I have the non-VR version and never considered upgrading to the VR model. It is a very sharp lens which I use (along with a flash) mostly for people photography. Most of this shooting was done indoors and as someone else mentioned, I would drag the shutter so there was a hint of detail in the background so it did not look like the people were pasted on a black background. Recently though I've been doing those kind of shots with the z24-70 f4. If Nikon comes out with just the right body in the z-line (a z8 perhaps), I may go all-in with the z cameras and sell off most of my F lenses. This along with the two other "Holy Trinity" lenses would be the last to go. It is a very good lens and I can absolutely recommend it even without VR.

DoyleY!

When film cameras were in vogue before the late 80s and early 90s, a photographer with the "Sunny 16 Rule" would be required to use a sufficiently fast shutter speed. With ISO 125 film, you had to use a lens opening of f16 with a shutter speed of the inverse of the film speed, 1/125 second for a brightly lit sunny scene with distinct shadows. Another rule of thumb: half the time, shooters will get a relatively sharp image using 1/60 second so using 1/125 seconds allows some leeway in obtaining a sharp image. But a monopod or tripod or some other support is best especially if shooting under less-than-ideal lighting.

The Steadicam was first invented in 1975 and many memorable films were made using the equipment.
See: https://www.masterclass.com/articles/what-exactly-is-a-steadicam-understanding-the-groundbreaking-camera-stabilizer-that-changed-hollywood#3vOUKkv7qaACE7csTAe4nO

Nikon produced their first lens with VR (Vibration Reduction) in 1994 while Canon did so in 1995. Sony, based on Konica Minolta's Anti-Shake originally, introduced a camera 2-axis full-frame stabilizer in 2008 and a 5-axis stabilizer for the full-frame 2014). Now just about all mirrorless cameras have this technology.

By watching your technique and also shooting extra frames, you can use a plethora of lenses without stabilization and not relegate your lens to the circular file! Photographers have been shooting for centuries without image stabilization but now it is just another tool.

Be well! Happy New Year. Ed

I have a pre-VR 24-70 and a VR 24-70. The pre-VR lens is in a box in the basement and the VR lens gets used regularly. The only disadvantage of the VR version is that the lens takes a larger filter. I used to be able to use the 77mm filters for everything.

I think I got the VR version in 2016. Prior to that I used the pre-VR version extensively. I don't think the VR is essential until you get above 50mm focal length. In fact, the VR is usually off on my current VR version unless I'm forced to use a slow shutter.

PS: When I got the VR version of the 24-70 I also got the new version of the 70-200. The VR in the new version is Significantly better than the old version, probably by a factor of 2-3. VR is much more useful on longer focal lengths where camera motion produces more effects. Prior to getting the new version, VR on the old 70-200 was marginally effective.

PPS: Both lenses are f/2.8, but I rarely use them wide open. I prefer to err on the side of large DOF. It's easy to reduce DOF in post, but not easy to make it larger.

I am selling off my Nikon F mount lenses. The two up for sale today are:

1 Nikon AF-S Nikkor 28-70mm f/2.8 D ED. It is in very good condition with clean glass and working properly. This lens is built like a tank. It includes the HB-19 hood and the CL-74 case. Sale price is $350 including shipping, insurance, and PayPal fee. For what it's worth, Ken Rockwell says "The Nikon 28-70mm f/2.8 AF-S D is a spectacular lens. It's just as sharp as the newest 24-70mm f/2.8 AF-S, and this 28-70 costs much less used today."

2 Nikon AF Nikkor 80-200mm f/2.8 D ED. It is in very good condition with clean glass and working properly. This lens is also built like a tank. It includes built-in tripod mount, HB-7 lens hood, and CL-43A case. Sale price is $150 including shipping, insurance, and PayPal fee. I used this lens with my Df at Corkscrew Preserve and got fantastic wildlife pictures.

Both of these lenses are fun to shoot with and won't disappoint.

Continuing to sell off older Nikon gear.

Nikon D-850
Condition: Excellent
Shutter Count 10,907
Has clean protective cover over LCD screens
Includes shoulder strap (Peak Design and original Nikon Logo strap)
Includes one battery (EN-EL15b)
No Battery Charger.
Includes F-Mount Cap

Nikon AF-S 17-35mm ƒ/2.8 ED Lens
Clean Glass (see image with open aperture)
Very Little wear.
Includes Front and Real caps.

KEH has none in stock to compare. Adorama price is $1779 for the body and $529 for the lens. These are of lesser quality due to wear (ads described on their website).

I'm asking $1700 for the body and $500 for the lens. Buyer to pay shipping. Note that since this will have a battery it will have to come by ground.

If both are purchased I will sell the package for $2100.00 and add only $20 for ground shipping ( UPS, FedEx, or USPS - purchasers choice).