William: This is a massive step up from what I'm sure most of you got in your kit. Of course, this lens is twice as fast at the wide end and stops faster than the 18-55 at the tele end, but what you will first notice is the pure heft of this piece of glass. It is quite longer and much heavier than other lenses in this spectrum, but at f/2.8 constant, you can't expect much else. However, it should be noted that this is not a cumbersome lens, but rather feels nice in your hands. Also, I rented this primarily for video, and was incredibly pleased with the results. It is of note that on aps-c sensors, that extra 1mm goes a long way (well, effectively 1.6mm, but is still pretty noticeable). Highly recommended. 4 stars only because it lacks weather sealing.

Chad: Distortion is apparent, but it's easily corrected in post. Really nice focal length range and very useful at close range indoors. Always use a flash though - there is no substitute for light.

Sean: Pros: solid build, smooth and silent AF, useful focal length, IS is quiet and gives noticeable improvement in low light Cons: heavy for a EF-S lens, lens creep, f/2.8 isn't quite fast enough for low light and portraits All in all, a solid performing lens, although the price is in the range of equivalent L lenses that might be better choices. For portraits, go for something with f/1.8 or f/1.4

Crispian: I rented this to use with my 60D at the church where I work over Christmas (tempted by the free extra holiday week- thanks guys!). Fabulous lens in low light- the IQ is on a par with L glass, and with f2.8 at all focal lengths and the bonus of the IS this is ideal in our less-than-well-lit church, even at the candlelight service! This lens is sharp, the contrast is great and the color is gorgeous, the only downsides are it's lack of weathersealing, and little more reach would be nice (like my other favorite, my EF-S 15-85mm), but the extra low light performance more than makes up for that- I was able to crop-zoom to make up for the lack of reach and still have tack-sharp shots. In short, this is almost the ideal walk around lens for a crop body if you have to shoot in low light. In fact I got such excellent results from it in the couple of weeks I rented it that I actually ordered myself a new one before I sent the rental back!