Jorge-B

While this lens is no longer fashionable (if it ever was!), in my book, it is still a contender. The focal range makes it a good choice for a walk-around lens, and mine has been just that for about three years of hard use. That included several international trips and a lot of wildlife stalking--all without a glitch. I've found its close-up capabilities terrific. It is fast-handling, and focusing is quiet and quick. Comparing notes with other users, I might have lucked out with an especially good copy because almost all my shots--if correctly exposed and well focused--are darn good by any reasonable standard. My recommendation: If you get your hands on a good one, you'll have a fine instrument that can produce quality results in a variety of situations.