Why not use an ISO, DXO, or other proper target? Is there any doubt that the center will be sharp? The corners would be the challenge. It would also be interesting to compare the 400/4 DO II to the 200-400, especially with teleconverters.
... Focus ... Sharpness ... Color ... not there. Maybe a learning curve involved ... ?
As much as this lens was hyped ... QC should be excellent for the $$$ paid ...IMO ...
We must not be placing too much emphasis on sample pictures. When it comes to assessment of a new piece of gear, written word and judgement carry much more weight. The key answers for me relate to the following questions:
(1) How does the lens IQ compare to 200-400L, 300 f/2.8 IS, and 500 f/4 ?
How "real" are Canon's MTF curves for the new lens ?
(2) What has improved w.r.t. 400 DO MkI ?
(3) What is the lens AF responsiveness/behaviour compared to other MkII supertelephoto lenses ?
I have a partial answer to the question #2: Thank god, 400 DO MkII has an improved IQ relative to 400 DO MkI. By how much ? That will come.
Peter, glad it finally arrived. I'm looking forward to hearing your thoughts and seeing your results as you go. Merry early Christmas to you my friend.
maholyoak wrote:
My biggest question is how does the image contrast compare to other Canon (400 mm) lenses? The lack of contrast with the mark I was a major downside.
And resolving power was lacking. And bokeh was somewhat inferior to all refractive long lenses, even 100-400 MkI, but sometimes you'd have to look hard to see it.
Charles, I am doing my best, and that's all I've got for now. In several weeks I hope to have some better ones. As I entitled the topic, my tests have just started.
wtlloyd wrote:
I don't believe it. I think you're messing with us.
Howsa bout some Exif, and maybe a couple files bigger than a small jpeg converted to a cameraphone thumbnail...?
Wait a minute........I might have mixed up my photos with entries for this thread ? https://www.fredmiranda.com/forum/topic/1334045
Please give me some time to double check my files. At my age, the mental processes and workflows become all wonky and erratic.
You are a very perceptive man, WTLloyd.
However, I didn't get much good tonight. One or two shots which one may consider keepers. My handold is not as steady as it used to be. It's a struggle.
... Maybe you just need a 7D II ... 
, saw this coming this morning, when you posted that you were too pissed to bother opening the box!