I have used the 70-300 ED (D) for a while now. A short while after I bought it, I conducted a quick test using Elite 100 chrome and examining with a loupe. I compared it with my 105 micro. Overall, it was soft at 70 mm and 300 mm at the 2 widest apertures. I now stop down two stops at those focal lengths. For all other focal lengths it is slightly soft at the widest aperture but stopping down one stop gives a very sharp result. Outside of those exceptions, it provides images that compare very favourably with my 105 micro. I bought this lens mainly for the 200-300 range, because it is light (I wanted it for backpacking), and is inexpensive. Overall I am very happy with it. I hope this is of help. Regards to all Phil Greenwood
