sounds like a focus issue for sure. have you done any standard new print tests? You should.

I'd shoot a prime or another high end zoom and then an equivelent. Manual focus from a tripod, use a cable, shoot low and high shutter speeds and then compair. I'll bet your jpg's comprssion has somthing to do with it.

You said new canon gear - that right there may be an issue. If you have a new digital body, you may not have it dialed in yet, or, the files may not be as sharp as you like but have you tride printing them? What about your monitor, maybe somthing is haywire with it.

Todays digital photography, more than ever, is a system and any one aspect that off can make a huge difference.

Post a few of your best shots that you think are soft so we can see them. . .

Tony