Well I went to the local camera shop and purchased the lens. I was impressed with it over the Tamron 17-50. I however took the lens back after thinking about it and finding it for $70 cheaper online. I am going on vacation, but I am going to order it online when I get back (I would order it now, but I don't want it sitting on my door step if it comes while we are gone).
I haven't been able to find much about the lens though. It also seems like not everyone is carrying it or has it in stock yet. Is that a bad thing?

