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<blockquote data-quote="Horoscope Fish" data-source="post: 312383" data-attributes="member: 13090">I'd say it's definitely step-up from the previous version... It's about an inch shorter, and a little lighter. I like that you can lock the lens in the retracted position when storing it. The front element doesn't rotate so no frustrations if you're using a CPL, which I often do, so that's nice. Sharpness is good, especially when you stop down a little, but there's a good deal of distortion to deal with; especially at 18mm. Still, that's easily corrected if you have decent post processing software. I don't like that you can't over-ride AF using the manual focus ring, or the plastic mount, though the latter should be expected I suppose at this price point. The addition of VR II is definitely nice, but I sorely wish this lens was a constant f/2.8 instead of the f/3.5-5.6 it is now.For $250 it's a nice lens if you're on a seriously restricted lens budget, but I'd have to advise anyone considering one to think about putting that $250 towards something else if they plan on pursuing photography as a serious hobby. Not because there's anything WRONG with this lens but simply because there are several other options that might be better in the long run......</blockquote>

[QUOTE="Horoscope Fish, post: 312383, member: 13090"] I'd say it's definitely step-up from the previous version... It's about an inch shorter, and a little lighter. I like that you can lock the lens in the retracted position when storing it. The front element doesn't rotate so no frustrations if you're using a CPL, which I often do, so that's nice. Sharpness is good, especially when you stop down a little, but there's a good deal of distortion to deal with; especially at 18mm. Still, that's easily corrected if you have decent post processing software. I don't like that you can't over-ride AF using the manual focus ring, or the plastic mount, though the latter should be expected I suppose at this price point. The addition of VR II is definitely nice, but I sorely wish this lens was a constant f/2.8 instead of the f/3.5-5.6 it is now. For $250 it's a nice lens if you're on a seriously restricted lens budget, but I'd have to advise anyone considering one to think about putting that $250 towards something else if they plan on pursuing photography as a serious hobby. Not because there's anything WRONG with this lens but simply because there are several other options that might be better in the long run. [COLOR="#FFFFFF"].....[/COLOR] [/QUOTE]

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