I just did a little research and it appears that the G lens is not great either. There are good reviews on
www.kenrockwell.com, he recommends an older autofocus Nikkor 70-210 F4.5/5.6, which I just so happen to already have! So I am good to go. If you want one they sell used on ebay in the sub $200 price range. One more thing, Ken Rockwell also says that there is no difference between the D version and the slightly older non D version like mine so don't worry about that.