Thanks, Jim - and I think you're right about the softness. All of those were handheld - I recently found that one of my old RRS plates actually fits the 40D with grip (in spite of what RRS says) so I can get back onto the tripod which should help. I had been putting off spending the cash and kicking myself on a regular basis for it, so I'm glad for this little discovery.

On a different note - I just ordered a 1T Buffalo external drive and a Spyder3 Elite colorimeter! That's almost - but not quite - as exciting as a new lens!!!