VR on a long telephoto like this is handy and since both these lens aren't exactly fast; VR is even more important if you are going to hand hold this camera. You need to take that into account with the price difference between the lens. I don't know what prices he was quoting you for each lens but it's best to stretch yourself when getting a lens instead of getting something that "will do". You will just end up buying a better lens down the road and that money is now wasted.
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