Hey Justin
I shoot the Nikon D-80 and I have the f/2.8 70-200 VR Nikon lens. It was alot of money but money very well spent. Pics come outsharp as a razor and the auto focus on to it is real fast.

I just got the camera in January of this year and like you, are still pretty much a newbee. I just recently started taking deer pics atdusk with it and am amazed at what slow shutter speeds I can get with the vr on. Deer need to be standingstill or you'll get motion blur. But from what I can see with my lens -as soon as the sun hits the horizon -I'm already shooting at f/3.5. Not very long and I'm shooting wide open at 2.8

If theres anyway you can afford it I would recommend a 2.8 lens - I just don't think you'll be happywith a f/3.5 -if you'll be shooting a lot of low light pics. JMO

Hope this helps.