As an amateur photographer, with an 80-400mm zoom lens already in my bag, this lens was a purchase of the heart, not the head. Any regrets? None. This lens is superb. While it may be a similar weight and length to the 80-400mm zoom, it is thinner, making it a little less obtrusive.

Fantastic edge to edge Image Quality: -Compared to the previous VR I version, image softness on the edges has been greatly improved thanks to the professional optics that Nikon has implemented in this lens.

Easy to use; Build quality

Bulky

Fast and sharp lens

I purchased this lens to replace the original 80-200 mm f/2.8 ED AF lens. I am a sports photographer and find that using a monopod isn't always feasible, especially when shooting alpine ski racing. The VR II lens enables me to shoot without one.

Improves Picture Quality; Easy To Use; Sharpest Images

Excellent product quality, fully satisfies my needs.

Nothing comes close to the bokeh this lens provides, at ultra fast autofocus speeds!.

Good

An Excellent Lens. Might be one of Nikons best ever

Large f/stop Fast AF Very Sharp Built like a Battleship

Focus Bloom might be an issue for some

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

ePz expert Gary Wolstenholme tests Nikon's latest telezoom, the 70-200mm f/2.8 The latest Nikon 70-200mm f/2.8 costs ￡1999 but sports many useful features including Vibration Reduction, Nano Crystal coating and internal focusing.

Resolution; Low distortion and flare; Fast aperture; Handling throughout

Price; It's heavy