Well, if you have tried the 70-300mm VR and 80-200mm, you might get your answer immediately. Although there is no VR for 80-200mm, but somehow when you hold it and look through the viewfinder, it's pretty steady;
Go and try in Nikon BTS, use the 70-300mm VR, off the VR, and look through the viewfinder and try to get a steady shot; then do the same with 80-200mm and you most probably will feel the difference.

Next, it's the aperture advantage, with f/2.8, which can compensate for the 70-300 VR's aperture.

Finally, look at the image quality and sharpness, it's different... as another plus, if you're shooting portraits, nothings beats the wide aperture which you can't get from the 70-300mm VR. The ability to separate the subject and the background, blowing the background away smooth and nice.

The best answer for you is to try it yourself.


You bought new?

If you're using with Flash, you can lower down the shutter more as the flash will help to freeze the subject and reduce blurred picture. I've seen sharp portrait image shot at 200mm f/2.8 without IS, shot handheld at 1/30 secs with Flash.

Used? Arrived Thursday? So, it's delivery? Is it the one posted by one of the forumer here?

Can also check out Vanguard bags:
Sling: Vanguard Uprise 28 (around RM300++ bargain at Low Yat) or Uprise 33/38(bigger size)
Sample:
http://forum.lowyat.net/topic/1771590

Sling Backpack: Vanguard Uprise 43 (around RM300 bargain at Low Yat)
Sample:
http://forum.lowyat.net/topic/1523074

This post has been edited by Andy214: Mar 8 2011, 01:17 AM

Then you cannot share lens with your bro
But in return, both of you get to experience/use both system.

Hehe, not me, probably celciuz or edward or someone else.

What I mentioned was it's worth to get for people on low budget and want to get a prime lens. Some people even still keep the 1.8D, or get the 1.8D for 50mm prime while invest on other lens.