Axel





I had / have the same conundrum. I have had a 20D for five years, and I will have the 7D incoming within the next 30 days. I started with the EF-S 17-85 f4-5.6, and it has been a great lens, just a little slow for indoor work. About a month ago, I bought the EF-S 17-55 f2.8, and it has all but retired the 17-85 lens, which I am still debating about selling, but the extra length still comes in handy. The 17-55 f2.8 is one killer lens, and the IS on it is amazing, at least 2 full stops. The bokeh is also very nice when you want it! The sharpness is very very good on this lens. As for the (well beaten) dust issue, I believe that if you get the lens from a supplier that sells a lot of glass, and has "New Recent Stock", like B&H, that this issue is gone, at least it has been for me. Mine arrived with none, and in daily heavy outdoor work for a month, it has none yet.


As you are a 7D user, there is no doubt the right move is the 17-55 f2.8, just do it. The next lens you WILL want is the EF-S 10-22, I have had it for three days now, and am just floored with it's build quality and the picture sharpness.


Add a 50MM f1.4 for portraits, and a 70-200MM f2.8 IS for wildlife and sports, and you will have a kit that many will envy... including most cinematographers!


Best