positively
+ Good sharpness at f 4, from 5.6 very good
+ Processed very well and fully supplied
+ Compact and not too heavy
+ AF sits and is sufficiently fast (HSM I do not miss)
+ For Portrait, Landscape and Macro shooting equally well suited
negative
- Clearly visible edge blur at f 2.8
Conclusion: highly recommended as an alternative to more expensive Canon 17-55 2.8 IS USM with regard to price and, over the common kit lenses because of the picture quality at all times.