Step into another dimension!

I bought this lens to go upmarket in image quality (I made the jump from 17-55 to 18-55 IS USM), and I can say one thing: I am not disappointed! !!
First, the level of pique, it is impressive and, from the largest opening. So much so that it is surprising for being "dragged" the kit lens so long. Also, the background blur (bokeh) is very very qualitative (the diaphragm is nearly circular).
Chromatic aberration is very present (there is a universe with 18-55), and vignetting is very well controlled. Furthermore, the USM motor makes fast AF speeds and quiet shooting (however, you can hear still the focus be in the videos). Moreover, today I rediscovered stabilization to the point that I wonder if it was working on my old goal ...

Then, from a viewpoint of the "object" itself, it is imperative to consider that this objective is very heavy compared to 18-55. In fact, it is almost double the weight of the device, which can interfere. In addition, this weight tends to unbalance the box if the family of 1000D / 1100D / 350D / 400D / 450D / 500D / 550D / 600D / 650D. I advise also to invest in a grip to rebalance the whole. It is often criticized for its plastic building this goal and I must admit that this worried me a little. In fact, construction is not so bad: it is quite far from 18-55, and we feel that the plastic used is not cheap. In fact, there are partly 15-85 USM construction. Too bad, it is not a class "L" (but the weight would still have suffered).

Finally, I want to say that the sun visor is not included and must be purchased at an additional cost (thank you ... Canon), and to protect the front lens which is very exposed (77mm), I recommend buying a protection filter. Indeed, it would be a shame to damage of such an object.