Transition to become a Canonian

I just received lens for my back-ordered Canon Rebel XTI (I CAN'T WAIT ANY LONGER!). The lens is heavy and well built and the white color adds some extra niceness to it. Though the actual color is not really white (kind gray). Enough said, it's a nice lens. But the downside is that the tripod mount cost $100 (OMG....), and no one sells a 3rd party aftermarket for the tripod mount.

I have no idea how to test whether this lens work or not (I can use a canon DSLR by now, hopeless Dell). For better or worse, I think I'm going to wait and stick my with Dell order to arrive.

I took some pictures of the lens and tried to compare it to my 18-55mm nikon lens to show the difference. I really can't wait to try out this lens. Please Dell!!!!!!!!!!!!!