This lens offers significantly better performance at all focal lengths and apertures, is a faster lens at the long end, offers a decent macro mode for those times when you want to focus closer, and overall is the general-purpose zoom that I recommend using to anyone who asks. Normal zooms You may have noticed that in my personal lens-list, I do not have a normal zoom. I have however had several here. I was not willing to carry this heavy a lens in this range, as I would still be changing lenses a lot due to the fact that this range, while convenient, does not go quite wide enough or long enough for my needs when shooting. Both samples of the lens illustrated the same characteristics, and were ultimately sent back to the dealer.
Contrast is excellent, and as long as the hood is used it is fairly resistant to flare and ghosting.
The hood is less useful at the long end than it is at the wide end though. It should be basically looked at as a somewhat slower 50mm prime with a little extra range. Analyze your shooting style, and select lenses that make sense for you. There are several situations in which I generally shoot. There are times when I am certain as to which focal lengths I will need, and other times when I may run into anything.