Is my 24-105 L wonky or is it just me?

[BossFan]

Having just posted some questions regarding my T3i in the BODY forum I want to post my worries about my new lens purchase here. I snagged this 24-105 L online and it seems to not be pulling in the quality as a previous version I had and show reflection issues I've not seen in my other lens including the previously owned 24-105.

I know this lens was pretty sharp the first one I owned. This one seems to be having issues keep things sharp. Here are two examples:

1) http://www.flickr.com/photos/64364083@N03/8106703478/# (taken at f/5, 1/80 sec., ISO 200, 93mm)
2) http://www.flickr.com/photos/64364083@N03/8106698744/# (taken at f/4, 1/1600 sec, ISO 1600, 80mm)

Finally, I started noticing little green spots are strong reflection issues. I used a previous version of this lens to shot concerts and the stage lights didn't cause problems with that one.

Here are some examples:
1) http://www.flickr.com/photos/64364083@N03/8106674803/#
2) http://www.flickr.com/photos/64364083@N03/8106674803/#
3) http://www.flickr.com/photos/64364083@N03/8106670297/# (Green spots are under the carvings MUG)

There is a UV filter on it that came with the purchase. It isn't a top notch one. Could that have anything to do with it or is this all normal?

[neuroanatomist]

Cheap/poor quality UV filters increase flare - I suspect that's what is happening here.

[BossFan]

Sorry, folks.
Just realized I posted in the wrong forum. Can I get this topic moved?

[BossFan]

Cheap/poor quality UV filters increase flare - I suspect that's what is happening here.

Yeah, I thought that too but seemed to remain when I removed the filter though, I admit, more tests need to be done with it off.

[scrappydog]

Cheap/poor quality UV filters increase flare - I suspect that's what is happening here.

+1.  I have bought a few used lenses and the filters that people include with them are always junk.  The filter could explain both the weird flare and the loss of sharpness.

[Mt Spokane Photography]

Sorry, folks.
Just realized I posted in the wrong forum. Can I get this topic moved?

You are in the right forum.  Starting duplicate posts in another forum might get them removed.

[BossFan]

Did a few more tests inside a local museum today:

This one is without the filter: http://www.flickr.com/photos/64364083@N03/8110300826/#

This one is: http://www.flickr.com/photos/64364083@N03/8110287213/#

Not seeing much dif it seems in those two images at least.

As for the glare, reflections...

This one is without the filter: http://www.flickr.com/photos/64364083@N03/8110282476/#

This one is: http://www.flickr.com/photos/64364083@N03/8110280917/#

[BossFan]

Unsure why my post on the T3i issues was removed. These were similarly titled posts with two different issues: one with a camera and one with a lens. Now I am sure to not get any help on that end.