The EF 70-300mm already good IS USM was, inter alia, replaced by this 300-he fixed focal length. I had never had before buying in his hand and made the choice basis of test results. I am pleased about the fact that the lens is unexpectedly small and so light that I do not feel it as a woman as a burden, so to run around. The AF is very quiet, fast and very accurate. The photos are "out of the cam" sharp and high resolution, the 15 megapixels of the EOS 50D, the lens does not bring to the resolution limit. The stabilizer has "only" two stages, but works fine so that photos from the hand absolutely no problem. The integrated hood is perfect - it is absolutely robust, leading edge protected by a rubber ring. The lens is a perfect choice for the intended purpose.