According to this review the 17-55 f/2.8IS is sharper than the venerable 24-70L...apparently it's not designated L because it mounts only on the 1.6x crop bodies...
Actually I have the cash up for it...I can get either of the 24-70 f/2.8L, 24-105 f/4L IS, or the 17-55 f/2.8 IS...
But since I'll be likely travelling overseas around Nov, i'm holding up the glass purchase (which will be signigificant, well above $1000, and the flash for like $350ish maybe) till then, so that I can claim TRS on them...
The body, I'm going to grab it because I have no intention of ponying up an extra $500 or so that canon will slap on to the 60D over the current 50D price, for an added 2 megapixels maybe, and video capabilities...and the 7D is overkill...eats up precious lens budget if I go that way...
[rant on] Honestly, I'm tired of this "video HD video blah blah" crap...If I needed video, I wouldnt bundle up and spend $3000 on gear meant for STILL pictures! [rant off]