How important are lens hoods and filters?

I'm not paying hundreds or thousands of dollars for a lens to stick a 40 dollar piece of "UV protection" on the end of it. Just use a hood and dont be a goober.

^^ Then buy a $60 one.

... and let them eat cake...

I'm unfamiliar with hoods but is there one that fits the kit lens for the XSi/450D? I was actually thinking of picking one up unless you guys advise otherwise.

Hoods do nothing for protection from dog noses and tongues, or toddlers with messy hands, or blowing salt spray or beach sand.

There is a time and a place for everything, and to not use them because of conceptual biases is limiting onesself and leaving yourself open to risk.

Devilspike wrote in post #7660590
I'm unfamiliar with hoods but is there one that fits the kit lens for the XSi/450D? I was actually thinking of picking one up unless you guys advise otherwise.

Which lens is the kit lens for the XSi? It was a 17-85is at one time. Which one do you have. I have a like new hood for a 17-85IS if you're interested let me know.

The 18-55 takes the EW-60C. It is also the hood for the various 28-90 zooms, so shouldn't be too hard to locate.