«

I would appreciate it if someone more knowledgeable than I (which
almost certainly equates to anyone reading this) could answer a couple
of questions regarding camera equipment.

For Christmas, my wife bought me my first digital SLR, a Canon T2i
with an EFS 18-35 mm lens.

Which UV filter do you recommend for this camera?

I also plan on taking this camera on hiking trips, and would like a
camera case that allows easy access (I don't want to have to keep it
in my pack) but that doesn't bounce around as I walk. Which camera
case would satisfy both of these requirements?

Thanks for your help.

Mike

On Thu, 03 Feb 2011 17:35:23 -0800, Mike Franklin wrote:

> I would appreciate it if someone more knowledgeable than I (which almost
> certainly equates to anyone reading this) could answer a couple of
> questions regarding camera equipment.
>
> For Christmas, my wife bought me my first digital SLR, a Canon T2i with
> an EFS 18-35 mm lens.
>
> Which UV filter do you recommend for this camera?
>
> I also plan on taking this camera on hiking trips, and would like a
> camera case that allows easy access (I don't want to have to keep it in
> my pack) but that doesn't bounce around as I walk. Which camera case
> would satisfy both of these requirements?
>
> Thanks for your help.
>
> Mike

FWIW - I'd check out some of the more unlikely places for a case. I got
mine from Fred Meyer a couple of years ago. It is a three way - I can put
it on a strap, use in a fanny pack configuration or simply carry with the
handle - works quite nicely for hiking, biking, etc.

On Thu, 3 Feb 2011 17:35:23 -0800 (PST), Mike Franklin <>
wrote:
: I would appreciate it if someone more knowledgeable than I (which
: almost certainly equates to anyone reading this) could answer a couple
: of questions regarding camera equipment.
:
: For Christmas, my wife bought me my first digital SLR, a Canon T2i
: with an EFS 18-35 mm lens.

An excellent choice. (But don't you mean an 18-50 mm lens?)

: Which UV filter do you recommend for this camera?

None. It's unnecessary. The only realistic justification is to protect the
lens, and the Canon kit lens doesn't cost much more than a good filter.

Which is not to say that your wife shouldn't have bought you a camera with a
cheap lens. The T2i is a fine camera, and if you really get into digital
photography, you'll buy one or more good lenses and won't feel bad to walk
away from the kit lens.

: I also plan on taking this camera on hiking trips, and would like a
: camera case that allows easy access (I don't want to have to keep it
: in my pack) but that doesn't bounce around as I walk. Which camera
: case would satisfy both of these requirements?

You want one that has both a shoulder strap and belt loops. The Lowepro Rezo
series fits that requirement, but there are many others. Look at various
cases, and pick one you like.

Bob

On Feb 3, 6:43*pm, Robert Coe <b...@1776.COM> wrote:
> On Thu, 3 Feb 2011 17:35:23 -0800 (PST), Mike Franklin <mkfrn...@gmail.com>
> :
> : For Christmas, my wife bought me my first digital SLR, a Canon T2i
> : with an EFS 18-35 mm lens.
>
> An excellent choice. (But don't you mean an 18-50 mm lens?)

Actually, I meant an 18-135 mm lens.

> : Which UV filter do you recommend for this camera?
>
> None. It's unnecessary. The only realistic justification is to protect the
> lens,

Right, that was the primary reason I wanted one.

>and the Canon kit lens doesn't cost much more than a good filter.

I don't understand this. A good UV filter costs several hundred
dollars? Or maybe the kit lens isn't what I think it is?

> Which is not to say that your wife shouldn't have bought you a camera with a
> cheap lens. The T2i is a fine camera, and if you really get into digital
> photography, you'll buy one or more good lenses and won't feel bad to walk
> away from the kit lens.

Hmm... maybe your advice would be different if I hadn't made a typo
when I specified my lens.

