I will be purchasing this lens in the next week or so and from what I have saw and read I will not be disappointed. The advice I am looking for is the accessories (not interested in tubes right now though)
[1]Should I buy the lens hood?
[2]Should I buy a UV filter? What brand? Cost?
[3]Should I buy a polarizing filter? What brand? Cost?
Scotty O
[1] You should always use a hood. Important in this lens as the front element is not recessed. The hood is long though and does get in the way a bit at 1:1. I also have the hood for the EF-S 60mm macro that I use for these situations.
[2] I would say yes, although views differ. Get a top quality filter like Hoya HMC Pro 1 UV for protection. Don't forget, a macro lens may be being poked into undergrowth so protection is doubly important.
[3] Could do. I use them sometimes to reduce glare on leaves etc. I use the Hoya HMC Pro 1 CPs.
You can use the 20D/30D pop flash right up to life size if you take the hood off. You might want to consider an external flash and bracket or one of the macro flashes. If you decide are serious about macro I suggest the MT-24.
