[0.1 lb] I received a copy of this lens a few weeks ago, and, after using it on my Nikon D750 I found (like many others) that images with exposures in the 1/100-1/200 range were blurry when done with Nikon's VR system enabled. I exchanged that copy of the lens for another (thanks to B&H, this was an easy process). When the new copy arrived, I found that it did exactly the same ... So, why a 5-star rating? The reason is that Nikon came out with an update on the D750 firmware which fixed the issue for me, just a few days after I received the second copy of the lens. This problem is not really an issue with this particular lens, but seems to be caused or aggravated by their cameras, perhaps related to mirror shock or other issues. The good aspect is that this can apparently be effectively fixed with a firmware update. I have now used this lens extensively - it is a joy to use (the low eight and small size is simply amazing), and the images it generates are outstanding, both in terms of sharpness of in-focus objects, and in terms of bokeh. The VR is very effective, indeed.

[0.1 lb] I have used both the predecessor 300mm f4 non VR and the 300mm f2.8 VR with my D810 and D4s and for each they served their purpose. The 300 2.8 was a magnificent lens, tack sharp, and worked with all 3 converters but was heavy. I do a lot of waterfowl and wildlife photography which can involve crawling around on my belly and laying in muddy swampy areas for hours. For me the 300 2.8 vs. 300 f4 non VR was an easy choice...just suck it up and carry the larger lens. At least until the new PF VR came out. Sure it is more expensive than its predecessor but for me it allows much more mobility for my type of shooting. The lens works as well as the 300 2.8 with teleconverters with the TC20 being a bit slower on auto focus but acceptable. The image quality is stunning. For one stop loss of light I will gladly sacrifice 6 extra pounds of lens.As an added benefit with the smaller size it meets the 8 or smaller lens requirement at Minute Maid park here in Houston so I can take it the ballpark and stick a TC in my pocket.Overall I have been very impressed.

[0.1 lb] This is an amazing lens. I can carry it around all day with no problem . . . not bad for a 300mm lens. I have used it for everything from outdoor portraits to high speed action and the results are impressive. There isn't much this lens can't do. I have not had any focus issues/blurring at any shutter speed on my D700. Best of all I never need to use a tripod with it. Bottom line: this lens allows me to get quality images in situations that simply weren't possible before. In my opinion, it truly is a game-changer!

[0.1 lb] I've tried this lens a week ago indoor and outdoor. The lens is tack sharp and focuses fast. With the TC-14EIII there's no difference in focusing speed (Nikon D750). With the TC-17 there's a little slow down but not important, even for tracking birds in flight.With the TC-20EIII there's a marginal slowdown in focusing in good light, a bigger slowdown in a cloudy day.In any case, sharpness is not effected with the TC-14 and a TC-17. With the TC-20, there's a marginal degradation but it's useful anyway.The lens is surprisingly light weighted and a pleasure to use. When shooting into bright light (or sun directly) the lens drops substantially in contrast, and creates a rainbow of flare when the sun is in or very close to the frame.

[0.1 lb] So good

[0.1 lb] I was really hesitant about this lens at first after hearing of the issues with the VR on the D800 and D810 model cameras. However, after speaking with a Nikon rep about the specifics I learned that the issue was in the software of the lens and reacted only to these particular models. So, that meant that it wasn't an issue with the lens itself. I held off on buying it until a friend of mine who purchased the lens loaned it to me for a week. At that point I was sold! This lens operates flawlessly with my D750 and I couldn't be happier with it. It is a machine and worth the money at twice the price. I have used the Nikon 300mm F/2.8 and while it is an incredible piece of glass in my opinion it lacks the portability that the F/4 PF ED VR version offers. The new F/4 VR is much more compact and lightweight. The focus is incredibly fast and this lens is TACK SHARP! I have used for wildlife, portrait, sports and even some macro photography and couldn't be happier with the results across the board. If you are looking for a prime telephoto lens and want a huge bang-for-your-buck, this lens is the way to go.

[0.1 lb] Just received this lens from B&H last week and went about testing it extensively given the previously noted issues. Wow! First tested the VR on a Nikon D810 and found it to be working perfectly without the earlier described issues. Tested quite a bit at shutter speeds from 1/20 to 1/200 and it worked amazingly well. Ditto for other shutter speeds above 1/200. Very sharp hand held images down to 1/20 second! Next onto a tripod for focus testing and found it to be spot on and required no fine tuning. Then out into the world with distant objects, birds in flight, moving targets such as cyclists, etc, and it functioned superbly. Images were super sharp at all apertures throughout the frame with very little chromatic aberration and distortion. The quality of the bokeh was quite good even considering the fresnel elements. Finally, the unbelievable light weight of this lens made hand holding as easy as with a 24-70mm. No need for a tripod at all. Glad I wasn't an early purchaser given the VR issues but it seems those are resolved. Great addition to the line-up!

[0.1 lb] I am a full time pro with 30 years experience. I currently shoot with Nikon, but when digital came into the picture, shot with Canon for almost 5 years (2003-2007). My copy of this lens is outstanding. Three reasons why I am totally psyched with this lens. 1) Very lightweight 2) Sharp @f/4.0 and 3) Incredibly close focussing capability. While not a micro lens, when focussed at it's min distance (4'6), the field of view is approximately 3 x 5 inches. To me, this is incredibly useful. While others have reported VR issues at shutter speeds between 1/30 - 1/160, my copy displays zero image degradation at those or any speeds. Build quality appears to be great. At the date of this review, May 2, 2015, I've owned this lens for 5 days and have make hundreds of images and the lens has been a valuable tool. Should anything change, I'll update.

[0.1 lb] I have the new D500 and have had issues with my 80-400 VR ii lenses and wanted a prime long lens that I can carry and as I mainly handhold, I don't want something too big. The 300/4 VR does this in spades. I had rented it when it first came out and tho it was nice, I felt my 80-400 was quicker on AF on my d7100. The d500 is a game changer tho. The lens Is fast, light and pin sharp. As I do mainly wildlife esp birds in flight, fast AF is critical. I used it with both 1.4 and 1.7tcs with good results esp. with no uv filter. These things have a negative effect on long lenses in my opinion. I have several good ones from both Hoya and B+R. If. You are serious about fast action photography with longer lenses, try taking these things off!

[0.1 lb] Outstanding telephoto lens in the hands...and to magnificent shots for any subject, including portraits. No problems with VR, excellent!... Thank you Nikon.