>> The AF 300/2.8 probably lingers as a low-cost (!) alternative to the AF-S lens. > > The AF-I version of the 300 is still in production? Nes to me, I thought > the 300AFS was the only option now. No I didn't mean the AF-I version, which is a D lens, and has been replaced by the AF-S version. My 1998 lens catalogue still lists a non-D 300/2.8 IFED which is focused by the motor in the camera: AF 300/2.8 IFED 8/6 elements/groups close focus to 3m 39mm internal filter weighs 2700 g diameter 133mm length 255mm This is the original 300/2.8 and was the biggest AF telephoto before AF-I and AF-S lenses were produced. I believe this lens has the same optics as the AI-S version.