reason we pay for advanced technology is not 'day to day' use, but for the extraordinary moment that might otherwise be missed. If you can afford it, go for it.

Mark7829 Loc: Calfornia

You want VR just because with VR the lens retains value when you resell. These are expensive toys but it is a quality tool that delivers excellent images. Protect your investment, get VR.

wcuster Loc: The Sea Ranch, CA

"For your fourth point you might have meant "upping the ISO".

To clarify I meant upping the shutter speed with the ISO set to a value that supports this higher shutter speed.

I have a Nikon D5 which has a wide range of useful ISO. When using my Sigma 150-600 Sports handheld I often (in manual mode) set my shutter speed at 1/8000. my aperture based upon composition & subject (but typically f/5.6 to f/11) and use auto ISO to set the correct ISO for these conditions.

This works well for handheld wildlife shots. VR isn't needed when shooting at 1/8000 !

Walt Custer

MtnMan Loc: ID

Not needed for pic clarity for sure. Still stabilizes image in viewfinder: like expensive image stabilization binos.

dave sproul Loc: Tucson AZ

Thank you all for the information

Bill_de Loc: US

I recently gave my tried and true Nikon 500mm AFs (the first version) to my niece. I replaced it with a longer lens which is too heavy for me to hand hold. So, as a walking around lens I picked up the Nikon 200 - 500. It feels cheap, and is, but I have been pretty impressed so far. The foxes I posted recently were shot with this lens, hand held. For me, VR makes a difference when hand holding.

http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-390785-1.html

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SteveR Loc: Michigan

When new lenses come out, old lenses lose their value in a hurry.

SteveR Loc: Michigan

Those were very sharp without even being able to download them.