Nikon 300 mm AF-S VR f/2.8G IF-ED Nikkor Lens

Comments about Nikon 300 mm AF-S VR f/2.8G IF-ED Nikkor Lens:

Definitely a remarkable lens, I used it for some time and mostly enjoyed it. BUT, you expect TOP performance from the top product, don't you? Unfortunately my sample was NOT very sharp wide open, which was very bad when using it with TC-14E and TC-17E (I even didn't bother putting a TC-20E).
VR is no match to Canon's IS. Handheld shooting is very unstable, you need to have at least 1/500 to get sharp pics.
Overall good lens but not as good as it should be.

Comments about Nikon 300 mm AF-S VR f/2.8G IF-ED Nikkor Lens:

The price tag on this lens is steep, but I needed something that would track birds in flight during uncertain lighting conditions hand held, and still provide sharp images. This lens is about the largest Nikon prime that doesn't require the support of a monopod or tripod. I use it with a Nikon TC17eII, and have found perhaps a very slight softening wide open at f/4.8, but no noticeable degradation if stopped down at all. Even wide open it produces amazingly sharp images w/ the TC! This combo produces a 510mm f/4.8 for much less investment than a 500mm f/4, and it can be hand held.