Sharp and bright lens. Excellent bokeh and macro. The only downside I have is that it's a little noisy but doesn't get in the way. Updated after a few months of regular use: the image of the bee with the macro is very close, no larger image. I'm a thrill seeker :) but I still had the hood on. I might even get closer. I have used this lens on the coldest winter days to capture snowflakes and on the hottest summer days to capture bugs and flowers and I love it! Just move in/out a bit to get the camera to focus properly if your manual focus is at its limit for precise focus. An ideal lens for portrait photography, no complaints. Play around with aperture/shutter speed and you'll get so much variety in your shots - great lens all round.