I see your point Scott, a sports shooter doens't really need IS nearly as much (mabye not at all) but as a birder or wildlife shooter IS can in many situations make a big difference. But I don't think we disagree here. I guess it depends on your shooting style/subject.
I looked at the charts and this is my conclusion;
At 24mm compared to the 24mm tilt-shift , both wide open, the latter wins in the mid-frame and corners while the center actually has a little more contrast and a tiny bit more sharpness for the zoom. A little less difference both at f/4. About the same for both samples.
At 35mm compared to the 35mm f/1.4 the center is virtually the same while the mid frame looks a little sharper and the corners very slightly better for the zoom. Second sample is not as good as the prime in the corners.
At 50mm the zoom is better across the frame compared to the 50mm f/1.4 or f/1.2!
At 70mm compared to the 85mm f/1.2 the prime is a little better aross the frame, not as big of a difference compared too 50mm.
AT 70mm comparted to the 70-200mm f/2.8 II the zoom is about the same for the center and better in the mid frame and corners, first sample doesn't fair as good as the second.
Overall it's a give or take and if you need zoom versatility with prime IQ the 24-70mm II for the most part fills that niche.
Not quite as good as Lens Rentals review though.
Cheers,
John.
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