Question about Filter Lens

[Andycane]

This is my first post & I just purchased the Canon Rebel XT, so please bear with me if I don't know all the technical jargon.

I did some research and I found out that filters are generally a must need. I understand that I need to get the circular type & not the linear ones as they will interfere with the autofocus on my digital camera. I also understand that the general rule for lens is to purchase the Canon brand for increased performance & reliabilty for the canon brand, which brings me to my question. Does this rule apply to filters as well? What kind of filters are best & where can I purchase them as I don't know of any camera stores around here (I'm in SoCal). I'm also interested in Black & white type photos, and would that influence on what kind of filter I would need like red, orange, etc...?


On a side note, I'm also looking into getting some new lens as I brought the len kit 18-55mm. I'm thinking of getting one macro, and one tele (with IS). Any recommendations?

As one of my favorite TV series always said while taking a photo...."Think Happy thoughts."
Andy

[ponder]

Andy,
Purchasing Canon lenses is a good idea, but there are other great lenses on the market that will work great with the Canon line too. In the area of filters, Tiffen makes some great filters and I have a 77mm Tiffen circular polarizer that works great for me. I use the Canon Powershot G3 and Canon 20D and both of these cameras have built in black and white filters, so there's no need to purchase filters for black and white. I would assume that the Rebel would have these same black and white filters built in too, so you might take a look at your owners manual.

The lenses I use most on my Canon 20D is my Canon 100mm F2.8 USM macro and my 17-40mm F4 L USM wide angle lens. The wide angle lens is the same lens I use my polarizer on too. Here are some examples from my gallery on the lenses above.
http://www.bytephoto.com/photopost/s...hp?ppuser=4513


I have the 18-55mm kit lens and it's okay, but it can't hold a candle to my other lenses.

If I were you I would shoot a lot with your new Rebel XT and when you get used to many of the features, then go out and purchase the polarizer. Unfortunately the sky is the limit when you start purchasing accessories for your camera, so start shooting in manual mode and keep on practicing!

If you're looking for a great site to check out new lenses, check out http://www.the-digital-picture.com/R...s-Reviews.aspx
I used them when I was looking for my lenses and they really have good in depth information.

Here's another great site for Canon lens reviews too.
http://www.fredmiranda.com/reviews/s...page=15&cat=27

Good luck in your search.

Dave

[ryant35]

Depending on where you are in SoCal you way want to stop by Calumet Photo
In Santa Ana & LA calumetphoto.com

They are very helpful and have a very large selection of products brand names & Calumet brand (made my the big guys for the store).

I'm don't think that it matters to buy the brand name filters, just don't get an off brand from Ebay.