I'm relatively new to DSLR photography, and this is my first non-kit lens (though I have tired other lenses in the store, I don't think that really counts).

So far, I'm very pleased with this lens.  The zoom is very satisfying...buildings a mile away become a useable size.  I'll just break it down into pros and cons.

PRO- Smooth focus and zoom irises.
PRO- Good image quality for most of the lens' range.
PRO- Affordable
PRO- Provides great zoom ability (75-300), "completes" the kit lens (18-55).

CON- Autofocus is kinda slow
CON- F-stop requires a lot of light when zoomed in around 300mm.  This would be true of any lens, though.
CON- Images might not be that clean when zoomed in around 300mm.  This could be due to the increased gain or shutter speed, but in general I found I had to work a lot harder to get a crisp, sharp image when I zoomed in at 300mm (again, could be true of any lens, but this is the only one I know).

Ultimately, I'm really glad I got it.  I'm guessing other lenses are better because they cost more, but I can't comment on those.
I'm relatively new to DSLR photography, and this is my first non-kit lens (though I have tired other lenses in the store, I don't think that really counts). So far, I'm very pleased with this lens. The zoom is very satisfying... buildings a mile away become a useable size. I'll just break it down into pros and cons. PRO- Smooth focus and zoom irises. PRO- Good image quality for most of the lens' range. PRO- Affordable
PRO- Provides great zoom ability (75-300), "completes" the kit lens (18-55). CON- Autofocus is kinda slow
CON- F-stop requires a lot of light when zoomed in around 300mm. This would be true of any lens, though. CON- Images might not be that clean when zoomed in around 300mm. This could be due to the increased gain or shutter speed, but in general I found I had to work a lot harder to get a crisp, sharp image when I zoomed in at 300mm (again, could be true of any lens, but this is the only one I know). Ultimately, I'm really glad I got it. I'm guessing other lenses are better because they cost more, but I can't comment on those.