Very good for the price

I am so excited about the lens that I take this as an occasion for my first review here.
I would like with my experience (20 years of photography mainly at the telephoto end and to about 10,000 photos per year) described as very demanding semi-professional, even if the following statements are based on purely subjective impressions.
I take pictures with the Canon EOS 7D and am in possession of the EF 70-300 L, which is unbeatable in my opinion.
Why then this lens? Quite simply, I sometimes have the problem that the minimum 112 mm (KB equivalent) of 70-300 L simply something is too much, I on the other hand can not constantly change the lenses or want. In addition, for occasional short trips the 70-300 L in the backpack but quite a load.

Now this objective. For processing and advantages of the films (which I can use is limited to the 7D because of the lack of continuous focus measurement) has been written enough, I spare me times. Just this: the plastic bayonet does not bother me personally. Miracles can not be expected in this price range halt.
For me, more important: the picture quality. After my first test shots (mesh of branches of bushes and trees) in small focal lengths (max. 150 mm at f 8 or less) I would not believe my eyes: a sharpness that can the L-lens fully hold a candle, with an even slightly better contrast.
Then came my stage 2 tests: large focal lengths when waning light. Here then the light weakness has made a negative impact. The sharpness reduces with longer focal lengths, to strong vignetting (help here to some extent Fade). But the latter can be with the Lens Correction example of Digital Photo Professional to correct very well.
I realize that I'm comparing apples and pears, but in the process it becomes clear what quality the lens for its price and weight class but then offers.
In particular, it is on the road due to its low weight an ideal complement to the wide-angle lens if you do not follow the "super (soup) zoom lenses" rantraut. However, you can not with this lightweight in-law killed ;-))) as opposed to the L Lens
Since you can not give 4.5 stars, I opt for five, to draw attention to the shortcomings in large focal lengths.