Customer Reviews: Read 134 more reviews...
 I prefer this EF to comparable EF-S lenses. January 8, 2009
I don't own it yet, but I got a chance to use it for a couple weeks on my XSi. I know EF-S lenses are specifically designed for APS-C sized sensors, like my XSi, but I think EF lenses perform better. Sure they are generally heavier, larger, and more expensive, but the larger diameter of the light cone coming out the back tends to reduce many of the typical lens anomalies that could show up in photos. That is because many lens defects are at their worse near the edge of the image, so if the larger light cone diameter places the edge of the image OUTSIDE of the sensor, those edge defects will not show up in the photo. For the same reason, light falloff (vignetting) at the corners is less a worry when using an EF lens versus an EF-S on an APS-C sensor camera. And if I ever move up to a full frame Canon, I could use the EF lens, but not EF-S, on that camera. In general EF lenses are built better than EF-S, for example: metal mounting lugs of EF rather than the plastic of some EF-S lenses. I do wish Canon would include a lens hood, rather than charging an outrageously high price for one, but there are several third party makers on Amazon who offer more reasonably priced lens hoods for this lens. Also, the technical details on Amazon state this lens has a 'ring type' USM motor; ring type implies that it has full time manual focusing available. In fact, the switch on the lens must be on MF in order to have manual focusing. After using this lens I was very pleased with the results, and since then I have read numerous reviews on the more technical photography sites that give this lens good marks (some even suggest this lens approaches or meets Canon's L series lenses in some aspects of photo quality!). So, if you can afford the higher price and prefer better image quality over lighter weight and smaller size, this lens might be for you.
Still learning - but all signs are good January 7, 2009
I picked this up on recommendation of a friend for my New Rebel XSi. I've still only used it minimally, but the shots I have taken have been wonderful. I still need to take it out and shoot the kids playing soccer, baseball or basketball to see how the action is both in doors and outside, but for relatively slow moving or still shots, it's been great.
The only reason I did not give it 5 stars is because I have not had enough time with it yet.
 One of the best lenses out there & a great price. January 4, 2009
I owned this lens for quite a while, sold it, and am going to re-purchase it at this great price. It takes fantastic, sharp pictures in very low light situations (such as at the zoo, in one of the "houses"), great sports pictures and much more. I have shot super clear, beautiful animal pictures at 1/25th of a second, due to image stabilization. I think at about $460, this lens is a steal. Rather than writing a long, boring review, click here to see just one of the animal pictures that I shot with this lens: http://eyefetch.com/image.aspx?ID=575247
The price is right December 31, 2008
Updated 1-2-09
Do perform the AF Microadjustment, it does make a difference even if you cannot get it spot on.
A very good lens for those on a tight budget. For this price you cannot go wrong. Do not take the free Tiffen filter, use the credit for a Hoya coated filter.
Great Lens November 23, 2008
This is the best lens you get for the money. I can't believe how great and easy it is to use. I used it to take pictures of my son playing soccer and I could zoom him right up and get close up's that I could not have gotten with a regular lens. Love this lens..................
C. Kemp
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