Bests & Worsts Reviews from Amazon

First thing you notice when you open the Amazon box is the small size of the Nikon product box. It just doesn't look like it would house a telephoto lens - especially an 18-300mm lens. Upon opening the box, it is indeed a small lens for what it is. It's weight is 550 grams compared to the hefty 828 grams of the original 18-300mm lens it replaces. 550 grams is also about the same weight of the 18-200mm lens. This newer lens is lighter, smaller and less expensive than the lens it replaces. I replaced and sold my 18-200mm, and my 55-300mm for this one. It is true, and I was a bit mystified, that this lens does not come with a lens bag or a lens hood. But on the other hand, the Nikon lens bags do nothing to protect the lens in any way. So I always buy my own. And as far as the lens hood goes, ken Rockwell recommends you leave it home anyways when using this lens. I've taken a few shots and the images are impressive to my non-technical eyes. I believe, as my research concludes, that this lens is just as good if not better than the lens it replaces, If my review was helpful, and I hope it was, please choose the yes option in the comments section below. Thank you. Richard