Reply to Jake's post.
I don't think I ever said that the only difference is a stop or 2
And I don't think I ever said you did.
IQ is always a factor, but I would say that there are some photographers who could use all 3 lenses (70-300mm, 70-200mm f/4 & 70-200mm f/2.8) to take the same photo and not notice a difference between them.
If you do own both of these and think the only difference is one F stop then you really did waste a lot of money on the Nikon 70-200VR F2.8 lens. Aren't we saying the same thing.
whether by comparison to others with the same equipment, or going out and trying the other lens and seeing of there's a difference.
I might add that everyone does not need the F2.8 and other lenses will do just fine but there IS A DIFFERENCE other than one F stop.
The better lens
will not automatically give you better pictures.
I totally agree with this statement. So many people think that if the get a camera or lens that is twice as expensive that their pictures will be twice as good and that is just not the case.
Jake, it looks to me like we are in agreement on everything to me!!!!