Admittedly, I'm a relative beginner to this level of equipment. I'm used to my lenses having image stabilization (IS). This lens does not. Many of my hand-held night shots were blurry due to a combination of camera shake and slow shutter speeds (its a relatively slow f/4 lens).
I ended up returning the lens for the 24-105 f/4 USM with IS. Amazing difference in picture quality.
I'm sure the pros can get outstanding image quality from either lens, especially with a tripod at night. But I need IS for my typical shots, which are hand-held, in poor light. The IS gives me about 3 full stops equivalent advantage regarding hand-shake. (nothing for subjective movement of course)
So, my recommendation; try this lens in your most difficult anticipated situation before you buy it. Or, buy from a place you can exchange.

It's around US$729.99 in Amazon.com

I purchased this lens to replace the kit lens with my Canon 50D camera. The kit lens was a Sigma 28-70 and the Canon 24-105L is light years ahead of the capabilities of the Sigma. I already own the excellent Canon 70-200L F4 which is by far the sharpest lens in my camera bag and I was hoping that the 24-105L would equal this sharpness. Although it is a very sharp lens, I feel that the 70-200L F4 is slightly more sharp. Color is perfect on the 24-105L and the USM focusing is fantastic. Another reason that I chose the 24-105L is for the IS, which works very well. Only the slightest whisper of a sound is made when the IS is activated and it works amazingly well. The build quality is excellent. No cheap parts, rattles or looseness. Finish is excellent as would be expected from an $1,100 lens, which IMO is too expensive. The cost for this should be in the $500 range, especially since it lacks F2.8 or faster, so I only gave it 4 stars for price/value. In summary: If you are looking for a professional g...

It's around US$1029.93 in Amazon.com

The 100-400 covers a lot of ground, so to speak, in focal length. It goes without saying that the optics and image quality are great as this is an L-series lens. Mine is a *little* soft wide open (F5.6 at 400mm) but certainly not to the point where it detracts significantly from the image quality. I hesitate to even mention that because I don't want to imply that the lens has faults at that aperture - but I want to give as accurate a depiction of my lens as possible. Sharpness is phenomenal overall.

This lens is ideal for someone who likes to shoot a lot of wildlife as long as you can handle the weight over long periods of time. Handheld shots at 400mm are a breeze as long as you are shooting at a reasonable shutter speed. I have no trouble dropping to 1/100th of a second at 400mm with IS on. If you are thinking you will be at 400mm most of the time you might consider the 400mm F5.6 prime as it is significantly less expensive and lighter (lacking IS though). It's a very popular lens for n...

It's around US$1610.00 in Amazon.com

The only lens you need to carry when traveling. The choice was between a two lens solution of a 24-70/f2.8 + 70-200/f2.8 or just this one lens. I rented the 70-200/f2.8 and this lens to try them back to back. The weight differential is not that noticeable. The choice came to lower overall weight of the one lens solution over the two lens solution. The compromise was in losing the f2.8 capability. I shoot with a 5D mk II and already have a 24-70/f2.8, the plan was to use the 24-70/f2.8 for indoors/lower light and the 28-300 as the outdoor/bright light solution. However knowing my intense dislike for changing lenses. It turns out that I am seldom using the 24-70/f2.8 anymore. For recent travel I just carried the 28-300 lens as the sole lens and addressed the low light requirements by carrying the very compact EX270 flash Canon Speedlite 270EX Flash for Canon Digital SLR Cameras

The 28-300 is definitely heavy but it is still lighter than a camera bag full of lenses. I have done away with the 5D strap...

It's around US$2420.00 in Amazon.com

Short and simple.
I got this camera as a gift, from my uncle who is a pro. Best camera out there! For point and shoot, for family, and other purposes this camera is all you will ever need! Unless you are a pro? This is it!

You can buy this in Amazon.com

I bought this camera a couple of years ago when I decided to upgrade from my 3.2 MP fuji. I debated between this one and the then brand new S5. Eventually, price factors won and I bought the slightly older, yet much cheaper model - the S3. The camera is great. I do not like simple point and shoot cams and the proffesional cameras are way out of my leage, so this is a great place in the middle.

The 12X zoom is amazing. I very rarely use the digital zoom, but on occasions were I have, the pictures came out very well. I love the functions that the camera has and the control that is given to the user over the different options of the picture taking (shutter speed, WB, format...). The special functions are also amazing. I especially like the panarama option and the color swap function.

As for video, I was very suprised at the high quality video that you can take with the camera. They play full screen on my 22" screen and look amazing.

All in all, this is a great camera for some...

You can buy this in Amazon.com

A very good camera. It is small enough to take with you and good enough to want to.

You can buy this in Amazon.com

Very intuitive. You can go total auto or manual or somewhere in between. Pictures are very good, but I have only scratched the surface of this camera's capabilities. A good camera for the beginner to slr's.

You can buy this in Amazon.com

After reading several of the excellent user reviews here on Amazon.com, I decided to take the plunge and get this lens. Speaking of which, a HUGE THANK YOU to everyone who wrote a review, both favorably and not of the item. I figured for $100 it can't be that big of a let down if it's not too great, right?

All I can say is WOW. I have a Canon Rebel T2i/550D with the 18-55mm IS kit lens. I then purchased this lens and the 55-250 mm IS telephoto zoom lens (it arrives today). This 50 mm f/1.8 II has met and exceeded all of my expectations for the lens.

Yes, the AF motor is a little noisy. Yes, the switch between AF/MF is a little stiff, which might be considered a good thing for some photographers. The manual focus ring is somewhat oddly placed at first, but after a few days of use I've quickly gotten used to it.

This really is an excellent camera for bokeh. Need a shallow depth of field but on a budget? LOOK NO FURTHER.

Trust me, you won't feel bad about getting this...

It's around US$99.95 in Amazon.com

Is a great all around lens for a 1.6 sensor.
It took decent pictures but nothing that will take your breath away.
It's a great kit lense replacement.
My aperture ring is now stuck. after more than a year and around 20k shot's

I'm not satisfied with that failure so soon.
I always take good care of all my equipment, the camera has at least twice that amount of shots (xti) and is working great with the 18-55
A camera failure at this point, will be more close to failure (getting to 50k shot's) but not a lens, or not this one at least.
(Update)The repair by a canon authorize center, is $180.00 , they will replace 2 parts as they said is necessary in order to avoid future problems...
It will take almost 7 weeks to get it done.

It's around US$431.99 in Amazon.com