Personally, I don't think it's overkill. The lens makes the camera IMO. You have a kit lens 18-55, it's not going to take as good of a picture as the 17-55 2.8, whether it's on the lowest model Rebel, or the 50D. If he want's that range, with that quality, and doesn't mind the price tag, I'd say go for it. That's going to be my next lens.



Sure, the glass will be three times the price of the camera, but that camera will get a better picture with that lens, end of story.