Jeff, I would second the others thoughts. Absolutely great value for money compared to a 300 2.8 VR and much lighter. Pretty good wide open, even better stopped down. Good focusser, though I would say the AFS is as fast as a good AF lens (say 85 1.

not quite as fast as a 70-200 AFS. For the money there is bugger all of that quality (especially Nikkor quality) available buy it and sell it if you ever bother to upgrade to the 300 2.8, you will only lose $300-$400. Matches well with the 1.4 and 1.7 TC too.
As Sirhc and others may mention, the tripod collar is ordinary, RRS make a good one but as I usually use mine on a monopod I haven't bothered to change it.