[Chip]

I have some old Nikon lenses that I have to manually focus. For shots where the subject isn't moving moving, and where I have time, I find it pretty easy to focus these lenses. It's a bit more of a challenge, though, when I'm shooting moving subjects. It takes a good bit of practice, and my screw up rate goes way up - but I can still get some good shots this way.

So, my bottom line is that if you're photographing mostly things that don't move much, manual focus is not a problem. But, if you're photographing moving subjects (kids, etc) and can't afford, or don't want, to not mis-focus often, then I'd get the newer AF-S lens.

Just curious - what body are you using?