Negative Positive
Title: After a 18-55 f/3.5-5.6 IS, a great upgrade.
Review: I picked this over the 17-55 f/2.8 IS because of its lower price and L-series construction. Theses lenses are intended for different uses, though. I don't need a lens that fast.Never used the 17-55 f/2.8 IS, but both versions of the 18-55 (II, the XT & XTi kit lens; and IS, the XS, XSi, etc kit lens) and this lens is a beast in comparison to those. Amazingly solid construction, fixed-aperture, sealing, fast USM (which makes no big differences on Wide Angle lenses, but in noise does) and FTM are pros on this lens. I will not review optics, you can find websites on that much more detailed than here.On the other side I must say the hood included doesn't seem to be very effective, because it's so shallow. It makes polarizing easier - eyes on the viewfinder, one hand on the grip/shutter button and the other rotating the polarizer. No tripods or snapping hoods on and off.I love this lens and would defintely buy this again.
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