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Review by jmarshall on 20 May 2008

Individual review
Build Quality	3
Reliability	3
Sharpness	4
Bokeh	5
Other Image Quality	4
AF Accuracy	4
AF Speed	5
AF (difficult conditions)	4
Value for money	4

Pros:  Only normal f/2.8 zoom with IS, great image quality.
Cons:  Build quality is lacking for the price

I've used this lens for a few months now, coming from a 17-85 IS.
There is a significant jump in image quality, with this lens being the equal of the 24-105 and 24-70 L lenses, but with a range that is much more suitable for a 1.6x crop camera.

f/2.8 coupled with the IS means that you can easily grab low light photos that previously may not have been possible. While slightly unsharp wide-open, once you stop down 1/2 stop images become quite sharp.

While this lens is pricey, the only thing that makes the price a sore point is the build quality. It is definitely a plastic lens, and feels just a little loose in the hands. The zoom is a little stiff in my copy.

Review by Bryan on 20 May 2008

Individual review
Build Quality	4
Reliability	5
Sharpness	5
Bokeh	4
Other Image Quality	4
AF Accuracy	5
AF Speed	4
AF (difficult conditions)	5
Value for money	4

Pros:  f2.8, IS, very versatile lens
Cons:  Price, no red ring, hood not included

I hesitated purchasing this lens as I had planned to move to a full frame or 1.3x crop at some point and didn't want to have to worry about selling any ef-s lenses... I finally broke down and purchased this lens after reading all the great reviews, telling myself I will only keep it if it really amazes me. Well, a year later and I still have it... I will be purchasing a new 5d very soon and will keep my 20d because of this lens- nothing compares to it... When my 20d dies, I will have to buy a 40d so I can contnue to use this lens... It hasn't come off my camera since I bought it.

Review by NorCalAl on 20 May 2008

Individual review
Build Quality	2
Reliability	4
Sharpness	4
Bokeh	3
Other Image Quality	3
AF Accuracy	4
AF Speed	5
AF (difficult conditions)	3
Value for money	3

Pros:  IQ, IS, range
Cons:  Poor build quality, no hood, no weatherproofing, expensive

I sold my 17-40 (why did I do that?) to get this lens. I know many others are very happy with it, but I simply can't get past the nearly $1000 price tag and consumer grade build. The hood is even built cheaper (more flimsy) than an L hood. Arrg!

On the plus side it has a nice focal range on my crop 30D and the image quality is good. Too bad that just won't make up for my disappointment over the build!

Review by michael on 20 May 2008

Individual review
Build Quality	3
Reliability	4
Sharpness	5
Bokeh	4
Other Image Quality	3
AF Accuracy	5
AF Speed	5
AF (difficult conditions)	3
Value for money	4

Pros:  Amazing Color and Sharpness.
Cons:  Bad build quality and flare issues

This is a fantastic lens with cons aside. The IS feature is nice but I rarely use it as it seems to cause durability issues down. Even though the build quality is lacking the image quality isn't. This lens is my workhorse for my weddings.

Review by jjacula on 16 May 2008

Individual review
Build Quality	3
Reliability	5
Sharpness	4
Bokeh	3
Other Image Quality	4
AF Accuracy	4
AF Speed	4
AF (difficult conditions)	5
Value for money	5

Pros:  Great lens, wish they would make an L version!
Cons:  Has some lens flare issues (needs a hood)

This lens is my every-day, all-day lens. I keep it constantly on one of my bodies and use it for everything from weddings to portraits to boudoir to snapshots of my family. This lens is absolutely the best investment I've made so far.

Review by gheesom on 15 May 2008

Individual review
Build Quality	3
Reliability	4
Sharpness	4
Bokeh	4
Other Image Quality	4
AF Accuracy	4
AF Speed	5
AF (difficult conditions)	4
Value for money	4

Pros:  Nice Lens, Nice and Sharp
Cons:  Feels a bit cheap given the price tag.

Standard wedding lens for me, works well all day no problems so far. These lenses have had problems so its always something to be aware of.

Review by tim on 12 May 2008

Individual review
Build Quality	3
Reliability	3
Sharpness	4
Bokeh	4
Other Image Quality	3
AF Accuracy	5
AF Speed	5
AF (difficult conditions)	4
Value for money	5

Pros:  Perfect walkabout and general purpose lens for a 1.6X crop body
Cons:  Average build quality, IS unit not reliable, prone to flare when shooting directly into the sun

This is my workhorse lens for wedding and general photography. The IS system isn't as reliable as L lenses, but it's generally good and works very well. I like this lens so much I have two copies, just in case one fails.

Sharpness is fantastic, colors are great, and it focuses well. Contrast and flare aren't up to L standards.

Overall I highly recommend this lens, but I recommend having a backup too.