Not so heavy!

Like many of you, torn between the choices of the 24-range. In the end, i decided to go for 24-70. My dealer found one that was 3 months old. I received it yesterday. I should note that i only had the lens for 1 day but why do people say it is heavy? For me, it's just perfect. I use a 20D, no grip. I have a optech strap and in combination with lens, you don't feel anything heavy in front of you. Even if i don't use the strap, it's just feels good, perfect,..

Anyway, i did a couple of test shots of the box. Here is the link.

http://www.pbase.com/j​ochie/test_24_70

Normally i don't do such test, but i thought i could give it a try.
What do you guys think? My first impression is very good.

Forgot to say: ISO 100, tripod, mirror lockup and remote timer.

i had the sigma 24-70 then decided to sell it and go for the 24-70L
i have the 350 and found it fine on this. i didnt think it was that heavy. and only slightly heavier than the sigma
i now have the grip and find it better.

It's subjective ... I found it too heavy for day to day walkaround and too big and awkward with the hood. My ex Sigma was acceptable and my current 24-105mm IS L is also much better. Each to their own.

Umm... people say it's heavy because it weighs 950g. Something like the Tamron 28-75 is just over half that.
Each to their own but, for me, that's too heavy.

'Heavy' or 'not heavy' is situationally dependent. If I were on assignment or hired to shoot a wedding, there is nothing that is 'heavy' when it is essential to completion of the job for which you are retained. But mount that same thing and carry it around your neck for 8-10 hours per day as you walk around a casual tourist taking snapshots, and it will begin to feel like an albatross around your neck, with tired muscles and chaffed skin on your neck or shoulders.

When i got it for first time i felt it is heavy, but in few days i feel like a pepsi Can holding, and then when i got my 70-200 i felt that 24-70 is a toy, lol