My main reason for buying this lens was having more reach without turning my camera bag into a burden, and it has fit that role nicely. The long focal range makes it easy to move from medium telephoto framing to distant subjects without changing lenses, which has been handy on walks, trips, and casual outdoor photography.
At 300mm, I have been able to bring distant birds, wildlife, and details on buildings much closer into the frame. I enjoy having that reach available when I am out exploring because it gives me plenty of flexibility when a subject is too far away for a standard lens.
Handling has been one of the nicest surprises. The lens is easy to carry for long stretches, and its relatively light feel makes a noticeable difference when I am walking around for several hours. I can keep it attached to the camera without feeling like I am carrying a large telephoto setup.
Focusing has been responsive enough for the birds and moving subjects I have photographed, especially in good outdoor light. I have also used it for distant people and occasional sports, where being able to adjust the focal length quickly has been more useful than having a fixed telephoto lens.
Low-light situations are not where I would choose it, particularly toward the longer end of the range, so I tend to use it outdoors during daylight. In those conditions, it has given me plenty of reach while keeping the setup easy to manage, and the stabilization support from my camera has been helpful when handholding.
What keeps me reaching for it is the combination of range, portability, and versatility. It gives me a practical way to explore telephoto photography without committing to a much larger lens, and it has become a useful option whenever I expect distant subjects to be part of the day.