New 600 VR II vs Old 600 AF-S import worth the upgrade?

[Jim Poor]

Back when I got big lens fever the first time, all I could afford was the import model which has served me super fine for four years now.

Looking at the new 600 VR II I'm thinking like a gadget guy again and want want want one.

Of course my finance minister would ask, "sure, but do you need need need it?"

Anyway,

Is the chunk of change worth the upgrade? The choice is a second D3 and some extras or this lens.

On a related note, what do you think the odds are of recovering a decent amount from my old import lens in great shape?

This is one where I might be better off selling it to someone OCONUS yes?

Thanks
Jim

[George DeCamp]

I can say the 600vr is a fantastic lens but worth the upgrade from the older 600, I really don't know. It has a closer minimum focus distance if that is important to you and of course the VR is a big help as well. I got the D3 and needed more reach so I had ordered the 600vr and will be selling my 500 after it gets back from cleaning and servicing at Nikon. I can say the image quality looks about the same I guess.....I really just wanted the extra reach and VR.

[Alfred Forns]

JIm the VR is a big deal on long glass !!!! If possible would recommend the upgrade !!!