I bought and shot this lens for 2 weeks in Europe this December of 2015, going after airplanes, trains and birds. I left my 300 2.8 at home because it's slightly smaller in my carry-on and more versatile zoom-wise. Optically very good but not as sharp as my 300.

Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 200-500mm f/5.6E ED VR Review

Handling and Features Performance Verdict Specification The AF-S Nikkor 200-500mm f/5.6 E ED lens is an FX format powerful telephoto zoom, ideally aimed at sports and wildlife photographers.

Quality of manufacture; Hand-holdable; Excellent even results; Excellent ergonomic design; Constant f/5.6 aperture

Weight

Good lens

Very good lens from Nikon. Affordable for wildlife photography. Optical quality is very-very good. VR is the best I've had on any Nikkor. Focusing speed is fine but not a race engine. All in all a home run from Nikon.