Nikon AF FX NIKKOR 80-200mm f/2.8D ED Zoom Lens with Auto Focus for Nikon DSLR Cameras - Professional Telephoto Lens for Sports, Wildlife & Portrait Photography

So much has been written about the 80-200mm f/2.8D ED AF Zoom Nikkor Lens and Nikon pro zoom history by those who really know it, I won't add to that, but I can speak to what this lens brings to a former (and still current) DX shooter with VR telephotos, and to my expanding pro FX kit.The Nikon is a welcome add to my working D800 FX kit, which is mostly primes: 20mm F2.8 AF; 24mm F1.4; 50mm f1.8; 135mm f2.0 DC; and the underrated Tamron 180mm f3.5 Macro. This pro zoom will take the spot (size and weight, that is) formerly occupied by the pro 24-70mm f2.8 Midrange zoom which, because of my primes, I found I did not use on the job as often.I have posted pictures (ML1 to ML6) to indicate a few of the benefits I appreciate the most from this lens.So let me just answer the 5 questions I had before I bought the lens:1. Is it too heavy, clunky, or unwieldy? No. It is purpose-built, worry-free strong, and the mass gives stability to handheld shots. It's big yes, but so is DeMarcos Ware, and he gets around! It is easy to hold, and handles very well, perfectly matching the heft of the D800. (Get a good comfortable strap-sling!) I thought the perma-tripod mount would be an issue. It's not, just rotate it out of the way for handheld, or even hold it with a flat plate installed for quick off-and-on tripod use as needed. The zoom ring is perfect, the manual focus is precise. I am used to the M-A ring shared by the 135mm F2.0 from the same era. I find when I need Manual focus it is not because I want to override Auto, it's because I need it in a dedicated mode (like rack focusing for video). Plus there's always Live View focus from the camera, so I'm fine with the ring.2. Is AF Fast enough? It isn't silent, or lightning quick like AF-S, but judging from the puppy pics I posted, the lens follows and catches the action and is very fast. Set your camera up to prioritize focus vs shutter release, and in 3D mode w/ D800, it can follow well. Be mindful that the torque from the lens racking all the way in will be felt when it locks on. It's plenty fast for my needs. Hunting is minimal, low light performance is very good w D800.3. Does it need VR? I haven't felt the lack of it, actually. Images are sharp. Pans and handheld shots are sharp even in low light and slower shutter. I have two DX Tele's with VR - granted, not built to the same standard, but let's concede that because you aren't waiting for VR to set itself, this one is often faster and more precise.4. Is it sharp enough for the D800? Yes. I am using it routinely on the job, for product, event, and portrait work, day and night. There is plenty of quality glass for the D800 to utilize its capabilities. The range is versatile, I have included a few pics at 100mm +/- and out to 200, and either way the F2.8 delivers sharp images and defines the subject, and renders the rest in a very pleasing soft fade. Bokeh at night with lights in the background is extremely sweet - creamy, rounded and luminous. I also found the close-range to present very usable images for detailed product and for lifestyle events... no focus breathing issues.5. Is it a value? I can't comment on a quality comparison vs the newer bigger 70-200mm VRII which at $2400 is nearly 3x the price I paid ($899) for a refurbed edition of this 80-200mm through Amazon. I am not averse to paying for quality -- I own and use the great 24mm F1.4 all the time. But that's the key, at that investment, you better have a real need full time! That said, I feel no need to trade-up on this lens, and would rather invest the difference in something else to broaden capabilities, like a Tilt-Shift which would be helpful on the job. This lens should retain at least $600-750+ of its value should it come to that. Does not come with a lens hood. It needs one, mainly because you may like this lens so much you will take it everywhere.