welp, i decided to part with the lens. i used it for an autox once and found it to be too heavy and cumbersome for my style of panning (by hand, not monopod). i really do like this lens but i don't see myself using it hardly ever and just decided i liked the idea of getting money for it instead. posted it yesterday on craigslist for $1250 OBO knowing i'd get some lowball offers (had one for $1k within 30 mins) and am meeting a guy in the morning to sell it for $1175
that will almost completely pay off what i owe on my only credit card, i can't wait to be debt free (truck's paid off too!)