[98octane]

The 18-55 and 55-200 you speak of I'm assuming are the 'kit' lenses. There are some cases where these kit lenses are actually pretty good, but generally speaking, they are c grade lenses, 17-85 is decent.  In your case, I'm sure doctor will have a better insight, but look into the canon ef usm lenses. Their L series are the a grade lenses, but they generally start at $1400ish for say a 17-40 f4 and a 70-200 f2.8 at around $2500

Avoid the Canon kit lenses.  The 18-55 (IS or non IS) is crap.  Is still have one - but hate it - and can't wait to upgrade.  IMO, with a limited budget, you're better off getting a decent big zoom and then saving for a few L lenses later.

[app]

By big zoom do you mean all in one as in 18-200?

I'm looking into the reviews on the 18-40 L lens that Dave recommended.
My justification is that if ive bought a reasonably high range camera I may as well get some decent a-grade lens to take decent pictures...

[allanuber]

Just asked the guys here what we've bought for the Uber designery chaps ... both have bought 7D's in the last month. (Disclaimer ... Uber did build the Canon website, so we're obviously biased what we purchase, though the Canon's have not let us down yet).

[dkabab]

Better not say what I think about canons site then...

[Laminator]

My friend won a 7D a few months ago, she loves it... even claims it's better than my 5D Mk II.

Don't know what to think about that. 

[Ferrari Fissatore]

if you want to talk lenses, you can't go past Leica.

To find out all you want to know and more, contact carl888 here or fchat or pm me if you want.

he's been in the camera game for a long time, unbiased and at least sounds like he knows what he's talking about