I've not had the chance to use this lens much at all, but I doubt this image is "exceptional". The main difficulty is getting the focus spot on, since its a rather long lens with a wide aperture, without IS. From the other samples I've seen around the net though, its a very nice lens in terms of IQ, which is part of the reason I bought it. The 20 blades help immensely when you stop down, versus 5-6 blades. You retain circular "bokeh balls" throughout the whole range, and I'd imagine it helps keep smooth creamy bokeh when stopped down. It has no effect when wide open of course.