This will be a difficult decision for me. I have the SP 24-70mm F/2.8 Di VC USD, love it, and have no intention of "upgrading" to the EF24-70L II due to $700+ price difference and IS. I know there are a lot of granite-armed gunslingers out there who insist that IS is not necessary in this focal range, but I find it incredibly useful. This choice is not so obvious as it is more apples to apples. I look forward to seeing more samples and some in depth reviews. Hey Rogier, how about a quickie? I am still hoping the EF70-200L II will drop below the $2000 level sometime after the holidays. Thankfully, I have a copy of the most wonderful EF70-200 f/4L IS, so I'm in no major hurry...