Very good lens

A very compact zoom for this focal range.
A very good buy. The VR system allows for slow shutter speeds impossible with the typical 400mm lenses.
Very sharp and crispy, contrasty images can be produced from a monopod or handheld.
I use it for both portraits and wildlife with very good results.
Use of the limit switch is a must for faster focusing.
Coupled with a 1.4 teleconverter, like the Kenko 300 series augments its reach without much loss of optical quality, while retaining AF and full metering in the camera, under bright light conditions.
It certainly is a very cost effective alternative to the 400mm prime lenses available in the market.