I went from a 50 mm prime lens to this lens and could not have been happier. This focal range is broad enough to allow for the same lens to be used across different applications from portraits to landscapes. It let's in so much light at f2.8! I recently took some photos at a pumpkin patch and had to shoot at f10 in order to be able to get a picture that wasn't overexposed!! Even without a speed light, I can take Photos inside, in low light, with perfect sharpness. The L series lenses are worth the money and this one is mind-blowing how good it is.