Nikon 300mm f/2.8G ED-IF VR AF-S

The one with the VR that really makes a difference. I had the Sigma 300 2.8 but traded up when the VR Nikkor came out, this is what it was designed for. This is a great telphoto lens which deserves it's reputation. Its very fast to focus and surprisingly compact. It is not light but handles well enough to hand hold if absolutely necessary which is where the VR comes into it's own.

Its very well made and takes pin sharp images at all apertures and works well wide open.

The wrap around cover protects it well and the case is well made if a little fiddly. I prefer it to the hard cases like with the 600 but more traditional users may not. The hood looks like carbon fibre and doesn't really suit but that's just cosmetic. I would like to see a regular lens cap though to reduce bulk and make it quicker to use from cold.

It's got a focus memory but I haven't been able to work it out yet, I think this is more for the press men who want to be able to snap around but come back to a fixed point quickly.

I've tried it with my digital and film bodies, and all 3 tele convertors and it does what I want of it. Its great for sports, action and even outdoor portraits if you need some distance from the subject. If it's in budget then there is nothing to compete with it if you need what it offers. But if you can manage with F4 save the money have a photographic short break and have a lens thats much easier to carry

Image quality, build quality speed, VR, size.

Lack of a conventional lens cap, price

Sigma 300 2.8 APO