HiCathy,


I've been through same process a few months ago. Ultimatly, I picked the Canon 24-70mm f/2.8L USM.


- I like the solid feeling of the 24-70. Yes, it is on the heavy side and out of balance mounted on one of those Rebels, but you feel you have some proper tools in your hands. I take care of my stuff, but its solidness is some extra reassurance.
- I'd rather have to extra focal length (compared to the kit lens) at the long than the wide end. I got the wide end covered with a 10-20 Sigma. In the time I've been using this lens I got feeling that my composition has improved because I can't simply go wide and just snap a shot.
- My next camera will be a camera with a full frame or 1.3 crop factor sensor. Optics generally hold their value well, but I don't like the 'hassle' of selling the 17-55 f/2.8 when upgrading.


I hope this helps,


Joël