This lens is as sharp as the most recent VR II version Nikon 300mm f/2.8 lens, but the great advantage of this AF-S II D version is it is 3/4's of a pound LIGHTER than the VR II 300 2.8 Nikon lens.
To learn more about versions of the Nikon 300 2.8 lenses, check out the second chart on this page:
You'll note that the VR II weighs 2.9kg, but the AF-S II D is only 2.56kg. And don't be tempted by the earlier first version 1 AF-S D lens: it is a fair amount heavier at 3.1kg. You'll sometimes see the first version of the AF-S D lens for sale less expensively, but the weight of the thing makes it unpleasant to try to hand hold.
For a time, I owned both this lens (AF-S II D), AND the newest Nikon 300mm f/2.8 VR II lens, and I shot them side by side, and the AF-S II D focused just as quickly, and was just as sharp, but was much more pleasant to use when hand-holding it, because it is a full three quarters of a pound lighter - and if you are using this lens for sports or any other action where your shutter speed is above 1/500th of a second - the VR of the newer lens is essentially useless to you.
Included with this lens the rear lens cap, the ballistic nylon front lens protection cover with draw-string, the Semi-soft ballistic nylen lens carrying Case (CL-L1) with built-in Nikon lens carrying strap, slip-in filter holder, 52mm Screw-on Neutral Color NC Filter, and I'll inlcude an improved front lens hood with this sale: the genuine Nikon HK-30.
I'll include this better lens hood (the same one used by the newest Nikon 300mm f/2.8 VR lenses, the HK-30 lens hood) - because the lens hood that came with this lens had a shortcoming that is common with almost all lens hoods of this type from that era: in that these older lens hoods failed at the point where you have that little screw-in knob that attaches the lens hood securely to the front of the lens (to tighten the hood to the lens so it doesn't flop around). It is very common for the threads on that knob attachment to wear out with use - and despite my investing considerable time in searching for replacement parts, and getting that hood repaired, it failed again - so I invested $508 in buying a new lens hood, which I'll include in this sale (and I've got another copy of this great hood for sale in another Kijiji ad) The lens hood is close to new.
This lens focuses quietly and quickly and accurately, and the glass is perfect with no scratches or haze or fungus. The body of the lens is in decent shape, with signficant bronzing on the lens strap attachment buckles.
I'll also include with this sale a rubber Aquatech slip on front lens cover to protect your lens. It's in the last photo. This cost me $45.
Another shortcoming of this Nikon lens is the foot was not removable, and it only had a single bolt hole to attach your tripod or monopod - and the result of just a single bolt hole is the lens would always come loose from your tripod - so I permanently attached an Arca Swiss compatible lens plate to the bottom of the lens foot so you can more easily and quickly and securely put this lens on a tripod. See photos 2, 3, 4 and 5.
