I've already posted way too many times in defense of this little lens already, but I'll say it again: For the price, the ED version is a bargain way to get to 300mm. Look for a used one at KEH.com.
Work within its sweet spot range and you can make it dance. I can't comment on the other choices because I have not tried them.
Here are some basic snapshots I took with mine when I first bought it about two years ago. It never seems to get any use nowadays because I've invested in other lenses, but I won't sell it because it's so darn smalland very lightweight.
