Nikon 70-300mm "G"lens is a very good value .

Being a long time 35mm photographer I was thrilled when I got my first Nikon,a few years ago. I got a N80 and an off brand 28-200 lens, to save money. What a mistake! The lens gave me nothing but trouble. The focus went soft after 6 months of casual use. The barrel crept down when I carried the thing and it was HEAVY. I fixed it and sold it and I bought the Nikon 70-300 F4-5.6G. The type of photograpy that I enjoy is perfect for this lens. Travel shots in romantic foreign lands where the buildings and mountains don't move around very much. Long, cladestine shots of colorful locals without the need to negotiate my motives in wanting their photo. I carry a N65 as a back-up with a 28-80 3.5-4.5 G and the total cost for both lenses barely breaks $200. I am careful with the gear but if something untoward happens to the lens it is faster, more economical and a lot less annoying to throw it away rather than fix it. I am more than satisfied with the color and resolution that the lens produces on my slides and prints. I scan my film for enhancment and reproduction of my favorite photos so I get a chance to be critical of the system and I am very pleased with the results unless I have made a dumb error. If your on a budget GO FOR IT you won't be sorry.