Hi Cristian. My 50-200 SWD arrived on Friday. I had been tempted to get one for months but an extra £40 reduction on the already competitive price at Argos made it irresistible at £760. That is £90 cheaper than the next cheapest price and around £150-250 cheaper than most other retailers.
First impressions are positive. It seems beautifully made and the zoom action is smooth. I hope it stays that way! It seems lighter and smaller than I remember, although it is definitely a bit of a beast compared to the 70-300. It is quite nicely balanced on the E-30 which helps. I was very impressed by the accompanying case - I don't think the 70-300 has one at all.
Unfortunately, I have been suffering from flu for more than a week, so I haven't been able to test it as much as I would have liked. However, on Saturday I took some shots in the back garden with the EC-14 attached. First impressions are that the focusing is definitely much snappier than the 70-300 and there is no motor whine to speak of. I am especially pleased about that as I find it embarrassing to be photographing in a hide with the lens whining away every time I miss the bird.
I am sure in-flight shots will be much easier now, as it seemed to latch onto the bird instantly. The light was not good but I even managed to get a shot of sorts of a Starling in flight, something that I wouldn't even have attempted before.
I will give you further impressions, when I am feeling a little more human and have had a chance to try it out under better conditions. In the meantime here are a couple of garden shots.
The exif data for the Dove is: 1/200 sec, f/4.7, ISO 400, 194 mm, hand held.
The Nerine flower is: 1/400 sec, f/4.7, ISO 400, 184 mm, hand held.
Ron