I didn't need this lens, but I've been looking at fabulous pictures taken with it for a few years and trying to find a reason to buy it. When I saw the price down to $177, I couldn't resist.
I love the light weight of it. The image stabilization makes is more useable in low light and it's really a pleasure to be able to have a zoom that fits nicely into my Adorama Slinger and doesn't weigh down my shoulder. I also like the close focus I can get for shooting insects. Of course I do have to crop a bit, but the sharpness of the lens leaves me lots of detail in my 7D images.