Although you can't expect a 300mm lens to be as sharp as a good 50mm lens, there's no reason why it can't produce excellent colors, contrast, bokeh, etc. It is precisely in those "subjective" categories that the DA* 300 performs most flawlessly. Resolution is also outstanding in a lens of this focal length, which makes this an outstanding critter lens for those who can't afford the immense prices for quality supertelephotos. In many ways, a 300 f4 lens hits kind of the sweet spot in terms of usuability and price. A faster 300mm lens, or a long f4 lens, or a zoom lens of comparable quality, would cost and weigh at least twice as much. It works superbly as a critter lens for larger animals, such as elk, moose, seals, feral children, etc. Because of its ability to focus to nearly 4.5 feet, it could, at least theoretically, be used for birds as well -- assuming you could get close enough to the nervous little critters. Of course, because of stunning IQ, it can be used in other types of work as well, including landscapes.
Focusing was accurate and AF-C works well as long as you can steadily track the moving object. Focusing ring has approximately 220�travel which makes manual focusing feel like in the good old times. The ring does not spin when performing AF so you can hold the lens as you please.
Finally a lens that should put an end on bidding wars over older F* and FA* 300/4.5 lenses