Nikon AF-S Nikkor 70-200mm f/2.8G ED-IF VR Lens

The quality of this lens has to be seen to be believed. It is probably the best Quality lens that can be bought and an enlargement of just a small portion of a picture gives very good results.
The old adage that you only get what you pay for certainly applies in this case.
the only downside is that it is very heavy especially when mounted on a D3 But then this goes with all profesional gear

I have recently upgraded from a Nikon 80-200mm 2.8 to this beast of a lens. I thought the old one was heavy but this is heavier still. When you hold it on its own you think how am i ever going to hold this on camera but once attached it is beautifully balanced. It is a long lens so consider what bags you have to carry it in - it comes with its own case but this wont hold a camera body its just for the lens. I use the lens with a D700 and MB-D10 and with the hood off it goes in my Lowepro Toploader 75AW....just.
The lens comes with a removable tripod collar and removable quick release tripod foot and Petal hood. Its all metal and feels as though it would survive a nuclear blast. The filter ring is 77mm so again fits in with most of Nikon's pro lens range.
The VR is good gives you a 3 stop range which is helpful. SWM focussing is quick and quiet.
The best thing about this lens is the sharpness, contrast and the speed of the autofocus - especially on D3 and D700 its almost predictive. At 2.8 its sharp with no signs of fringeing and stopped right down the story is the same. most lens have a sweet spot of f8-11, this one is more like f2.8-f16 - yes its expensive but it is worth it - you do have to consider that with all the VR technology if it breaks out of warranty you could be looking at a costly repair. All in all buy one if you can afford it you will never need change it, especially as it works with Nikon TC E II teleconverters.

Dealt with awkward situation well, excellent ebayer will do business again in the future.!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Folks. If your looking inton this lens, you cannot go wrong. Have a look at the full review at www.dpreview.com. On an APS-C Camera (eg D300) its the best. However on a full frame body (eg D3, D700, D3X etc) there are issues to be aware of (vingetting etc) But overall, a prestine, super sharp and fast lens. Its a Gem and being an owner of a Nikon D300 I am very pleased to now be an owner of this lens.

Pros: sharp, fast focus, fast aperture, marvellous construction quality; makes wonderful images
Cons: a bit on the heavy side

Overall: If you need a mid-range zoom for Nikon, there isn't much better to be had! Plus, it's so solid that it feels like if you get mugged whilst taking photos you can just beat the thief over the head with it. :p
If you can afford it, get it. That's all. :)

You'd not regret buying this lens. Its well build, has the fastest focusing of any AF-S lens I've used and the image quality is second to none. The rotating tripod collar is neatly part of the lens body and only the foot removes when not in use. Great hand held with the VR - this really works - and just as good on a monopod or tripod.