Age old question. Which lens?

I know, I know. Same old question. First a little background. I worked my way up to a 7D now. My incredible bride bought the new EF 70-200mm f/2.8 IS USM II for my Christmas gift. (Did I mention how incredible she is?) OK, so my EF-s 17-85MM f/4-5.6 IS USM has served well as an everyday walk around lens but with the new camera, now it's time to step up.
I know I want f/2.8. That is not up for debate. The two options are
EF-s 17-55MM f/2.8 IS USM
or
EF 24-70MM f/2.8L USM

I have looked at photo examples till I'm blue in the face. Know doubt, they are both great lenses for sharpness, color, low distortion and high resolution. What I am down to now is usability.
For me, the 17-85 is a great focal length. But, sometimes I wish it was a little longer. On the other hand, I almost never wish for it to be wider. (Although there is a 10-22mm in my future) I am afraid 24 will not be wide enough (on a 1.6 crop camera) for some indoor shooting with a new grandbaby on the way. But, I am sure 55mm won't be long enough for walking around outside.
My question for those who own these lenses is this. Do you find the focal lengths a problem and how to you adjust to them?

What I really want is a EF-s 15-105MM f/2.8L IS USM

Thanks, David

IMO, the 7mm at the wide end would be far more significant than the 15mm at the long end.

I owned the 24-70 2.8 and was NOT happy. I felt that my old 28-75 2.8 was way sharper (but lacked on the focus speed). I now have the 24-105 F4 which is fast in the focus speed, but slow in the aperture...

I guess if i were to go back on it all, I would go 17-55 2.8. THAT or go primes. Primes seem to prove better with faster apertures, and more clarity.

Let us know what you choose.

GDHugh wrote in post #11562543
What I really want is a EF-s 15-105MM f/2.8L IS USM

Thanks, David

I share your sentiment... I am dreaming of one day a 15-105 or 15-135 2.8 of just F4 will do for me...

GDHugh wrote in post #11562543
I know, I know. Same old question. First a little background. I worked my way up to a 7D now. My incredible bride bought the new EF 70-200mm f/2.8 IS USM II for my Christmas gift. (Did I mention how incredible she is?) OK, so my EF-s 17-85MM f/4-5.6 IS USM has served well as an everyday walk around lens but with the new camera, now it's time to step up.
I know I want f/2.8. That is not up for debate. The two options are
EF-s 17-55MM f/2.8 IS USM
or
EF 24-70MM f/2.8L USM

I have looked at photo examples till I'm blue in the face. Know doubt, they are both great lenses for sharpness, color, low distortion and high resolution. What I am down to now is usability.
For me, the 17-85 is a great focal length. But, sometimes I wish it was a little longer. On the other hand, I almost never wish for it to be wider. (Although there is a 10-22mm in my future) I am afraid 24 will not be wide enough (on a 1.6 crop camera) for some indoor shooting with a new grandbaby on the way. But, I am sure 55mm won't be long enough for walking around outside.
My question for those who own these lenses is this. Do you find the focal lengths a problem and how to you adjust to them?

What I really want is a EF-s 15-105MM f/2.8L IS USM

Thanks, David

I didn't find 24mm wide enough on crop. You said you got the 70-200mm for Christmas, so I'm not sure why you're worried about 55mm not being long enough outside... you have the longer range covered. Outside you can use the 70-200 and inside you can use the 17-55. For crop users, the 17-55 f/2.8 really is the best walk-around focal length. As you said, they're all good lenses and you're just worried about usability (which is the best way to look at it). I think you'll miss the wider end of your lens, instead of the longer end which is easily covered by the 70-200mm.

Good luck! If I was using a 7D, the 17-55mm f/2.8 would be a no brainer

Another vote for the 17-55mm.

17-55 has proven to be the right choice for me and my 7D.

I sure use my 17-55 a lot, it is a supurb lens for a 7D

Hard to justify the 24-70L in this scenario

If given a choice between a 5D2 and 24-70 vs a 7D and 17-55 IS, I'd pick the former, but for a crop camera, the 17-55 IS is much better.

The 24-70 will give nicer bokeh though.

It'll be a while before 24mm isn't wide enough for shots of a grandchild that isn't yet born.

Personally I would get a non-Canon equiv (i.e. Tamron 28-75) plus a wider lens, which combined may still come in cheaper than a Canon 24-70. In fact you could probably get a Tamron 17-50 VC plus a Tamron 28-75 for cheaper, possibly even throw in a Canon 85 F/1.8 instead.

I wonder how many nice shots of people there are at 17mm you've taken? To frame a little child at 17mm you'll be close to MFD I'd say, and distortion will be bad.

Set your 17-85 to 24mm or 28mm for a while and have a think about it.

Yea, I can't see shooting a child at 17MM but candid shots in a room filled with family might need to be wider then 24mm on a 1.6 crop. Additionally, the unborn is only one consideration I sighted as an example off hand. As for off-brand lenses, well, I just like the Canon lenses, Helps me keep things simple. I tryed a lot of other brands when I first started shooting 35mm film. I never found the confidence in them that I find with Canon lenes. Hey, that's just me.
The more a read and look at example images, the more I am convenced the 17-55mm f2.8 is right for me.
As suggested, I will get great use of the 70-200mm outside when I don't mind carrying the heavy sucker around. lol (It's heavier then I thought it was gonna be) I even took some indoors of my dogs and found the lens to be just incredible on my 40D. I just can't wait for the 7D to get here.
I do have a 50mm f/1.8 mkII and EF-s 65mm macro so those give more options, too.

Anyway, Thanks for everyone's thoughts.

17mm would help to capture the child in the environment though

Definitely the 17-55. Need longer? That's why your incredible bride bought you the 70-200.

It has to be the 17-55 on crops. Be honest- If this lens had a red stripe on it you wouldn't even have to think about it.

Jeff81 wrote in post #11569177
Definitely the 17-55. Need longer? That's why your incredible bride bought you the 70-200.

+1 Perfect combo