Tremendous all-in-one versatility; Class leading 18.8x zoom ratio; 24mm equivalent wide-angle; Sharp at shorter focal lengths; Swift and quiet PZD autofocus; Effective VC image stabilization; Handy close focusing capability; Improved, weather-resistant build ; Compact and light, considering the focal length range;

Reduced sharpness at longer focal lengths, especially at the edges; Slow maximum apertures; Autofocus less reliable towards long end of the zoom; Plentiful chromatic aberration, prodigious at 200-300mm; Strong distortion throughout, both barrel and pincushion; 'Focus breathing' reduces focal length at close range;