This is an amazing lens.  A huge zoom range of nearly 11x, with the optical quality and rugged construction you expect from a Canon "L" lens, and Image Stabilization  that provides 3 stops of compensation against the shakes.  From wide angle to super-telephoto, it really does do virtually everything - it is a jack of all trades and a master of most of them - and it makes a great all-in-one travel lens.