Nikon 70-200VR zoom questions

[Grandpaw]

Would the Nikon 70-200 2.8 VR lens be a good choice for sports photography? Is there another brand that is less expensive that will work and be close to or as sharp as this lens? I really want the Nikon but just doesn't seem to be in the budget for some time so I am looking for other options. Any suggestions would be helpful, Jeff

[Harold Davis]

the short answer is yes. that's the very lens that i want right now myself! sigma makes a 2.8, but i understand that it's not nearly as sharp as the nikkor. they did bring a new version of that lens to market recently with OS/VR. i havent seen any reviews yet, but i understand it's quite a bit more expensive than the last one.

sorry for not really anwering your question, but i might try to pick up an older nikon version since the new version is out and hopefully photogs will be trading up..

[armando_m]

I have no experience with a fast long zoom, but, have you though about renting whatever version you are considering ?

I also lust over the nikon 70-200, but I don't know maybe next year

[Chris350]

I've shot one, and it's hands down worth every dime. The VR I versions will be a good deal used as the VR II was just released. I rent mine form lensprotogo out of Maine. Great pricing, paid shipping full insurance. Have a look here: http://www.lensprotogo.com/index.php...on_Lens_Lookup

If you can find one the old 80-200 Nikkor is every bit as good a lens optically, but no VR. They also go for slightly more than 1/2 the price of the 70-200 VR I