I've have read 3 reviews in photography magazines on this lens. 1 in Popular Photography (most recent issue), 1 in Practical Photography (most recent issue, this mag is published out of the UK) and also another UK photo mag (don't recall right now if it is Digital Camera or another one).
All 3 reviews were great.
This is what Popular Photography says:
"CONCLUSION: Its sharp, relatively distortion-free images; ease of handling; quiet, swift, and sure operation; and all-around excellence should satisfy D80 owners and other Nikon shooters, at least until they're ready to step up to Nikon's truly all-star utility digital-only zoom, the 18-200mm VR."
The whole artical can be found
here
Don't have a like to the Practical Photography review. I'll check my issue and look for the conclusion quote it gives when I get a chance.
I'm looking to upgrade to this lens sometime next year. I really like the range for the price, especially since the 18-200 is out of my price range.