Canon's 17-55 is something a response to Nikon's 17-55, which has been available for several years, but Canon gives image stabilization for roughly the same price as the Nikon which doesn't. Likewise, Canon offers the 17-85 IS, for which Nikon just responded with the new 18-200VR. I'm a bit surprised to see such a lens from Canon since they seem to be saying that "professionals" use larger sensors, yet they come out with a professional-grade lens for the smaller sensor.

Nikon's new lens, this time around, is a VR version of the 105mm 1:1 macro lens. VR in a 1:1 macro is a big deal if you've ever tried doing hand-held (non-flash) macro pictures.

What I'd like to see next, from any vendor, are some super-wide, super-bright primes. Right now, Sigma offers a 30mm f/1.4. I'd like to see a 20mm f/1.4 lens or something, with or without stabilization. That would be a useful tool.