I purchased this lens for my adult son as a gift. We both own a totall of 13 Nikon film & digital cameras, so we are very familiar with the product line. I own an 18-200mm VR digital zoom and am very pleased with it.  Since my son is a pilot, and travels a lot, I felt he would use this lens quite a bit. He has, and so far he's thrilled with it's performance.  Just this week he emailed me images he took in Hawaii and Australia....they were spectacular. So, in conclusion, this lens met and exceeded my expectations, and my son's.  We will certainly purchase more Nikon equipment.