From my personal experience, I was in a similar boat 10 years ago and got the f4 version. To make a long story short, I ended up trading up to the 2.8 as soon as I could afford to do so.
It is my experience that the difference between f4 and f2.8 in moderate to dim lighting can be very noticeable, and even substantial in some cases. Say at f6.3 you’re at ISO 12,800. F4 is 1.3 stop difference = ISO 5,000. F2.8 is another stop = ISO 2,500. Considering that IQ on many camera sensors deteriorates considerably past 3200, this could affect print size, cropping power, etc. The 2.8 lens would allow for a much better shot than either the f4 or 6.3. But in good light you’ll see far less of a difference...
I suppose final results will ultimately depend on the camera body you’re shooting with.
What you are saying is all true: 1 stop can make a big difference. That is why I am not interested in f/2.8 (llike 15-35). I was so much hoping for the rumored 14-28 f/2 to appear. But apparently it is not anywhere close on the horizon.
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