Nikon 70-300mm AF-S VR

[greypoint]

Nikon 70-300mm f4.5/5.6 AF-S ED VR

Likes

Size and weight
Handling
Optical quality

Dislikes

Nothing really - except the big price rise since I bought mine!


...............................................

This is the best 70-300mm lens I've used [OK the latest 70-300 IS Canon is very similar!].

Forget the old Nikon non VR 70-300mm G lens - this is'nt just an update with Vr it's a completely different lens. For a comparison check the user reviews on photozone.de.- the old G lens has an overall rating of 1.09 Very Poor - the 70-300mm VR rates 3.97 good-very good [for another comparison the 70-200mm VR scores 4.35 very good - and that lens has an excellent reputation!] It scores well both wide open and stopped down, with little distortion and vignetting and fast AF - have to agree with all that after using one for eight months.
Also scores well in the user review section of fredmiranda.com - and they're often quite picky on there!

I use mine regularly for photographing birds and the focussing speed is pretty good for this type of zoom -a little hunting on small birds, smooth and quiet. The physical shape and internal focussing make it very easy to handhold and it's light enough to use as a walkaround lens for days out.





more samples
http://www.flickr.com/photos/greypoint/sets/72157611526629915/

[nickt]

I have to agree with you. I use mine at my son's rugby games and for taking candid portraits.

[Oldboy]

Strange, as I used the old 70-300mm and thought it was a better lens than claimed in the reviews. 

[Chris P]

Yup.  This lens is a corker!

[greypoint]

http://www.kramery.com/en/DUarticles/detail.asp?iArt=580

A really thorough and detailed review can be found here