Nikon AF Nikkor 80-400mm f/4.5-5.6D ED VR Lens

Sure, it is not a super fast lens like the AFS 300m f/4 but at you will not find a better Nikkor at this price bracket that gives you 400mm and VR to go. Images are sharp from 80mm all the way to 400mm and this lens excels when there is really good light (in bright days). Easy to carry for a 400mm and very suitable for my type (and possibly yours) of shooting where I move around a lot and birds are my target. I consider this a "light-strike" lens that presents extremely good value for 400mm, VR and of course, it's a Nikkor.