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<span>Thanks to everyone who provided comments. They are all
useful and in some cases you folks have offered an option I haven't thought
about ... such as purchasing a EFS 18-200 3.5-5.6 IS along with a EF 85 1.8 and
a new flash. =)<o></o>


<span>I'm afraid after reading all the comments, I've narrowed it down
to the "classic" choice between the 24-70 and the 24-105. And
I'm heavily favoring the 24-70 because of the f2.8 ...<o></o>


<span>Now, I know there have been countless threads on comparing the two
so I won't take you guys down that road again ... but here are my reasons:<o></o>


<span>1) I don't mind changing lens while I'm at an indoor location.
Having different lenses is the reason why I bought a DSLR. I usually
set up my "base" in some corner and go through the various lenses
I've brought with me and get a different style of shot throughout the day.
This does mean thatoccasionallyI will miss a candid shot here
and there because I don't have the right lens on my camera. Hence, my original
comment about using the 30 1.4 at my kids birthday.<o></o>


<span>I do, however, hate changing lenses when I am outdoors and running
about with my kid. <o></o>


<span>This means I cannot consider any of the 70-200 lenses for this
particular purchase. It will probably be the purchase after this one and
use it for when he starts playing hockey! =) And I will probably be saving up
for the 2.8LIS ... <o></o>


<span>2) Having to go to a f5.6 or f6.3 on the long end is also out of
the question. Although my kid is not as fast as a horse around a track or
a basketball player on the court, he RARELY sits still. The lighting is
also rarely adequate in places like the local McDonalds indoor playground or
the theme park at dusk. I will need something faster than a f5.6. I
guess in some cases even f2.8 won't be enough.<o></o>


<span>When you couple that reason with the fact that I hate to change
lenses when I'm out and about, that means that the option of EFS 18-200, 15-85,
17-85 combo with long prime is out of the question. Although they are all
excellent focal lengths, I&rsquo;m afraid they are just not fast enough.<o></o>


<span>3) For what I'm shooting, I don't need it to be wider than 24mm;
that&rsquo;s even when considering my 1.6X crop factor. The reason I came to
this conclusion is because I find my 30mm adequate for most of the group shots
of my family and friends. Any wider than 24mm would be for when I'm
travelling with my wife and taking architectural or landscapes shots during the
day ... and that is rare enough that I'm willing to live with my 18-55 IS.
I know it's a kit lens and all, but I really find the sharpness to be
adequate for my amateur landscape photography. The only regret is buying
a $100 CPL filter for a $100 kit lens; just doesn't seem worth it ... but
that's another thread. <o></o>


<span>This means the 24-70 is wide enough and adds another (70X1.6 -
55X1.6) 22mm on the long end compared to my kit lens. I just wish there
were places where I can rent lenses in Vancouver .... because I need to find
out if (70X1.6) 112mm is long enough for what I'm shooting.<o></o>


<span>My only remaining questions is to IAMB since he/she has had a
positive experience in using the 24-105 in a poorly lit gym shooting a
basketball game .... is it really good enough for stop action indoor
photography? I know for sure that f5.6 is too slow but is f4 fast enough?<span> If it is, I wouldn&rsquo;t mind getting the extra
(35X1.6) 56mm beyond the 24-70.<o></o>


<span>Thanks again to all who have posted!<o></o>

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