Here are tests images that show the resolution capabilities of the Nikon 70-200mm f2.8 AF-S VR. These samples are center and left edge 100% crops from the 10MP Nikon D200 (which has an APS-C sized sensor), and is equivalent to looking at prints greater than 3 feet wide.

These test images only reflect resolution; other lens shortcomings such as light falloff, chromatic aberrations, field curvature and flare and ghosting are not considered here.

As to be expected, this lens has great performance at all focal lengths and apertures. This lens appears to be sharpest in the f4-5.6 range. Diffraction starts to soften the image when the lens is stopped down more than about f10 (on the Nikon D200 with a 10MP APS-C sized sensor).

The bottom row has 100% center crops from the Nikon 50mm f1.8 AF-D taken at f4. The Nikon 50mm f1.8 AF-D at f4 out resolves the 10 MP D200 sensor and the samples are only for comparison purposes.