Lens hoods and filters?

I'm currently looking at a new lens. Most likely going to be the 17-55mm/2.8. I know this model doesn't come with a lens hood. Do I need to purchase a lens hood? Is this going to have a dramatic affect on results?

Also, what about a clear protection filter? I was looking at this one: http://www.bhphotovide​o.com …007_Protection_​Clear.html

I know there's lots of people complaining about dust and the 17-55mm lens. I don't want to spend another $90 bucks, but will if it means protecting my investment.

There have been lots of threads on both these subjects in the last couple of days and there's a sticky on the use or not of filters for protection. See if they answer your query. If you can't be bothered (no insult intended), in a nutshell, most experienced folks recommend using the correct hood and not bothering with a filter in all but the most inhospitable conditions. It's a subject however that leads to polarised opinions and there are those who insist on using a filter at all times.

Hood > protection filter. Hood will always improve IQ, filter will almost always degrade IQ (even if it's not noticeable). Get one if you know you need it - "inhospitable conditions" as Madweasel puts it.

BTW, your 17-55 isn't weather sealed. So most of the reasons for getting a UV/protection filter goes out the window. It's not going to do a damn thing for dust, water, sand, bodily fluids, etc. Most L lenses get complete weather sealing with a filter, but not the 17-55.

Get a filter if it makes you feel more secure, but don't expect it to perform miracles. Just because you saved your glass if you drop your lens doesn't mean the lens itself won't break.

Madweasel wrote in post #11484935
There have been lots of threads on both these subjects in the last couple of days and there's a sticky on the use or not of filters for protection. See if they answer your query. If you can't be bothered (no insult intended), in a nutshell, most experienced folks recommend using the correct hood and not bothering with a filter in all but the most inhospitable conditions. It's a subject however that leads to polarised opinions and there are those who insist on using a filter at all times.

Thank you, I will look for those threads. I guess I wasn't typing in the correct search terms in the search bar earlier as I didn't see much on the topic. Should have looked at the stickies.

wcgryphon wrote in post #11484983
Hood > protection filter. Hood will always improve IQ, filter will almost always degrade IQ (even if it's not noticeable). Get one if you know you need it - "inhospitable conditions" as Madweasel puts it.

BTW, your 17-55 isn't weather sealed. So most of the reasons for getting a UV/protection filter goes out the window. It's not going to do a damn thing for dust, water, sand, bodily fluids, etc. Most L lenses get complete weather sealing with a filter, but not the 17-55.

Get a filter if it makes you feel more secure, but don't expect it to perform miracles. Just because you saved your glass if you drop your lens doesn't mean the lens itself won't break.

Thanks for the info. Probably won't go with the protection filter then if it's not going to stop dust from getting in. I knew the 17-55mm wasn't weather sealed, but have seen a lot of people say that a filter is an absolute must to keep dust from getting in so that's why I asked.

deronsizemore wrote in post #11485210
Thanks for the info. Probably won't go with the protection filter then if it's not going to stop dust from getting in.

some people say it does, some people say they can do w/o. you'll find reports of both camps. it's the matter of your preference and do you wanna take your chances.

although i have yet to see a report of someone has filter but still infected with lots dusts (don't think you can completely eliminate them though in any case).

"Hood > protection filter." <----- comepleatly agree, plus you get the added advantage of acutally having a hood.

I usually don't use protection filters....

But the 17-55 in particular is one of those rare lenses I might actually keep a "protection" filter on. It's just prone to getting dust inside, behind the front element. However, I really don't know whether or not a filter will help.

Definitely get the lens hood and use it. It can never do any harm, can only help AF, image quality and protecting the lens while in use. The hoods for wide angle lenses are not very deep and don't provide as much protection, but every little bit might help.