Near Perfect Lens

I bought this lens right after it became avaible. I used it extensively off my boat for shooting whales. I was pleasantly surprised at the sharpness of the photos, even under adverse rocking conditions. Off the coast of Maine I shot an eagle at full extension under adverse conditions, ie, rocking boat, and it actually worked. Off British Columbia, again on a boat, under a myriad of different conditions, it worked great. Bad part, without knowing it, I had bought a gray market lens. When I needed it repaired, Nikon refused to repair regardless of the fact that over the years I have spent many thousands of dollars on Nikon products. I had to order a new one, this time for B & H. In short, this is my favorite lens of all time.