Originally Posted by
Wayne
The question is whether you are comparing the 70-200/VR with the AF-S or AF-D version of the 80-200.
The AF-S version of the 80-200 is reportedly a great lens, and the extra 10mm at the wide end shouldn't be a huge issue, but lack of VR in low light may be. The same great optics are in the AF-D version I believe, and with the VR already noted, the only real world differences in this version will be the inability to just grab the focus ring for manual focus, you would have to switch the lens over to manual focus to do that, which can be a pain in the arse, if you go back/forth, and you will require a body that has a screw motor in it, otherwise there will be no AF at all.
Bodies like the D5100/3100/D40 et al have no built in screw (focus) motor, but bodies like D600/D700/800/D300/s/D3/s/x all have a screw motor so you will be fine.