Originally Posted by
BerserkerCatSplat
Is it that insane, though? The 300/2.8VRII was launched in 2009 for ~$6000USD - that's ~$7200 with inflation over the ensuing decade. An additional $2300 (~30%) to turn that pro prime into a pro zoom doesn't seem like a terrible ask, especially if it removes the need for some pros to carry a 70-200 and a second body, plus it covers the 200mm-300mm gap that was not previously available in a f/2.8 flagship pro lens.
I'm sure the Sigma is a decent lens but first-party pro teles aren't usually competitively priced.