An analysis of lenses for Micro Four Thirds and similar cameras. "The lenses we'd really like to see [are] fast, compact primes covering a range of focal lengths from wide to short telephoto." I don't disagree, but I do wonder if there's not too much wishing going on in here; there are very few digital-specific primes for APS-C bodies. On the other hand, the new mounts can't reuse working (but not optimal) older lenses. We'll see.

"The system takes a novel approach by offering interchangeable slide mount 'lens units' - sealed modules containing both optics and sensor, meaning it can switch from a large (APS-C) 12 MP CMOS with a fast prime lens to a tiny 10 MP CCD (with a 24-70mm lens)." Bonkers.

More convenient for me than Calumet. "Special weekend rates from Friday pm to Monday am = 1 day."

Ooh, competition for the Sigma 30mm f/1.4, kind of. A crop-factor 50mm equivalent prime lens from Nikon, with a decently wide aperture, built-in autofocus motor (for those D40/D40x/D60 owners), and pretty reasonably priced (in the US at least, where it's $200; the 20%+ UK markup is a bit galling). Once again I wonder if Nikon don't have the better lens lineup.

Andy Westlake at Digital Photography Review looks at the new walkabout lens that Canon finally introduced with the 50D. It's obviously going to involve compromises, but it looks as if it does well enough. If I didn't already have a 28-135mm it'd probably be worth considering.

OK, I changed the title a bit: it was "Plan Assault on Fortress of Pretentious Photography", but that's quite long. Anyway, Wired's Gadget Labs spells out what the new Micro Four Thirds lens mount means: "SLRs" that don't have mirror boxes (and hence no viewfinders), but do have live view (do consumers prefer that now?) while retaining big sensors. It'll be a struggle to market them, but it's interesting.

New on their site is a set of lens reviews, starting off with two Canon lenses (both walkabouts) and two from Pentax. I doubt they'll be able to take on longstanding sites like fredmiranda.com, though.

I'm choosing my winter wide-open prime, or trying to. The Sigma's had generally good reviews, and this doesn't really seem to contradict anything else I've seen. Not that I can afford it until nearly Christmas anyway.

Possible wide prime.

To digest, although it doesn't have any fixed-length wide-angle lenses (do they exist, or are they fisheye?)

Fairly open across the lens, but will it be sharp wide open? Still, tempting, and cheapish for what it is. Of course no IS.

I keep coming back to this page too

Another option for a telephoto. Not very wide though

About 400 quid for this. L (and white) and everything. Not quite sure it's the right choice though.

Not quite as expensive as Canon's 70-200, but still, more than I think is worthwhile at the moment. Still, saved for reference.

Unlike Jacobs, this shop stocks the 2.0 version (wider aperture, but a bit more expensive)

In case you were wondering what I was on about

UK stockist of the cute little bellows lens

I keep going back to that page; I might as well actually bookmark it.

Not the range I was looking for, but it does open a lot wider than the 18-200. About the same price.

Beginning to settle on this. I think.

Another option for a walkabout zoom lens. IS bumps the price up though.

On the 30mm and other lenses that "plug gaps in the Canon and Nikon lines"

Somewhat tempting (but expensive) low-light "natural" length lens. Maybe next winter?

Canon don't do a 28-300, but they do this. Froogle is showing it as at least 50% more expensive than the Sigma.

Borrowed it; considering buying one of my own

The competition

A lot cheaper than the Canon EF-S 17-85, by dint of not having IS/USM. Still, tempting.