Great Lens not intended for the long haul

I purchased this lens in march 2007 for under eighty dollars. Irregardless of price I love this lens! Its small, has fun optical qualities, its great in the evenings and around town.

Its small so its a given it's always in my bag. In the evening when I'm trying to get away with less light I take out this lens and shoot away. It really gives me more flexability for a small price.

People complain about the focus ring and the noise but I have not had a problem with either.

There are also complains about the "quality" which are very true. This lens does feel cheap. It has a plastic focus ring that feels like it came off a milk bottle and at times the end cap seems to be of better quality plastic.

I would also add its not so durable. I have a bad of glass I carry (4 in total) and I'm very careful with the lenses. Somehow the 50mm managed to break. Break meaning theres a hair line crack in one of the elements but it functions and the crack is not visibale on all but the largest prints. I felt it was strange as the other 3 lenses are fine.