Speaking of the original as well, I like this lens more than I thought I would. While the CA that occurs outside of the focal plane first distracted me, I now kind of let it drop, and subjectively, I like the qualitative image more than my 24-105, and in most cases, even apart from the f/2.8 vs. f/4 difference, usually prefer the non-IS 24-70 despite less reach and lacking IS. What's more, in the 24-70 range, most of the pictures I'm taking, if I can't hand hold it pretty well, I usually can't get the subjects to keep still long enough to make IS useful to me.


So, I don't really have that much of an interest in IS. It'd be handy to have if it was free, but I wouldn't pay extra for it, for my needs.


Then again, right now, i couldn't, so maybe my means are biasing my desires :P