A small piece at the end of the barrel was chipped. It was fused back and has a very strong bond. The filter threads at that point are well aligned and the lens takes filters properly. There is a scuff on the barrel nearby too. (See photos #2: filter threads at bottom, and #4: scuff at top, repaired chip slightly to the left, and some small nicks on the top front edge.)

This lens produces superb image quality.  Front and rear glass and coatings are near mint condition. Inside glass has NO haze or fungus and is very clean.  

Auto-focus is fast and accurate. It works well in low light and is very quiet. Manual focus works properly. 

Aperture works like new and produces accurate exposures. 

The zoom ring turns smoothly and evenly. Aiming the lens up or down vertically, the zoom does not creep.   

Vibration Reduction (VR) works properly and is very effective.

See Notes above about chip repair at the end of the barrel and the scuff on the barrel. The gold paint on the nameplate has some wear. The exterior surfaces of this lens are otherwise in excellent condition.