[matthew]

I just committed to a photographic first for me: I've bought a third-party lens. After years of only using Olympus glass, I've branched out and ordered a Sigma 150mm f/2.8 EX DG ETC Macro lens. (seriously, who names these things? My mailing address needs less writing than that.) I've read a lot of reviews and went over B&H's return policy carefully - Olympus users seem more likely to be dissatisfied with Sigma lenses - but the general impression of this lens seems very positive, and there aren't any available in Canada.

My fingers are crossed that it will all work out, but at one-quarter the price of the Olympus 150mm f/2.0, it seems like a better choice. The trade off is a unsealed, slightly softer and slower lens, but it does have a macro ability which is something that will help me make money. In another photographic first, this lens is entirely paid for out of my business bank account.

I have to admit that I'm pretty nervous about straying from the path...