Canon 70-300 f4-5.6 IS

[Rhys]

It's just not a very sharp lens. I don't think it'll ever be a stellar performer but on the other hand it seems to do the job. It will be replaced by L glass though.

 

[uplander]

It's a $500.00 lens with a lot of zoom! Were you expecting L lens performance?

Still if you do you part right it's a decent lens
examples
EF 70-300 IS USM $500.00

EF 70- 200 F/2.8 L IS USM $1700.00

EF 400 F/2.8 IS USM $6800.00

All the shots with 70-300 in the previous post were all handheld. Either you have a bad copy , your not doing your part right or most likely you are jut expecting too much from this lens. My gut feeling is you need to spend some more time with your lens and play more with the camera settings to get better pics. Long lens photography is a demanding mistress and takes some time to get it right .