Originally Posted by SilentKnight

I wish I could be of more help, but I don't have a Canon vs. Nikon comparative basis. Lately I've been shootin' with a 55-200mm VR Nikkor that I really like.

The camera store I deal with has a 30-day 'try it out' policy on new lenses and they'll allow no-question returns provided the lens is undamaged. Maybe you have a similiar policy store available?