Need help choosing 'filter lens'

[garrett]

i don't know much about DSLR cameras so need some help:

Looking to get my girlfriend a filter lens (i think?) for christmas for her recently purchased Canon rebel xs (http://www.amazon.com/Canon-XS-Digital-18-55mm-Black/dp/B001CBKJGG/ref=sr_1_1?s=photo&ie=UTF8&qid=1291048412&sr=1-1)

according to the amazon recommended accessories, it looks like the size needed is 58mm - please correct me if i'm wrong. the one under recommended accessories does not have great reviews. I guess i want one that protects from UV and also filters out glare when shooting at a light source.

Not trying to break the bank here, this was going to be more of a 'stocking stuffer' type gift. Anyone have any suggestions?

Also, does the lens cap still snap on over this? or does the lens cap and filter lens have to be swapped out in order to use both?

thanks!

[some_odd_girl]

So basically, you're looking for an actuall LENS or just a filter?

Yes, a cap will snap over the filter. I have a UV filter on 2 of my lenses, its pretty much just to help protect them. A polarizer is good to help with glare. It works well for taking out or intensifying reflections. But if you're trying to cut down on lens flare, get a lens hood. And shooting directly into the light is always a tricky situation... it's best to avoid it unless you're going for a certain effect and no amount of filters will really help... that's what Photoshop is for! Haha.

[4x4mike]

The UV filter looks like a piece of ultra clear glass. Honestly I've never noticed a differance with with on or off but all my lens have them for protection. Thing of that lens as safety glasses for the lens glass. The lens glass is something you don't want sractched or broken so having a filter on it will protect it. A polorizing filter will help on glare, just like polorized sunglasses. I've had several different kinds. Some are darker than others and I had one that had 3 different tints on one piece of glass.

I can't help you on the size (take a sneak peak at the back side of her lens cap, it'll tell you)so you're on your own. All my filters were bought on line from amazon and the like. I've never had one that I didn't like but then again I don't ask much from them. I've used Sunpak and eyetec brands.

Here is a little explaination:
LINK (http://www.digital-photography-school.com/introduction-to-filters-for-dslrs)

[some_odd_girl]

Ya, I think mine are all Sunpak. I have a few color filters too, those can be fun. And star filters can be fun to play with as well. I can look on my filter sizes later...

[garrett]

cool, thanks. i'm just looking for the filter(s). the thing i said about glare was just something i read in some of the reviews. i think this will work though:

http://www.amazon.com/Sunpak-CF-7080-Ultra-Violet-Circular-Polarized/dp/B00009W3UF/ref=sr_1_10?s=photo&ie=UTF8&qid=1291065114&sr=1-10

[Crinale]

that twin pack looks like a good deal. those two filters should do what ur asking for.

[some_odd_girl]

Just make sure she knows that stacking filters can result in vignetting around the edges (shadowed corners). Sometimes it looks cool but sometimes it screws up the picture. But that does look like a good combo. I'd throw in a lens hood too, for good measure.

[Bob98SR5]

garrett, i bought the same camera last year about this time too. Its a decent little camera.

It is 58mm as you mentioned. While some people hate them, I would recommend attaching a lens cap securing cord (whatever its called). Losing lens caps bite the big one.

if you want to buy a great bang for the buck lens, consider buying the "nifty 50" lense from canon. it's a prime lens and it makes for great photos.

http://www.amazon.com/Canon-50mm-1-8-Camera-Lens/dp/B00007E7JU/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1291104706&sr=1-1

[some_odd_girl]

Ya I have a Rebel Xs too... I really like it but I want to upgrade to a T2i... and I want to get some better glass... I can't decided which to save for first! But a lens cap cord thing is a good idea - I have them on mine. :) Good luck! And I hope she's not shooting on auto. ;)

[Bob98SR5]

some odd girl,

the t2i's are selling really cheap now (cheap is a relative term, i know) on amazon for $800 with the standard 18-55mm lens as well as the 55-250mm lens. robinhood just got this kit

[some_odd_girl]

I don't even need lenses, just the body. But first I gotta save up, after I fix my car...

[Robinhood4x4]

All my photographer friends were telling me to get a better used camera rather than the T2i, but I came to the conclusion that I didn't want to spend what it would take to get the better body and lenses. The T2i deal was just too good to pass up for someone just getting into photography and needing to buy everything at once.

[some_odd_girl]

Ya I know what you mean. I want to upgrade, I have a Rebel Xs. And three lenses, but all standard, nothing top of the line. I can't decide if I want to get some good glass first or upgrade the body first. I also have a Mark III I get to play with, but I honestly wasn't hugely impressed with it. I should play with it some more, I'm gonna have to give it up soon (it belongs to the school, and I've been photo editor for the school paper, but that's gonna be over soon)