I purchased the 70-300 lens very shortly after they were available, so I've been using it for several months. I'm a nature photographer, shooting mostly wildflowers, birds, butterflies, etc., and use the 105mm micro lens for most work. However, the 70-300 is great for those subjects where I can't get close enough. I use it as much as possible on a tripod, stopped down one or two stops from maximum aperture wherever possible (using mostly E100SW or E200 slide film). The lens is great -- extremely sharp, and to my eye, provides great color rendition. I have made lots of 11x14 prints from my slides, and they are tack-sharp. I think it's an impressive lens (especially for the $370 that I paid for it). Of course, most of my subjects are not moving (I'm not doing PJ or sports photography), except for some of the pelicans I shot out at Point Reyes (which came out great -- handheld -- as the birds were flying across the water and overhead). I'm extremely pleased with the lens (and indirectly so are my customers). Cheers, Jerry
