EF 24-70mm f/2.8 L USM - No IS

[neuroanatomist]

According to dpreview, the 7D AF is rated for just as low light (-0.5 EV) as the 5DII. Of course, I'll take your experience over dpreview's stats any day

In my experience, the 5DII will lock on in lower light than the 7D, and with a Speedlite attached, the 5DII will not activate the AF assist lamp at illumination levels where the 7D will. But, that's for the center AF point only - my opinion on the relative sensitivities are: 5DII center point > all 7D points >> 5DII off-center points.

But I still want a 24-70 f/2.8 IS on my 5DII.

Me, too! Even at a 60% premium (i.e. $2000-2200), I'd likely buy one, perhaps even pre-order.