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how much difference is there between the 70-200f/2.8 VR & 80-200f/2.8
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The VR lens has AF-S, which means it focuses faster, silently, and you can override the autofocus at any time by simply turning the focusing ring. If you have a D1/H/X or a F5 the speed advantage of the VR lens is pretty much moot, but on any other camera the 80-200 is slower.
The VR lens is sharper wide open and renders blurry backgrounds in a more pleasing fashion. The background advantage really isn't that big, especially if you're shooting sports.
Both are really well-built, but the VR lens has a rubber gasket around the mount and the filter ring; less chance for dust/moisture to enter the camera/lens combination while the lens is mounted. Construction shouldn't be a big factor in your decision, though when I hold one lens in each hand the VR lens inspires more confidence.
There is an 80-200 AF-S available on the used market that is sharper wide open than the current AF version still available new, and it also focuses as fast as the 70-200 VR.
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Is the VR really needed? I want it for a portrait/indoor sports lens
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For sports, no. You'll see minimal gains, especially since you'll be shooting at 1/500 of a second or faster. The minimal improvement in AF accuracy from VR stabilizing the edges of the image as it reaches the viewfinder makes pretty much no difference in sports.