Is it easy to focus objects on a nikon 70-300 AF?

I'm planning to buy a Nikon 70-300 AF lens for the D40x. I heard it is difficult to focus manually using the lens. Can anyone who used the lens tell me how you feel?

Yes and no, it is difficult to manually focus most lenses when using a DSLR since their focus screens lack the focus aids that manual cameras possess and have much darker viewfinders to boot.

I agree. Manual focus really isn't an option with virtually any dslr. In the film days there were cross hair like devices in the view finders - dslr camera don't have those - don't ask, I don't know why.

There's another consideration here and it may effect you and it may not.

70mm at the bottom is pretty tight. By that I mean if you have another lens try zooming it to about 70mm or it's highest zoom and look at a subject through the view finder. That's the bottom of this lens. To me this isn't a good choice because without changing lenses there's no place to go to get a wider shot.

Again, to me, changing lenses all the time isn't a very good option - dust, dirt and what ever can enter your camera body, get on your sensor and then you're in for a professional cleaning. This, of course, can happen again and again.

To me, a much better choice, is a single lens solution that you can use wide or tight. My primary lens is the Canon 28-200 - sharp, quick and accurate at $400 at retail. This lens is discontinued by Canon but is, and will be, still available for some time to come.

If you are thinking of buying the cheap version Nikon 70-300mm, it won't autofocus with your D40x, and it also isn't very good. If money is tight you could be better off getting a 55-200mm AF-S VR. If you can save for something better, get the 70-300mm AF-S VR. The Tamron SP 70-300mm f/4-5.6 Di VC USD (not the cheap Tamron 70-300mm) has also gotten favorable reviews.