What lenses you own ? and How often you use this lens ? Is this your favourite lens ?
264635
I own 6 lenses; this is my favorite lens and you can use it in most situations; it works very well in low light situations
264636
I have the Canon 50 f1.4, the Canon 100 f2.0, the Canon 135 f2.0L, and this lens. I recently sold my 24-105 f4L. I use primarily the sigma 35 art or the 135L, it depends on what I am shooting. I do love this lens though. It is sharp and fast.
313060
The first two answers are spot on. I bought this lens because it is far less expensive and I use a tripod most of the time.
91302
I love this lens, but yes... I DO think you should save up for the IS version. I wish I would have. I was just a beginner not knowing what I was purchasing at the time. I am totally kicking myself now. :( Its not terrible, but I think the IS would be much better. In my honest opinion
578411
What camera bodies do you currently own and for what type of shooting?? For portrait, people love the 85, some even say they prefer the 100mm. I own the 50L, the only thing I can say is that shooting at f1.2 takes practice, and the auto focus is a bit slower than most other modern day lens with AF.
464449
For me its the lens I hd to have and I'm very happy with it. 35mm equivalent is one of my two favorite focal lengths 85mm (new XF 56) is the other. I also like the clutch based manual focus. The 23 is the lens I use the most. Only take out the 18-55 when I need to travel lighter.
1063911
I bought it brand new but I got rid of it already and bought the Sigma 17-50mm f2.8 OS. Much better lens! Super sharp all through out the zoom range.
507557
I love the lens for its sharpness. It is very good lens. If you love nature photography, as I do, you will Love the lens. Can be used as general all purpose lens, if you can accept a fixed focal length. It is one of my favorites.
1109261
The 17mm f1.8 is the default lens I use the most on my E-M5. I've taken some great pictures with it! I upgraded from a e-pl1 last year and have to say I totally love the E-M5. I may eventually upgrade to the OM-D E-M1 but at this time don't see a need.
572354
Have you got a 52mm lens for it like the 35mm f1.4 or the 18mm f2? In that case, YES ;)
2256004
Lens is worth exchanging, have gotten some of my best shots ever with this lens
501122
Thanks for the feedback. I ended up getting the Canon 17-55/2.8IS. It was more expensive, but I had come across some extra money. I've had that lens for several month now and it's awesome. The zoom range is excellent, it's great having f2.8 through the whole range, and the IS adds probably at least 3 stops. It's very sharp when I do my part, especially when it's stopped down a couple clicks. I would still love to get a lens like I described in my OP, but I'm looking at a wide angle zoom and a better telephoto lens before that one.
1981823
I love my combo of this lens and my OM-D E-M5. I have no problems. Focus is plenty fast for me. That lens-body combo takes my highest quality pics.
1398789
It is a great portrait lens! The BEST lens for portraits? It depends on what "look" you like. For the price, this lens is spectacular. Would I buy it again? You know, honestly, I would probably invest the money in purchasing a 35mm 1.4g if I had to do it over again. But if you don't have the grand to throw down on a lens, then this puppy will still give you amazing and beautiful photos. :)
1879952
I own this lens and use it on my D7100, and love it. It is tack sharp. I have a good friend that is a GREAT photographer, and uses it on his D7000. He has never had an issue with function or sharpness. It is one of his favorite lenses.
192785
I have the 7D and I never leave home without it! I'm super-happy with this lens. No issues for me except the lens cap!
876153
No problem :) Have a nice day, if you get the lens, enjoy it!! O love it :)
1250349
I have the standard lens and have the 75-300mm zoom lens. I probably use this one the most, its a good mid size lens to have in the camera bag.