This lens is part of the Nikkor pro line of lenses, and has a price to match. As you would expect, the build quality is excellent, and the optics match that description. Although weighing in at around 6 pounds, the lens balances well on a monopod, and the bright viewfinder image, courtesy of the f/2.8 aperture, enables fast focusing in low light. When shot wide open, the image is stunningly crisp across the frame, and has to be experienced to be believed. The VR (Vibration Reduction) works well, and allows the user to shoot with shutter speeds up to three stops slower than usual and still get sharp images. The lens barrel is a magnesium-alloy construction to keep the weight down, and the lens comes with a dedicated woven carbon fibre hood.
The lens also works superbly with the Nikkor TC-14E II teleconverter, giving a focal length of 420mm (f/4).
As stated, this lens is not a cheap, but the initial outlay brings quality of a professional standard, with smooth, out-of-focus backgrounds that isolates the subject as only fast telephotos can. An excellent investment.
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