The price difference is huge I grant you, but the quality difference is huge too.
This nikon which is rather affordable unlike its twin the 70-300. If you have an APS-C lens corresponds to a 88 to 480 mm (24x36 format).
The stake is not bad, the return of good images, the goal is not too heavy, the autofocus is fast with good brightness.
The VR II (Vibration Reduction Level 2) is useful because veeeeeery 300 mm shaky tremendously if it is disabled.
In short this is an amateur / semi professional goal, quality ets at the rendezvous, the price / quality ratio is very good.
The fact that it comes with a sun visor protective cover is a big plus (Nikon would have to do the same with the 18-55).
Ps: do not forget to buy a UV filter to avoid damaging your goal with the sun.
