AWC

User error on my part. I'm so used to hitting Ctrl-0 to resize the image, I hadn't twigged that after making it 960px wide, Ctrl-0 is making it bigger than 100% on my 24" monitor. Just tried both ways and at 100% they are identical. I'll get used to hitting Ctrl-1 (100% zoom) instead. (also, whilst I'm here, these two pages aren't showing for me - tried two computers and same on both, so they may have gone walkabout https://www.damiensymonds.net/art_tscs2.html and https://www.damiensymonds.net/art_tscs000.html ) Thanks as always, Andy

Damien, I read in one of your articles you say not to use Image -> Image Size to reduce a picture size, but to use the crop tool. Given my camera creates images at 5472 x 3648 pixels - to reduce to 960 pixels wide, do you just use the crop tool with Width set to 960 and the height and resolution left blank? I'm finding using Image -> Image size degrades the quality a bit. Thanks, Andy

Another one to consider might be the Sigma 105mm f2.8 Macro It was getting 5* reviews when it was going for £700, and now the price has dropped to £319 (UK price) - so if you're unsure if Macro is for you, could be an cheaper option to dip your toe in. It works on both full frame and crop. http://www.amateurphotographer.co.uk/reviews/lenses/sigma-105mm-f2-8-ex-dg-os-hsm-macro It also makes a nice portrait lens having the f2.8 to blur the background. but having said all that, I too can't make my mind up... so am really interested in this thread ! :-) I agree with the 'buy right, buy once' principle, so got my eye on either the 24-105 or the Tamron 24-70... but with the Tamron going for £800 I just need to convince the wife it's money well spent :-) Hope it helps.