cxr,


You need to decide first the conditions you will be shooting under. I have had the EF-S 17-55 f/2.8 for a year and I love it. I have had zero problems with it and a very high keeper rate. I just bought the EF 24-70 f/2.8 and am still adjusting to using it. Without the IS I have discovered that I am not as steady as I once was. Still, I do get great images with it. Since a lot of my pictures are indoors without a flash a wide aperture is a must for me. I toyed with the idea of the EF 24-105 f/4 mainly due to the IS, but I would not be able to take many of the sports photos like the one below. Eight year old girls move quick!


In my recent poll, it was stated that I am well covered in mid-range zooms, but they are what I use most. I decided to try the EF 24-70 f/2.8 because I wanted the little extra reach. To me it is worth it. Furthermore, I looked into renting the EF 24-70 f/2.8 and the rate is @ $200.00 for a month. My feeling is that I can use it for a few months and should I decide I do not want it, I can sell it for @ $200.00 less than I paid and basically break even. I will most likely keep it though as my goal is to also get a full frame down the road, I am currently looking at the 5D MkII. I am also seriously considering adding the EF 24-105 f/4 for outdoors. I know it is a lot of mid-zoom, but again, it is currently my most used range and I want the best images I can afford.


To directly make a suggestion to you, if you need to stop action in low light and you are going to stay with a 1.6 crop camera, I would go with the EF-S 17-55 f/2.8. If you are thinking of going full frame and need a wider aperture, then the EF 24-70 f/2.8 is for you. Also, you may want to keep the crop body as a second shooter. I have a 50D and it is better for sports than the 5D as I can shoot more frames/second.








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Canon 50D, EF24-70mm f2.8L USM, 1/125, f/2.8, ISO 1600





As you can see, not only would I have a problem with subject movement I am at the end of my comfort zone for ISO. A f/4 would not work here for me. If the 24-70 goes IS, I will probably be in line for one, and sell my non-IS to help fund it. [<)] Plus, I have to agree with Brendan, there will be a near doubling in the price.


Good luck choosing, I know how tough it can be. []


Chris