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

Longer reach, more focal length, more zoom, call it what you want, we've all wished we had more at one time or another. This lens brings you wonderful focal range up to 400mm (that's 600mm for a digital SLR!) in a hand-holdable weight and size.

This lens will work (all functions supported) with all Nikon AF film bodies and all of their digital SLRs except the D40. A complete package comes with the front and rear caps, a tripod foot, a lens hood, a carrying case, and a manual.

At about $1250 (as of Jan 2007) used in good condition to over $1400 brand new, this is not a cheap lens. But considering the very useful range of 80-400mm and VR, it's not a bad value proposition. It's actually the least expensive way to get to 400mm using a Nikon lens. The image quality I get from this lens is very good but not as sharp as the pro lenses out there. I do wish it had AF-S (faster focusing) and was a bit faster (wider aperture) but that's the compromise of putting such a wide focal range in a lens that you should be able to walk around with all day without feeling like you've gone to the gym.

Overall, I would recommend this lens. Just be sure you are aware of its strengths and limitations before you plunk down your cash. Peace!