I have had and worked with the orginal lens for a few years and thought it was great. but,Well done Nikon, still the best in class :o)

In summary, if there was ever a single "must-have" lens for ME (and I think many Nikon-using nature photographers), this lens would likely be it. Here's the slightly longer "Executive Summary" that I posted today on my website: 5 December 2009 UPDATE: I have updated my "Executive Summary"...

Overall image quality; bokeh; autofocus speed; improved performance on FX bodies

Minor (and controllable) sharpness fall-off in corners/edges at 200 mm

Love this lens with great features. Lens is undoubtedly great but carrying case is superb I LOVE it's case much.

The Nikon AF-S Nikkor 70-200mm f/2.8G ED VR II is the company's professional telephoto lens for full-frame users who don't mind paying the substantial price premium for Nikon's fastest zoom.

I upgraded to this lens (from a Sigma 50-150 2.8 DX which I also liked) and there really is no comparison. It's well documented that the Nikon 70-200 2.8 VR II is an outstanding lens.

The Nikkor 70-200mm f2.8 VR II is a seriously expensive lens. The cost is down to its professional build quality and its constant f2.8 maximum aperture, which, in a lens with this focal range, is quite an achievement.

I can't rate it as excellent due to the focal breathing. Nor can I rate it average. So 4 stars is a compromise. Sorry, Nikon.

Stunning IQ; beautifully built

Awful focus breathing that will matter a good deal to some shooters

The 70-200mm f/2.8G ED-IF AF-S VR II Nikkor is a quality lens featuring Nikon's Vibration Reduction II image stabilisation with normal and active modes. A Silent Wave Motor delivers fast and quiet autofocus, and minimum focus distance is 140cm.

Crutchfield has collected 3 user reviews for this product with an average rating of 5.0 out of 5 stars. The most recent reviewer said, "I have been shooting a Nikon 80-200 2.8 af-d (push/pull) since I purchased it new in 1992.

The VR II is simply amazing. You can save 4 stops of shutter speed hand holding. It make a huge difference. The 2.8 max aperture is great also for low light and indoor sports. This is the best lens you can get.

Easy To Use; Improves Picture Quality; VR II

Heavy