Nikon 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6G ED-IF AF-S VR Zoom Nikkor Lens for Nikon Digital SLR Cameras

So I was deciding between the 18-200mm and the 70-300mm lenses. I have a d40 which came with a great 18-55mm kit lens, so after much deliberation, I came to the conclusion to go with the 70-300mm. I reasoned that the gap from 50-70mm isn't a big deal for me (I have 2 perfectly functional feet, after all). The 70-300mm was also considerably cheaper.

After 1 month of the lens, all I can say is that I am extremely happy with my decision. I have taken it to the Outer Banks, the zoo, and the park, and I am happy with the extra "reach" I get with the 300mm. The VR works great, especially at the long end, allowing me to shoot at lower ISO settings and Bigger appertures than I would otherwise be able to use.

If you have any question whether this lens is worth it, the answer is yes...just get it and be prepared to be amazed.

Before purchasing this lens, I had the Nikon 55 - 200mm zoom lens for my Nikon D50. It is a high quality and versatile lens, but there were times where I would have liked to have had greater magnification. When I looked at the 70- 300mm zoom, I thought, this is it... I've had the 70 -300 mm lens for two weeks and it is a great lens. It has taken me awhile to get used to its quirks. It isn't completely automatic like the 55 - 200 mm zoom. There is a manual focus ring that even in M/A mode needs to be set, so you need to compose a shot very carefully if the image isn't at infinity, but once mastered, the image quality is superb.

Amazing product, even more amazing shipping time. Ordered Tuesday night at 11pm, received on Wednesday afternoon around 1pm. Wow, wow, wow. I love this lens!

This is a nice lens at a reasonable price. Nikkor adds the VR which makes this lens worth is weight.

This lens is probably one of the the best bargains on the market today. It feels a little plasticky but very well built and above all it is razor sharp in the whole range of 70-300mm. I have the expensive pro lenses to compare it with and this lens is no slouch, it holds up against the best pro lenses especially when it stopped down to f/8-11.
Above all the best part is the fact that this lens is light weight and compact so it is always with me when I go for a short hike or walk and the heavy pro lenses stay in the bag. Highly recommend it to anybody.

Nikon 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6G ED-IF AF-S VR Zoom Nikkor Lens for Nikon Digital SLR Cameras