>>4022286 I appreciate the input, but having it being shot at numbers for both lenses, and interestingly enough, bodies that are nearly a decade apart don't really help besides the fact that the older one is slightly sharper and warmer than the newer one is at every length before 300mm. Which does give me a bit of hope, however, it doesn't help me situate if the II is worth the extra $800+ off the bat.
I want to see people in the real world give their experience with both on the field and in use. Because both of them are excellent from what I can tell, and both have their strengths and weaknesses.