The "brick" is often considered Canon's best midrange zoom - and perhaps the best midrange zoom of any SLR manufacturer.

Many people have trouble choosing between this lens and the 24-105mm f/4 L IS. There's no simple answer; they're both great lenses. The advantages of this lens compared to the 24-105 are that it's a full stop faster; may be sharper; and exhibits less distortion, especially at the wide end. On the other hand it's bigger and heavier; it has a little less range; and it does not have Image Stabilization. The 24-105 is probably more useful when you're out and about, and this is the one to use in the studio.

Why not hire both, and compare them for yourself?