John Nesser: VR or no VR, That is the Question

Hi Dan,
I just discovered your website recently and have learned a lot from it already. Glad to hear I am not the only one using Nikon’s flex exposure program. I am going to Sabi Sands Reserve in South Africa in August and need some advice on lenses. I have a Nikon 80-200 f2.8 AF and a 70-300 f4.5-5.6 VR. I am struggling with selling them both to get a new 70-200 f4 VR. Would the VR be more useful than the faster f2.8 on the older lens? Most of the shooting is either handheld or with a monopod. Any advice would be welcome. Thanks!
John Nesser

Nikon’s newest version of the Nikkor 80-400mm VRll zoom lens. My ultimate go to lens for fast moving action.

John, if it were me I would not buy the Nikon 70 to 200mm F2 .8 lens. Instead I would purchase the 80 to 400mm version ll VR zoom lens. It is incredibly sharp, easy to hand hold, has a much broader range and is about the same price. Hope that helps. Let me know if you have any further questions.