The sigma is a nice lens as well, but some people report that certain sigma lenses have a slightly yellowish color rendition. If you don't want the nikon VR, try looking for a used Nikon AF-S 80-200mm f/2.8D ED-IF, which was produced for a relatively short time but is basically optically as good as the 70-200 VR in most cases, is AF-S so it has lightning fast precise AF, is actually a smidgen lighter than the 70-200, has a removeable replaceable tripod collar (Kirk photo makes an even better replacement collar with the arca-swiss quick release), full time manual focusing, and is compatible with AF-S Teleconverters.

I had one and loved it. I upgraded to the 70-200 primarily because I wanted VR and liked the feel of the new lens.