Lens/Filter question

[kishoreplus]

Hi,

Just bought 400D that came with kit lens. I want to add accessories to start practising taking pictures. Read a lot on this forum, but could not find some answers, so posting here.

1. I plan to buy a Canon EF50mm/f1.8 II lens. I know a lot of ppl here recommend this as as starter. Which size filter should I be buying for protecting the lens? Brand/ model no.? Does this size fit for the kit lens as well?

2. Which is a good lens cleaning solution?

3. Which software good for editing images? the one that comes with the kit......or photoshop??? or other?

Thanks in advance.

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[Steve H]

Just bought 400D that came with kit lens. I want to add accessories
to start practising taking pictures. Read a lot on this forum, but
could not find some answers, so posting here.

1. I plan to buy a Canon EF50mm/f1.8 II lens. I know a lot of ppl
here recommend this as as starter. Which size filter should I be
buying for protecting the lens?

52mm - but probably not necessary for this lens as the front element is very recessed. If you fit a filter then you will also need a lens hood to keep stray light off the now exposed front filter. I wouldn't bother with either.

Does this size fit for the kit lens as well?

No - the kit lens is 58mm.

2. Which is a good lens cleaning solution?

Breath and a microfibre cloth, or a lenspen.

3. Which software good for editing images? the one that comes with
the kit......or photoshop??? or other?

Not sure what comes with the kit (Photoshop Elements 3?) but the full version of Photoshop is popular. But many people find Photoshop Elements ok at least for starters - I'd hold off until you've explored the basic product and worked out what you really need.

Steve H
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[kishoreplus]

Thanks Steve,

So the 50mm/f1.8 wont be needing a UV-filter but the kit lens (18-55mm) would need one.

The kit software is the Zoom browser, not Photoshop elements. Guess I will have to download it.

 

[Steve H]

Thanks Steve,

So the 50mm/f1.8 wont be needing a UV-filter but the kit lens
(18-55mm) would need one.

If you do a search there are two schools of thought on this, but if you do decide to get a filter then make sure it's a good quality multicoated type such as a Hoya HMC-Super or B&W. Unfortunately these will be fairly expensive - a significant proportion of the cost of the lens they are "protecting" so IMO not very good value. I'd also recommend a lens hood to keep stray light off the front element, and this also will provide some protection in the absence of a filter. It's just a pity Canon hoods are so expensive and the one for the kit lens (it's an EW-60C) is so shallow as to be virtually useless

Steve H
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