RentGlass. com allows the rental of camera lenses for your SLR's. A great way to test out a lens before you buy or to experiment with those specialist lenses that you would love to have but couldn't possibly warrant the expense. At the moment the site is offering the Canon 24mm Tilt-Shift at $44/$37/$32 per week for 1/2/3 weeks respectively. 

At the moment only Canon-compatible products are listed (Nikon-compatible are listed as being available from the 20th July). It seems to be a popular service as the Canon page states "The Canon store is currently under extremely high demand. Please use our in-stock email notification system for the best chance of getting the lens you want."

Each lens comes with a prepaid return shipping and label - how easy can it be? Your week doesn't actually begin until the UPS tracked package is delivered.

The 2006 Technical Image Press Association (TIPA) 2006 European Photo and Imaging Awards have been announced. There are 36 categories, but some of the highlights:

D-SLR Entry Level: Nikon D50
D-SLR Expert: Nikon D200
D-SLR Professional: Canon EOS 5D
D-SLR D-System: Hasselblad H2D-39
High-End Professional System: Sinar M System
Digital Back: Leaf Aptus 75
Consumer Lens: Sigma 10-20mm f/4-5.6 EX DC
Professional Lens: AF-S VR Micro Nikkor 105mm f/2.8G IF-ED

Looks like solid choices all around, although I was a little surprised by the glowing review of the Nikkor lens; I'm a little suspicious of the built-in vibration reduction. But then I'm suspicious of most new technologies until they prove themselves. Looks like VR may be ready for prime time.