Bad 70-200 =(???

I think it would help to post some other shots that you think are soft. Why would you just break out the focus chart without reason prior to doing the test? There must be pictures you aren't happy with and think the lens is soft because of them. Please post some acutal photographs and quit worrying with the focus chart.

Definately looks not sharp at f/2.8, but as everyone above suggested do it at a 45 degree angle to see depth of field.

I assume you got the chart from here.

http://www.focustestch​art.com/chart.html

Try it like suggested on their page?

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Thanks for your help guys, i used the focus chart to see if its too soft, Guess that was kinda wrong (and i did it wrong :X) heres a photo thats too soft for me, The Exif is intact

100% crop
F/2.8
Shutter speed: 1/500
Supported onto a rail, the wheel might be blurred but it looks quite soft to me. Compared to my other photos, this is crap.

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If you will take a picture of something that is not moving it will help isolate one problem from another. Shooting something that is moving can involve motion blur -- and as previously mentioned, use the camera on a tripod or a rock solid surface with the mirror locked up and a remote shutter release.

Adamora wrote in post #4295276
i used the focus chart to see if its too soft, Guess that was kinda wrong (and i did it wrong :X)

Well, yeah. The chart like you said, is a focus chart. You're not supposed to use it to test for sharpness. Always read the instructions!

That shot above is terrible for testing sharpness. You can't see much and the subject seems to be moving. You want to go outside and do some highly controlled tests. Put it on a tripod, set the shutter speed high and take some shots of flowers, stationary people, posters, high-contrasty trees and leaves etc. wide open.

But like I asked before, why did it take you so long to realise there was perhaps an IQ issue? You definitely want to be noticing issues early on for the sake of maintaining your chances of successfully getting an exchange. Going back to your retailer 2-3 months later going 'I think my lens isn't sharp and it took me a few months to realise it' doesn't sound awesome. At that point the warranty comes into play.. but usually not exchanges.

Sigma makes three 70-200 versions, non-DG, DG, and Macro. I have a DG version. Here is shots comparison with my 200L. Top is Sigma @200mm. Bottom is 200L. Both 100% cropped but no PP.

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Thanks Zclin, that cleared something up.

i didnt notice this problem before since i never used it (judging from the reviews) and had to use it in a low light Stadium...agh

Anyway ill get those pictures in a few hours.

Adamora,

Judging from your gear list, you are using a 400d. I use the same for ice skating shots. The problem there I think has more to do with low light AF performance of the 400d, especially in AI Servo mode. My 200L did not fare much better.

oh there was a good amount of light, and the focusing was spot on in my eyes :C.