I haven't used a lens in that focal range that's faster than f/2.8, but I agree that f/2.8 is often not adequate indoors for stopping movement (even with posed subjects, at least 1/30 s is usually needed, 1/60 s is better). On my 7D at f/2.8, that requires ISO 3200; for static subjects (i.e. not people), the IS on the EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS allows shake-free images at reasonable ISO settings, at the cost of a slow shutter (e.g. 1/10 s or less).


With my EF 85mm f/1.2<span style="color: #ff0000;"]L II, an aperture of f/1.4 with the indoor lighting in my house at night is sufficient for 1/60 s shutter speed with around ISO 800. But, keep in mind the trade-off in terms of depth of field. For example, if you shoot at 35mm and f/1.4 on a 7D with a subject distance of 8 feet (reasonable for that focal length indoors), your DoF will be around 10" - enough to get a face in focus, but likely too thin for a group shot. So, flash is often needed anyway! Do you have an external Speedlite (430EX II, 580EX II, etc.)? If you are relying on your pop-up flash, I can certainly understand your reluctance to use it. But, a shoe-mounted flash bounced off the ceiling (or located off-camera, diffused with a softbox, and triggered wirelessly from your 7D!) provides much better and more flattering light.