that'll do!

I have been trying out the bargain 100-300 Sigma (Quantaray label), the small f/4.5-6.7 model. Other than contrast, and a small drop in sharpness, this lens is more than suitable for what I will be asking of it. Below is a shot at 300mm, the original plus Picasa-fied version (boosted shadows/fill/highlights to taste, and sharpened a touch), then collaged & cropped.

 

Plenty good enough for what I do. BTW this is hand-held through a windowpane of unclean glass, shot wide open (f/6.7) spot-metered @ iso1000. Now that's a torture test! :^)