> : I also plan on taking this camera on hiking trips, and would like a
> : camera case that allows easy access (I don't want to have to keep it
> : in my pack) but that doesn't bounce around as I walk. *Which camera
> : case would satisfy both of these requirements?
>
> You want one that has both a shoulder strap and belt loops. The Lowepro Rezo
> series fits that requirement, but there are many others. Look at various
> cases, and pick one you like.
>

Thanks

On Feb 3, 6:39*pm, Savageduck <savageduck1@{REMOVESPAM}me.com> wrote:
> On 2011-02-03 17:35:23 -0800, Mike Franklin <mkfrn...@gmail.com> said:
>
>
>
>
>
> > I would appreciate it if someone more knowledgeable than I (which
> > almost certainly equates to anyone reading this) could answer a couple
> > of questions regarding camera equipment.
>
> > For Christmas, my wife bought me my first digital SLR, a Canon T2i
> > with an EFS 18-35 mm lens.
>
> > Which UV filter do you recommend for this camera?
>
> > I also plan on taking this camera on hiking trips, and would like a
> > camera case that allows easy access (I don't want to have to keep it
> > in my pack) but that doesn't bounce around as I walk. *Which camera
> > case would satisfy both of these requirements?
>
> > Thanks for your help.
>
> > Mike
>
> If you are going to get a UV filter look for one from one of the more
> reputable manufacturers. You are not going to need anything
> exorbitantly priced. Check Hoya, B&W, Heliopan, Tiffen, see what your
> local camera shop might suggest. There is no need to make the selection
> of a UV filter too complicated, but multiple coatings will help.
>
> When you say hiking trips, I am making the assumption you will already
> have a backpack for that purpose. So for those hikes where you will
> have a non-photo-equipment backpack I would suggest a belt system of
> some sort so you can utilize your back pack and have your DSLR handy.
> There are systems from reputable manufactures which will meet your
> needs and will allow you to add to the belt.
> Check these:
> <http://products.lowepro.com/catalog/Beltpacks,7.htm>
> <http://www.thinktankphoto.com/>
>
> If you are just looking for a bag for those walks when you are not in
> need of a "hiking backpack" consider one of the sling bags. They are
> comfortable, hold extra goodies and make camera access easy.
> <http://www.lowepro.com/slingshot> (they have others, this is just to
> give you an idea.)
>
> BTW; once you get into bags, you will have a collection.
>
> --
> Regards,
>
> Savageduck

Thanks for the links! Very helpful.

Mike

On Feb 3, 5:57*pm, ray <r...@zianet.com> wrote:
> On Thu, 03 Feb 2011 17:35:23 -0800, Mike Franklin wrote:
> > I would appreciate it if someone more knowledgeable than I (which almost
> > certainly equates to anyone reading this) could answer a couple of
> > questions regarding camera equipment.
>
> > For Christmas, my wife bought me my first digital SLR, a Canon T2i with
> > an EFS 18-35 mm lens.
>
> > Which UV filter do you recommend for this camera?
>
> > I also plan on taking this camera on hiking trips, and would like a
> > camera case that allows easy access (I don't want to have to keep it in
> > my pack) but that doesn't bounce around as I walk. *Which camera case
> > would satisfy both of these requirements?
>
> > Thanks for your help.
>
> > Mike
>
> FWIW - I'd check out some of the more unlikely places for a case. I got
> mine from Fred Meyer a couple of years ago. It is a three way - I can put
> it on a strap, use in a fanny pack configuration or simply carry with the
> handle - works quite nicely for hiking, biking, etc.

I'll check it out. Thanks.

Mike

On Thu, 3 Feb 2011 21:20:25 -0800 (PST), Mike Franklin
<> wrote:

>On Feb 3, 6:43*pm, Robert Coe <b...@1776.COM> wrote:
>> On Thu, 3 Feb 2011 17:35:23 -0800 (PST), Mike Franklin <mkfrn...@gmail.com>
>> :
>> : For Christmas, my wife bought me my first digital SLR, a Canon T2i
>> : with an EFS 18-35 mm lens.
>>
>> An excellent choice. (But don't you mean an 18-50 mm lens?)
>
>Actually, I meant an 18-135 mm lens.
>
>> : Which UV filter do you recommend for this camera?
>>
>> None. It's unnecessary. The only realistic justification is to protect the
>> lens,
>
>Right, that was the primary reason I wanted one.
>
>>and the Canon kit lens doesn't cost much more than a good filter.
>
>I don't understand this. A good UV filter costs several hundred
>dollars? Or maybe the kit lens isn't what I think it is?
>
>> Which is not to say that your wife shouldn't have bought you a camera with a
>> cheap lens. The T2i is a fine camera, and if you really get into digital
>> photography, you'll buy one or more good lenses and won't feel bad to walk
>> away from the kit lens.
>
>Hmm... maybe your advice would be different if I hadn't made a typo
>when I specified my lens.
>

You have to consider what the filter is supposed to do. The "UV" is
probably misleading you. Most new cameras do not need a UV filter
because they have an infared blocking filter built in.

