Wouldn't be without during events

This is a very good lens for an amateur to intermediate photographer. The 300 range is very nice for event pictures. I use it for my son’s tee-ball games. I have used it for brother’s graduation from basic training. I captured a lot of photos that others were not able to get because of this telephoto lens. It is still pretty small relative to non-consumer lens. I feel image stabilization is a must for telephoto lenses. Best of all I feel that this lens takes very good photos.