Problem with new EF 70-200. Need help.

I think I'm in trouble with my new 70-200 2.8 IS. After seeing such great images from others with this lens I'm very disappointed

On my 20D It seems to be relatively crisp out to about 15 or 20 feet and then the IQ becomes very poor. Images just seem to be OOF. Is this symptomatic of a particular problem anyone is familiar with?

I was hoping that it was user error, but I've shot over 100 images, (all in RAW format) just trying to get something I consider sharp, or comparable to other images I've seen from this lens, and I can't get there. Could it somehow be related to the body?

I'm a designer with competent post skills so that is not the problem.

I have not read of even one person on this forum having a problem with this lens. I feel bad about asking for an exchange on this lens and I have to do it today or send it to Canon to look at.

The following is a sample image.

Any help or suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.
Mike

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Another sample image. I shot about 35 images of this hawk on my back fence and not one was sharp enough to keep.

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First off if your not happy return and exchange it today. Not knowing all the variables involved it does seem way too soft. Have you tried using it attached to a tripod to rule out user error?

I used a mono-pod and I'll put it on a tri-pod just to be sure but so many images and no keepers. Thanks.

Not owning that Lens but using my f/4L's and seeing others results with that particular Lens it should be tack sharp from f/2.8 ~ f/8 for sure.

That's what I assumed. Kind of a shock.

Just send/take it back for an exchange. Those pictures don't look very good. My non IS version is getting much better results at any distance.

Whats the exif info on the shots? EDIT, sorry I see it now. Where was the autofocus point selected tohugh?

Center focus point on all.

I would take it back immediately, they look pretty awful. That sucks though, good luck with it.

send it back even the kit lens would be better than these .
Rob.

That's kind of brutal but you are probably right! LOL

Did you buy it locally or order via the web?

Damn. No pixel-peeping necessary. That's an outright horrid copy.

Did you buy it new? Also, I know the IS works on a tripod/monopod, but did you try turning it off? Last, did you try a focus test?