I am sorry but I have to disagree with you. The Nikon AF-S VR 70-300 f4.5-5.6 IF-ED is tack sharp, even at 300 and wide open. I was not sure of it then I saw Moose Peterson do a video on it on YouTube and praised this lens. So I took a chance and bought one. I agree with him. It is tack sharp. I was going to post examples but will not take up the space unless you would like to see some. Just look at my post. Everyone is taken with that lens. Unless stated other wise. But it is on my camera 80% of the time. The G version you mentioned, yes, it is pretty bad. But this lens is totally different. Just saying FYI.