Hello, and a bit more.....

[12_bolts]

Been hanging on the fringes for a while, thought I should leap in the deep end and say G'Day.
I have a 350D, 18-55 & 75-300 twin kit lenses, 100 Macro, 35 f2, and Sigma 10-20.

1st up Q, does anyone have any thoughts on This (http://cgi.ebay.com.au/58-mm-58mm-Rubber-Lens-Hood-for-Canon-Rebel-XT-XTi-Kit_W0QQitemZ290245491274QQihZ019QQcategoryZ27432Q QssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem) type of lens hood?

Phil

[Shutterbug Doug]

Looks very similar to these (http://www.camerafilters.com/pages/lenshoods.aspx). I'm planning on ordering one of the 3 in 1 hoods from them and using it on my 50mm 1.8.
For the price I don't think you could go wrong in at least getting one and trying it!
Once again, welcome to the party! :-)

[Woolburr]

That type of hood is certainly better than no hood at all...and it works wonderfully well at aquariums and other places where you might be shooting through glass. That said, for the best protection of your lens from bumps and bangs, as well as the optimum stray light blocking characteristics, you really should use the manufacturer's hood. Yes, they are more expensive....but they are designed to give the best performance for each particular lens.