Guess it depends on what exactly dissapponted you with your 17-85? Since it is an "S", I'm assuming that you are using a digital (1.6 multiplier?). None in the range mentioned are then really wide angle. And in this range, I'd find the cost of IS better spent on a good tripod. So much depends on individual style and expectations. As a general purpose lens, I find the 24-70mm f/2.8 [on a Canon 20D] gets quite a bit of use. It tends to now be my "default" lend when I'm not really sure something else would work better.

It is not cheap, nor is it lightweight.