Price / Optical Quality = EXCELLENT LENS for the money

This is a great all around lens. The zoom range is incredible and can easily replace dozens of lenses for the photographer on the go. At just over 14oz, it's perfect for traveling.

The optical quality is excellent, especially for the price. I've been very impressed with the color and sharpness of this lens at all focal lengths.


My biggest beef with this lens is that the AF is slow in low light or extreme focal changes (i.e. focus on an object 3ft away and then focus to infinity). However, it is very accurate...and noisy.


At times it can be difficult to focus manually since the slightest turn of the focus ring brings you from .49m to infinity. This is really nit-picking though.


Also, it would be nice if it was a little faster than f6.3 at 300mm but the size, weight, and price would all have to be compromised to accomplish this.


In summary, I definitely recommend this lens. It's a lot of lens for not a lot of price, especially if you can find it used.