I purchased this lens in October of 2011 and it's still in good condition. I read reviews about it getting stuck, but I haven't had that problem. It comes off with ease on Rebel T3, but is a little stiff on Rebel T3i.This was my first prime lens and I was blown away by the quality of the pictures. But remember their is no zoom on a prime lens, so be prepared to run around.

I love the photos that I took with this lens. I had the lens for about 11 months and it was one of my favorites. I was very gentle with the lens and it was never dropped. Around 11 months of having the lens, the glass lens and ring fell out of the barrel as I was taking off the lens cap. The camera had not been dropped, damaged or bumped. It is a poorly constructed lens and is made of cheap plasics parts on the barrel of the lens. If you want to buy a cheap lens and are okay with replacing it every 6 to 12 months, then get this one. If you want to make a lasting purchase, then go with the 50mm 1.4.

I purchased this after watching/reading numerous reviews and felt I needed this lens. I am using this on a canon 60d and currently been using the kit 18-135mm which has given me great results too. With this 50mm, am I able to capture images that have a completely different feel and has capabilities of creating awesome bokeh!! The bokeh you get at 1.8 is superb especially at this price! Images are also very sharp and contain very good color. The lens focuses pretty quick with noisier than average motor sound. No big deal. Yes, it feels plasticky, but if you take care of your equipment, it should last. I've only owned if for a few weeks, so I can't comment on long term use, but I expect I will be able to do so. People say you can't not own this lens. I agree!! For the price you can't go wrong. If you only use a kit lens on any camera and want a different lens for whatever reason, this is what you should get!

This is by far the best lens for portraits I have used.....It is worth much more than the money you pay! Highly Recommended.

I've recommended this lens to many many people - this is the first lens every photographer or aspiring photographer should have.If you are on the fence between this and the 1.4 - the 1.8 it does just as good of a job, plus your assistant can drop and break it during a shoot, and you don't have to think about the 400.00 you are out. (this is our 2nd 1.8)Its not as noisy as you think - it focuses pretty darn quick, even in low light, and its tack sharp - just buy this lens!

this lens is great it takes great photo loved it right away its a nice bench mark for any other len I added I just got the T2i love the cam...