I might add, if you are interested in taking wide angle shots with relative frequency, the Tamron 17-50mm f/2.8 is a good lens. A friend on mine bought it after considering many other lenses in that range (including the Canon 17-55mm and 24-70mm). He has been delighted with it in all his shooting. The focus motor is loud if you are used to USM but it isn't that big an issue to me. Even though it is loud it is very snappy and would compete with any lens in the category. This lens does not have IS on it (the IS version is said to be worse optically) and it can be had for $450 easily. Finally the optics are almost as good as the Canon 17-55mm f/2.8.


Hope that doesn't throw a wrench in the works.


Samuel