The new lens, while not the f2.8 monster, is proving very useful. I took over half of the weekend's photos with it. Close focus really helps.

I'll have to run tests for sharpness and contrast but they appear adequate. Handling is decent, IS works at least somewhat. Practical results:

What kind of bird is this?



Hand-held, with IS on.

Make	Canon	Model	Canon EOS 5D
Aperture Value	f/4	Focal Length	300 mm
ISO	400	Shutter Speed Value	1/250 sec

Josh is a pistol instructor at Rangemaster in Memphis, TN.



From a tripod, with IS off.

Make	Canon	Model	Canon EOS 5D
Aperture Value	f/4	Focal Length	300 mm
ISO	100	Shutter Speed Value	1/80 sec

Do I wish for f2.8 for more selective focus? Yes. Would I give up 1.5m minimum focusing distance for 2.5m of the more costly lens? Not so sure about that.