I'm back baby!!! New 70-300VR arrived, family Christmas eve at the wildlife park.

I recently had my 4 1/2 year old 70-300VR AF motor quit, and am having it repaired.

http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/readflat.asp?forum=1034&message=40038905

Meanwhile I decided I did not want to be without this lens. I would say I take about 35-40% of my shots with this lens and another 50-55% or so with the 18-70DX so i ordered a second lens. It got held up in transit, but I finally got it this morning just in time for a Christmas eve outing to the local wildlife park. I divided my time between photography and chasing my kids around the tables, so it was a family day but also understood as an opportunity to test out my new 70-300VR. Was nervous about a second copy of this lens as I love the copy that's being repaired. No need to be nervous though, I had an absolute ball and the quality is just as good as my other copy. People repeatedly say "it's the photographer not the camera" but I don't feel at all embarased saying that I could not get these results with the 70-300G. (Note that I am not claiming these are world class prize winners, just pictures I am very pleased with). Some of my shots below in no particular order - most from the new 70-300VR.

Note: The snake skeltons are shot with the 28-105D macro. The albino Kookaburra and Mccaws with the 18-70DX. Most of the rest are just sharpened then resized only, with a couple first having exposure correctled. Except the house sparrow is a 100% crop sharpened, and one of the snake skeltons is a crop.

--
Sammy.

My forum postings reflect my own opinions and not those of my employer. I'm not employed in the photo business.