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First sharpness is not everything
Blasphemy!
This is just one set of measurements under sub-optimal conditions. It is remarkable how the data on the 400mm f/5.6 conflict with Canon's own MTF charts and measurements by Photozone.de and SLRGear.
Here is a collage of Canon's MTF charts, The 200-400 is pretty remarkable, to say the least.
Looking at Canon's own MTF charts for the bare 300, 500 and 600mm lenses (the mk2 versions) the 500mm appears to have the least drop off towards the corners (in sagittal resolution if I am reading the charts correctly), less than the 300 and 600mm. I realise Canon's MTF charts are theoretical, but based on this, how come the 300mm is sharpest? It appears to have the largest drop off of the three lenses.
300mm IS II: http://www.usa.canon.com/cusa/consumer/products/cameras/ef_lens_lineup/ef_300mm_f_2_8l_is_ii_usm
500mm IS II: http://www.usa.canon.com/cusa/consumer/products/cameras/ef_lens_lineup/ef_500mm_f_4l_is_ii_usm
600mm IS II: http://www.usa.canon.com/cusa/consumer/products/cameras/ef_lens_lineup/ef_600mm_f_4l_is_ii_usm
Looks like both are not near as sharp as the 300mm II lens. Which surprises me.
I don't find that particularly surprising - the 300/2.8 MkI was also sharper than the 500 and 600 MkI lenses. I do find it a bit surprising that the 600 II is slightly sharper than the 500 II - that's a reversal from the MkI rank order.
Also, I wouldn't say 'not near as sharp' - the difference between the 300 II and the 600 II is 2 P-Mpix. Keep in mind that the DxOMark Score isn't a very useful metric, much like the Overall Sensor Score. DxO weights that score based on their priorities. The lens overall score is based on a low-light situation, so the 3.2 Tstops of the 300 II vs. the 4.5 Tstops of the 600 II gives the f/2.8 lens a boost in the overall score.
Sorry if this has been listed before. I just saw it.
Interesting to look at anyway.
Looks like both are not near as sharp as the 300mm II lens. Which surprises me.
What is the relationship between DxO testing and in the field results?
Are they measuring what is important to getting a sharp, crisp picture?
as long as we're speculating...
I expect 2014 will be all about moving the MP count. If Canon produces a superior sensor in 2014 I would expect them to figure out a way to hide its ISO and DR capabillties with the increased pixel density (or even other mfg things) so that the 2014 bodies will not steal any revenue from the 5D3 and 1DX. that means we're not likely to see a 7D2 with better IQ or AF than the 5D3 or with a fps approaching the 1DX. We will see high MP bodies that will see alot of tripod use: If Neuro is right one might be a 6D-like body. I'd expect the other to be a 1 series. But in any case I can't imagine 2014 will see any new FF sports or wedding/event bodies.
When the 5D3 and 1DX have run their revenue course, Canon will introduce sensor tweeks and show another "completely new sensor" which will be an incremental improvement over the 2014 bodies. the 5D4 and 1DX mark II will then set new records for medium pixel count, speed, ISO, DR, AF performance etc in 2015 or 2016.