Originally posted by red5isalive I mean I payed around that for a 2n hand copy
......and I paid $160 for mine, used but like new. Patience.....and Ebay.....are your friends.
It's a very good lens too.....and a great value for anywhere around $200. I wouldn't say it's way beyond the 18-55 optically, but definitely better as my copy (vs multiple copies) goes. I think the most significant thing is the extra 2mm on the wide end is way more of a difference in the field than I had imagined. I hardly notice the 10mm on the long end, and appreciate the constant f4.
Also, I have not experienced any negative effects of the often mentioned wobble in any practical usage. It is a little heavier and bulkier than the 18-55, but I definitely would not give up the wider focal range for a few ounces.