XSi Accessories

[lilitalia]

I’m new to the site. I finally decided after years of taking tons of pictures with compact digital cameras that it was time to upgrade to an SLR and start learning more about photography. Purchased an XSi about a month ago. Still learning how to use it but absolutely love it so far. In the past I’ve mostly taken pictures of people (a lot of niece and nephew shots) and pictures at the beach. Occasionally take food/table setting pictures that never come out looking at great as I would like. Just have a few questions about accessories since I’m a newbie and want to make sure I have the essentials…

Here’s what I have:
-XSi body
-EF-S 17-85mm f/4-5.6 IS lens
-67mm UV Haze-1 Glass Filter
-4GB SanDisk Extreme III card
-Rebel Case & extra battery

A few accessories that I would like to get in the next few weeks:
-EP-EX15 II Eyepiece extender – I hate how dirty the LCD monitor gets, any thoughts on this?
-Canon EW-73B Lens Hood – also wondering if it’s necessary to get a lens hood cover?
-Polarizer Filter – I don’t know much about them. If it’s necessary to have one, can anyone recommend one?
-Adobe Lightroom 2.0 when it comes out!

Some long-term items to consider:
-EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS lens– gonna have to hold off a while on buying that, but I’ve used one before and really like it
-Macro lens – I haven’t looked into and don’t know much about these. Suggestions?
-For any additional lenses, what else would I need (UV haze filter, polarizer, lens hood?) Or are those only essential for the 17-85mm?

Also wondering if there are any other lenses and accessories I should look into in addition to those, and any thoughts/comments anyone has to offer on the above. Thanks in advance for your help!

[RPCrowe]

-EP-EX15 II Eyepiece extender

I would recommend that you go to a camera store and test one of these on your camera. Photographers seem either to love this accessory or to hate it. Testing it at a camera store will let you know what camp you are in. I like one for my 30D but, not on my 40D.

-Canon EW-73B Lens Hood

I use a Chinese knock-off hood for my 17-55mm f/2.8 IS lens. It does the job every bit as well and costs a fraction of the OEM hood. Like about $10.00 vs. $34.50 for the Canon model.

http://cgi.ebay.com/LENS-HOOD-For-Canon-EF-S-17-85mm-f-4-5-6-IS-EW-73B_W0QQitemZ330250097750QQihZ014QQcategoryZ78999Q QssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

Hood Cover?

I expect that you may be talking about a Hood hat by OPTECH. These really protect a lens and are very easy and quick to remove and replace. In fact, they are so easy and quick to remove and replace that you can have one on your lens and just remove it when you are actually shooting. Again, this accessory has proponents and opponents.

http://www.optechusa.com/product/detail/?PRODUCT_ID=16&PRODUCT_SUB_ID=&CATEGORY_ID=6

My major use for the Hood Hat is on my 70-200mm f/4L IS lens which I use on one of two cameras along with the 17-55mm f/2.8 IS lens. I carry the 17-55mm around my neck and the 70-200mm in a holster case at my left hip. I use a hand strap and a screw-in hood on the 70-200mm. I use the Hood Hat in lieu of a lens cap. It is quick and easy to reach into the holster case, slip my hand into the strap, withdraw the camera, rip off the Hood Hat and start shooting. In fact, it is a LOT QUICKER to do it than to describe how I do it.

MY FAVORITE ACCESSORY:

I seriously recommend that you replace your OEM camera strap with a neoprene after-market strap by Tamrac or OPTECH. Even though the XTi combination with your lens is a fairly light combination - the after market straps make it a lot nicer to carry. This is especially true when you are carrying the camera/lens for long periods such as in vacation photography. I especially like the Tamrac Boomerang Strap and at about $20, they are not expensive.

http://www.tamrac.com/g_camerastraps.htm

FLASH

I would recommend a flash for this camera. I prefer the Canon flashes. A 430EX would be a good choice however, a used 420EX would be a compromise.

[bresdogsr]

I have the eyepiece extender for my XSi. I wear glasses and could not see the info bar or corners when I focused. I can see everything now, but there is a 0.7x magnification. I have seen post where people have removed the extra lense in the extender to have the extender without the 0.7x magnification. I would not do without this accessory until I get contacts.

[rklepper]

The first 2 things I would suggest would be a flash and a tripod, in that order.

[brianch]

all the accessories you listed are also great, but i strongly reccomend a battery grip/portrait grip. you already have an extra battery so it would be perfect. a tripod and flash are also needed. as for the lens hood it is up to you whether you want to get Canon name or generic brand. polarizer filters are also a great accesory.

[lilitalia]

Thanks for the suggestions.

I went to a camera store today but the eyepiece extender they had did not fit the camera. I think I will order one from B&H and see how I like it, as I also have glasses.

I will definitely be buying one of those camera straps as the one that came with the XSi is really rough on my neck.

If anyone else has anything else to add, please feel free!