A compromise, but a superb compromise. In one lens you have my 3 favorite focal lengths, all quite sharp. It makes the ultimate travel companion for outdoor work: an M9 and one lens, there you go. I find myself using it all the time. But like all compromises you give up something too. Its a large lens, more SLR size than rangefinder size. And the max aperture at f/4 means depth of field may be more than you wanted and good light is a necessity. But when conditions are right, its great.