We bought this lens because of a recommendation from our Best Buy sales rep. What we wanted was a lens with a great zoom, clear picture, and the ability to use panoramic. It is important that we are able to record our son's plays and band recitals even from a distance. We have yet to have a recital, but have played with this lens numerous times. We are both very impressed and it is our baby now. Because of the multi use this lens offers we were able to sell the lens that came with the camera. We have no need to buy another lens at this time since this one does it all. Great price compared to Nikon and Cannon lenses!

Using with Sony a55. This lens can do it all from a macro, sunset, soccer game you name it.. This is a must have if you have an A-mount... Aloha!!!

We needed a better camera lens for our camera that would allow us to take pictures at the ball park and get better pictures at a distance. Also, we love to travel and see birds, wild life and beautiful scenery. This lens allows us to be able to take pictures when the subject is not that close to us and get excellent results. Of course, it takes great pictures close up as well. We are very pleased with this lens.

Fortunately 75 percent of my photos are taken from a tripod, so the weight and lens creep aren't a big factor. I enjoy having the extreme range of 18 to 250 mm all in one lens. The quality seems to be good at all zoom ranges. Great for landscape photography and also a good party shooting lens, for getting those really close-up shots. All in all I would recommend this lens as a good replacement for the kit lens and for those that don't have the thousands to spend on the higher priced lens.

Does everything I need in one lens. no more missing shots while changing lenses..