I'll add some photos at some point, but I've had this lens for a couple of months now and am really enjoying it, very handy focul length for walkabout and decently wide too. The IS makes a great difference to long shots at 200mm, well worth it as a basic lens. The IQ isnt bad either, I have to say its not the best, but as I've got used to the lens I am getting better and better results.
I've noticed lots of sigma 18-200's for sale recently, I guess lots want to upgrade to the canon with IS.
The lens has a nice ballance on my 40D, feels just right.
Lens creep hasnt been a problem, but I havent tried using it facing down or up on a tripod yet, it doesnt seem to creep open on my shoulder from 18mm, initial friction seems to hold it, but there is a catch if I ever find it starts to drop open.
I read about using an elastic band to hold it in place on a tripod, but not sure where you would put the band, I'm guessing partly on the zoom ring ?
My only gripe is the lack of lens hood, it should be included, but even so it would be nice if canon made some more, they've been out of stock since I got the lens, doh!
Here's one of the first shots taken with my new lens. At 200mm hand held, misty day hence the foggy background, but I think it helped focus on the surfer..
(http://cameracraniums.com/gallery/albums/userpics/normal_wind_surfer_4266.jpg)
Here's a 100% crop of a handheld shot, full size in my gallery
(http://cameracraniums.com/gallery/albums/userpics/normal_moon_4595_1.jpg)
Looks like a good lens, and as you said very handy as a walk about. ;)
I use my 50-500 as a walk about lens, it's always on my camera, but it's far too heavy.. ???
Ps: I've added a link to your CC gallery in your signature for you. ;)
thanks for the link :beer: