Yup, the 24-70 is definitely a hefty investment.. I'm going to rent one for a fly-in trip I have planned in late August/Sept of this year.. A buddy of mine has one and says once I use it, I'll never want to return it, lol. I've got most of my basis covered with the Canon 10-22mm and a 70-200 f4L.. The 24-70 fits into the mix perfectly! After that maybe a Canon 100-400 and I'll be set for pretty much everything.