So, I have just returned from a 2 week trip from Southern Africa (Namibia - Zimbabwe - Botswana) back. With The D300s, the 16-85 mm DX Zoom, the 70-200mm f / 2.8 VR II and the 2.8 / 60mm macro (with whom I have made not a single image - habs just not used). From about 2000 images I have about 70% shot with the 70-200mm f / 2.8 (in particular the animal recordings) and the remaining 30% with the 16-85 mm DX (also a very good lens - especially for wide angle shots) , Next time I'll take just these 2 zoom. The imaging performance of 2.8 / 70-200mm VR II is really impressive (see my images set). Focusing works with the D300s, thanks to the high-aperture objective closely, the images are good magnification capable (though I "only" JPEG and RAW not Scan). The lens fits snugly in your hand and can be quickly (in animals very important) and easily use (VR II works very well). The focal length range is usually quite sufficient, many times I've had at the waterhole even less than 200 mm (for clarity). Just once I would have liked more focal length (as a pack of lionesses doing that just cracked Gnu was to eat), I might buy myself still a converter. Overall an absolute buy recommendation! Update 2012: After another trip to Africa (Namibia, Botswana, South Africa) and again more than 2000 images, I am still extremely satisfied with this lens. I would buy it immediately (see new photos). The only downer: I too have now a speck of dust on the sensor, but it can indeed not the lens (1 image, li under the sun.)! Update 2013: After another trip (Tanzania, Serengeti, Ngoro Ngoro Crater-), this time with the D7100 as a camera, my enthusiasm for this lens has grown even further. The D7100 comes the outstanding imaging performance of 2.8 / 70-200mm much better advantage (24 MP !!, see new images). Nikon is with this lens really a classic succeeded where every ambitious photographer will long have his joy.
