Yaron,

Look at the Canon 28-135 IS f/3.5 - 5.6 lens as an option as well. I have it, I love it and use it with my film body as well.

The one thing I have found with digital cameras, I have a 10D, is the crop factor of x 1.6 with lenses, you need to get a good understanding of that when you are purchasing lenses. If you need to have a wide angle lens and you are using digital, then you will need something like a 17-40 lens, not necissarily A Canon f4/L lens althought that is considered an excellent lens.

I have been toying with the idea of LCD protectors as my nose is always smudging it and I have to clean it with a hankie more times than I would like and I have been a little concerned about scratching it as well. Although it is fairly simple and reasonably priced to change the cover of the LCD screen. Remember it is only a plastic cover over the LCD display.

I have a Lowepro Magnum Pro bag contains everything I just about have and yes is a little heavy but I have what I need when I need it.