The newer IS system and near-macro capabilty is a big usability plus
no it´s not really imo... the macro functionality is very limited.
if you only have this lens with you then yeah... better then nothing... at least for stationary macro objects.
Yeah I'd agree with that, the macro mode wasn't anything special. the 77mm front end blocks a lot of light too. And something about the macro lock switch I just didnt like. Its not a real switch, you kinda have to push and hold. A dumb two hand job.
