Col, in relation to the VR , what you have said is indeed Mongo’s experience of it. To try to cover all fast contingencies, Mongo mainly now leaves the lens in VR “sport” mode. This covers the bulk of situations. Since initially posting this thread, Mongo has found others’ comments and experiences on the net that pretty much confirm Mongo’s findings about the characteristics of the VR on this lens. It would be nice to see what your findings are after you have had an opportunity to fully try out this lens’ VR modes. Please keep us in the loop.
Frank, it is hard to image someone who is used to the 24 - 85 focal length range jumping to the extremes of this lens; particularly on a DX body. Even if it sounds a very good lens, can Mongo suggest that you see if you can find an opportunity to try the lens out first BEFORE you buy it. This is not always possible but if it is, you should take that opportunity. If that is not possible, any long lens you can get access to (e.g 300mm) would probably be sufficient to give you an idea of whether or not you would use the longer focal lengths. Mongo mentions this as it may save you an unnecessary purchase and sale.
Pedro, Mongo completely understands where you are coming from. Two things: first, from your avatar you look to be a reasonably fit person of modest years. There would be little to no problem for you to carry the bigger better equipment in most situations. This is why Mongo encourages you to use the equipment you get most enjoyment from while you can physically do that happily. As you already have excellent equipment, It would be counter productive to suggest that you abandon that for this alternative equipment at this time. On the contrary, enjoy it as long as you can ! Mongo, on the other hand, has a more well used odometer and has some real physical considerations/limitations. Mongo’s comments are primarily directed to those who do not have a long lens and are looking for a reasonable one AND for those who could buy the bigger better equipment but could not manage to carry/transport it easily.
Secondly, in relation the bad taste in the mouth that a bad lens can leave, Mongo also understands that and has told you of his very negative and off putting experience he had with his new 200-400mm f4 (which is was sold and not at all missed). However, Mongo puts that down to a bad lens issue and remains open to the possibility that other zoom lenses may be perfectly fine. Mongo was willing to try the 200-500mm mainly because of the reasonable quality images being produced by Tamron and Sigma in that approximate focal length range. This encouraged Mongo to see if the new Nikon equivalent could do better and worth trying. It was definitely worth the try and the results worth considering by those who are looking for a lighter, cheaper reasonably performing long zoom lens.
