Questions about the Canon XSi

[Cosi Bella]

We have a canon Rebel XSi, and are looking to get lens filters for our lenses. Is there a specific brand that is better than others? Also, are there specific types we should focus on getting first? We'd like to protect the lenses from the elements, and also try and get better quality photos. Thanks!

[boBQuincy]

About the only filter that will improve our photos (and about the only filter we need imho) is a polarizer. Circular polarizers are the type recommended for autofocus cameras, pretty much any camera made today.

Neutral density and split neutral density filters can also be useful in some situations.

[ukcatfan]

About the only filter that will improve our photos (and about the only filter we need imho) is a polarizer.

Let me elaborate on this a little. Back in the film days, certain filters did improve the image. That is just not the case with digital. All filters will degrade the image quality because you are putting more glass in the way of the light. You are also more susceptible to lens flare with filters on your camera. For protection, you are better off getting a lens hood. Not sure what lenses you have, but be sure to get the proper hoods or you could have vignetting. For example, the Canon kit lens has a rotating front element, so a petal hood would not be proper.

[Cosi Bella]

Thanks! I really appreciate your help! Would you be able to recommend a specific brand that is better than others for the hoods?

We do have the kit lens. We also bught the 55-250 mm zoom lens, and we're looking at getting the 60 mm macro USM lens. Thanks again!!!

ETA: We use our camera when we go out boating. Is there something we could get to protect the lenses from water splashes and other things like that? Would a hood be enough?

[ukcatfan]

Thanks! I really appreciate your help! Would you be able to recommend a specific brand that is better than others for the hoods?

We do have the kit lens. We also bught the 55-250 mm zoom lens, and we're looking at getting the 60 mm macro USM lens. Thanks again!!!

ETA: We use our camera when we go out boating. Is there something we could get to protect the lenses from water splashes and other things like that? Would a hood be enough?

I do not think the brand matters for the hood. Maybe some Canon users can step in and help here. I have a Pentax and the hoods came with my lenses. You want a plastic one though. The idea is that in an impact, the plastic will break and thereby absorb a large amount of the energy of the impact which means you gear does not hit as hard. Metal and rubber hoods are still good for blocking errant light, but not for protection. I use a hood anytime I am not using the on board flash.

As for boating, you are braver than I am. Water is very bad for expensive electronics. You might consider an Aquapac.

[boBQuincy]

Canon hoods fit Canon lenses. Other hoods may (or may not) fit, I have read of some 3rd party hoods that fall off.

For water I would not recommend just a filter, that would only protect the front element, which is not enough. WillCad has a great article on modifying a plastic bag to encase the camera and lens. It should be pretty much splashproof.

I made one and it works well, thanks WillCad!

[jfinke]

These may be helpful.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/469774-REG/Op_Tech_USA_9001132__8_RainSleeve_for_Camera.html

Personally, I would rather take a cheap PnS out on the water with a watertight case.

Waterproof cases for DSLRs are expensive and most of the time cost more than the actual camera.

[Cosi Bella]

Thanks for all of your help guys! I really appreciate it! :goodvibes

jfinke we are a little crazy for taking our baby on the boat, but if not for it, we wouldn't capture such cool pics:

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn61/rivera42sdy/IMG_1345.jpg

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn61/rivera42sdy/IMG_1348.jpg

Again, thanks for all the help! :)

[jfinke]

Understand that... Just not sure I would risk my babies... :)