I have the 2 ring Nikon 80-200 F2.8 and it is brilliant...focuses like a rocket on both my cameras...tracks action like a laser on AF-C and is wicked sharp with nice bokeh wide open. Heck it is a pro lens and it is total pro.....
I would not however dump a Nikon FX 70-300 VR for the push pull version....In fact I kept my Nikon 70-300 VR for extra reach in bright light....especially on the D700 it is a cracker too!
Hold out for the Nikon 80-200 F2.8 AF 2 ring is my comment. I got mine from the LCS mint, actually probably unused with the fancy case for $500 with a full 90 day. Love it.
Beware tho, it is a very heavy beast....but handles nicely especially with the MB-D10 attached. I shoot mostly action with it at fast shutter speeds so the VR would likely not do anything for me.....
(at about 80 wide open it is an amazing portrait lens on FX too)