Lovely shot, Larry. About the softness of the image, I wouldn't be too quick to blame the lens. I have a Sigma 17-35mm that is sharp as a tack, and I've seen other great results with third-party lenses. When I get some sort of anamoly, it is usually my fault. Besides, this picture is not all that squishy.
Hi Larry... Beautiful composition... The colors are really great... The focus is a little bit soft, but I think it is the lens... I think that this is Sigma's lenses problem... I have the same problem with mine... Try to buy a Nikon lens the next time you decide to have a new one... I do not have this problem with my two nikon lenses, only with the sigma... Nikon is more expensive, but it is worth it... :)