[PaulMontgomery]

I suppose there are several messages here:
Camera magazines only tend to review what's current, there are very few mags which would print something like "This lens is good, but the old one was better;
All lenses produce their best results away from the ends of their specifications (stopped downa little bit, not quite at maximum zoom);
Some kind of stabilisation is always good - I use a monpod in situations like this. (I'd leave OS on on a monpod, but probably turn it off if on a tripod);
Practice makes perfect and with digital, the only cost of this practice is your time.

Hope that helps.

I forgot to add: Don't be afraid to push the ISO up to allow speed and small aperture. A noisy photo is better (in my opinion anyway) and easier to correct than a blurry one.