Valve lift mechanism for an engine includes a two step variable valve lifter having roller followers for engaging multiple cams on an associated camshaft of the engine and an anti-rotation guide mounted in the engine externally of a cylindrical bore receiving the lifter. The guide engages an axial guide recess in the lifter body without requiring a corresponding recess in the bore. The lifter also has a saddle in a central low lift cam follower engagable by lock pins in an annular body of an associated high lift cam follower to lock the followers together for high valve lift operation. The saddle is disposed axially between a follower roller and a high pressure chamber of a hydraulic lash adjuster of the low lift cam follower so that lock pin loads are transmitted as compressive forces through the low lift follower. The high lift follower rollers are received in pockets having sides that are crowned by shallow convex curvatures defining axially extending ridges which limit axial motion of the rollers so that the rubbing surface and associated friction are limited. Various additional specific features are disclosed. Application of the features to other valve lifters and cam followers is anticipated.