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I would so, so like to buy this lens...but I just can't justify the price as an amateur hobbyist. I'm thinking about the Sigma equivalent for about half the price...but if I get more serious one day I'd love to get this Nikon version.

I can understand where you're coming from. I took the plunge because I felt it was false economy to compromise on the glass.
 
I used it for 2000 shots or so, pretty good lens. Fell with it twice (2 different copies, 2 years apart) both were fine apart form some hairline scratches
 
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