24-70 questions

Since the new Brick has been out for a little bit, I'm surprised to not see many threads about IQ comparisons between the two versions. From what I've read and seen, the ver. II is sharper wide open, has better color and contrast, but the upgrade is not as drastic as the upgrade on the 70-200.

I've been shooting primes a bunch, so wasn't really thinking about jumping on the latest and greatest, especially considering that I have a pretty good ver. I of the Brick, but my wife is pressing me on a birthday present and I'm thinking that this might be a worthwhile upgrade considering that some of the posts I've read say that this lens is getting into "prime-sharp" territory. Also, the blur looks really nice.

So now the questions.

For those of you that had Brick I and upgraded to II, have you been impressed with the upgrade?

How is the corner sharpness?

Is there a rebate cycle coming up that I should wait for? (b-day isn't until Feb.)

Guessing I should be able to snag a new 24-70 pretty cheaply since it looks like noone owns it. Sweet.

Not that I can add much but I traded my 24-105 in two days ago and just started to play with the 24-70 and I think it's much sharper. I think if you mostly have primes and this is your first zoom, then I'd say get it. Most of the shooting I've done has been indoors.

Looking at your signature it seems that you enjoy the finer lenses that Canon has to offer...so you might as well go with the 24-70MkII.

And as far as reading posts... if you read enough eventually you will find what you want to find.

I upgraded from the I to the II, and it's pretty much as you described. I was often somewhat disappointed with my results with the I but have been happy so far with the II...and use it in situations where I had given up on the I (in favor of primes instead). Now, in a pinch, I'll throw the 24-70 II and 70-200 II in my camera bag with a flash and can cover most everything.