I got a new-for-me Nikkor 75-300 f/4.5-5.6 lens today, and the box was pretty much bashed in on one end. So, I took it out back to see if every worked. Seems to be OK.
I had this happen to me once. I would strongly recommend that you shoot something with writing or a distinct pattern indoors and with a tripod writing - like wallpaper or just write a big word on a piece of paper and put in on the other side of the room. There are too many variables for testing outside. I think both of those images look like they have focus issues. You need to make sure you can take a perfectly crisp picture. So, take out all of the variables like wind, shake, lighting and if you can't get a PERFECT clarity image, that lens needs to go back.
I had this happen to me once. I would strongly recommend that you shoot something with writing or a distinct pattern indoors and with a tripod writing - like wallpaper or just write a big word on a piece of paper and put in on the other side of the room. There are too many variables for testing outside. I think both of those images look like they have focus issues. You need to make sure you can take a perfectly crisp picture. So, take out all of the variables like wind, shake, lighting and if you can't get a PERFECT clarity image, that lens needs to go back.
Sorry my friend!