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I guess it's best to explain how/why I got here, so here is my lens progression:

1. EF 17-85 f/4-5.6 IS - Too slow, and image quality was why I switched to a DSLR and I didn't feel this lens gave me much more IQ than a nice P&S. This lens did have nice range though.
2. Tamron 28-75 f/2.8 - Great IQ, fast, but I tired of the loud/slow focus and 28mm just isn't wide enough on an APS-C.
3. EF 24-70 f/2.8L - Great IQ, fast, excellent focusing, and just a great overall build. This lens was a treat to use, but as a walkaround it was just so big/heavy that I wanted to leave it at home.
4. 17-55 f/2.8 IS - Great IQ, fast, fast focus, lighter, and perfect focal length for a APS-C. This lens is the PERFECT walkaround for the APS-C. Oh, and can I say how nice it is to have IS so I can actually use a standard zoom indoors? Also, the saturation is better than the 24-70, but the bokeh on the two is just too close to call.

I wish the lens came with a hood, and the front element didn't protrude to allow dust to enter. I find the build quality is good enough for my needs, so no complaints there. In fact, I would rather have this lens with it's build quality than the extra weight, and cost, of the same lens with weather sealing and more solid construction. After the 17-55 arrived the 24-70L was sold immediately.

If I decide to go full frame one day, I <i>think</i> this lens will hold it's value enough that I can just trade back for a 24-70 (or equivalent) in the future.