This is possibly the best 'value for money' lens in the Canon lens family, providing a lot of lens, for relatively little cost. The build quality isn't the sturdiest but being such a light lens it needn't be built like a tank, and due to it's low profile on the front of your SLR it's very unlikely it'll get in knocked around in normal usage.

The images it produces are sharp with the lens wide open, however because this results in a very narrow plane of focus it's possible to miss your focus points and have to retake your shot.

In ideal light, with the aperture closed down slightly and therefore a wider focal plane this lens really does produce results. I've used this lens on full frame SLRs and cropped bodies alike and the performance has been great across the board.

If you're interest is in portraiture but you're on a budget, this lens will be a fantastic addition to your camera bag.