Raven - I know exactly where you're coming from, 'cause I'm in the same boat as you. I wish I could afford $1200-1800 for a nice L lens now, but there's no way. I loved the IS system in the 100-400L and 70-200L so I went with the 28-135 f/3.5-5.6 IS lens. I have not been disappointed with it yet. Please do let me know how you like the new IS lens. One thing that always freaks me out about the Canon USM lenses is how quiet they are when auto-focusing. Especially after using an older 3rd Party Lens (like Sigma or Tamron). I had been looking at the Tamron 28-105mm f/2.8, but those crazy buggers priced it at something like $1400. BAHAHA If I'm paying $1400, I'm buying a Canon L lens. Luckily, street price is around $800 (and I think they have a $50 rebate going on right now). Amazingly, one of the sharpest lenses around, the Canon 70-200mm f/4L is like $550 after a Canon rebate. And the 50mm f/1.4 is down to $280. Ohh the pain ... the pain. Of course, I still dream of the Canon 85mm f/1.2L, the 50mm f/1.0L, the 16-35mm f/2.8L and 70-200mm f/2.8L IS lenses. I really gotta get going on that whole "Hitting the Lottery" plan I've had for years. :) -=>Donald