So, what we normally use a UV filter for is to protect the lens from
damage...banging it against something, sand or grit in the air, or our
own efforts in cleaning the lens. A lens hood (I prefer the soft
rubber expanding type) is usually sufficient to protect the lens from
banging about. A lens cap protects the lens when you are carrying,
but not using, the camera.

If you are going to do beach or desert photography, then a filter
might be added temporarily for that shoot. Any decent inexpensive
filter will suffice because it's there for protection and not
filtering.

There's a great deal of snobbery about kit lenses. If it comes as
part of the package when you buy a camera, then there are people who
look down their nose at the lens. That's not always deserved. It
depends on what your photographic skills and aspirations are. A kit
lens is usually more than sufficient for even an advanced hobby
photographer.

Your 18-135 lens is replaceable for $400 to $450 ...less used on eBay.
It doesn't make sense to spend "several hundred dollars" to protect
this lens when the only protection you gain is reducing lens face
scratching. It does not protect you from drops or bangs that damage
the lens body, and that's where most cameras are damaged. A lens
hood, keeping the cap on when not in use, and knowing how to clean a
lens will give you more protection.

As to camera bags, they are like ladies dresses: they have to be
tried on to know if they are right. You have to go to the stores with
the most selection and see how your camera and your accessories fit in
the bag and if it's comfortable on you. Some people like
shoulder-sling bags, and some like the backpack type bag.





--
Tony Cooper - Orlando, Florida

Mike Franklin wrote:

> I would appreciate it if someone more knowledgeable than I (which
> almost certainly equates to anyone reading this) could answer a couple
> of questions regarding camera equipment.
>
> For Christmas, my wife bought me my first digital SLR, a Canon T2i
> with an EFS 18-35 mm lens.
>
> Which UV filter do you recommend for this camera?
>
Personally, unless I was shooting in extreme conditions (wind blown sand
etc.) I wouldn't bother with a UV filter, for reasons as explained by Tony
Cooper in his post.

However, if you really want one, you might find the Lenstip.com detailed
comparison test of UV filters helpful:

http://www.lenstip.com/113.1-article...ters_test.html

In article <>,
tony cooper <> wrote:

> On Thu, 3 Feb 2011 21:20:25 -0800 (PST), Mike Franklin
> <> wrote:
>
> >On Feb 3, 6:43*pm, Robert Coe <b...@1776.COM> wrote:
> >> On Thu, 3 Feb 2011 17:35:23 -0800 (PST), Mike Franklin
> >> <mkfrn...@gmail.com>
> >> :
> >> : For Christmas, my wife bought me my first digital SLR, a Canon T2i
> >> : with an EFS 18-35 mm lens.
> >>
> >> An excellent choice. (But don't you mean an 18-50 mm lens?)
> >
> >Actually, I meant an 18-135 mm lens.
> >
> >> : Which UV filter do you recommend for this camera?
> >>
> >> None. It's unnecessary. The only realistic justification is to protect the
> >> lens,
> >
> >Right, that was the primary reason I wanted one.
> >
> >>and the Canon kit lens doesn't cost much more than a good filter.
> >
> >I don't understand this. A good UV filter costs several hundred
> >dollars? Or maybe the kit lens isn't what I think it is?
> >
> >> Which is not to say that your wife shouldn't have bought you a camera with
> >> a
> >> cheap lens. The T2i is a fine camera, and if you really get into digital
> >> photography, you'll buy one or more good lenses and won't feel bad to walk
> >> away from the kit lens.
> >
> >Hmm... maybe your advice would be different if I hadn't made a typo
> >when I specified my lens.
> >
>
> You have to consider what the filter is supposed to do. The "UV" is
> probably misleading you. Most new cameras do not need a UV filter
> because they have an infared blocking filter built in.
>
> So, what we normally use a UV filter for is to protect the lens from
> damage...banging it against something, sand or grit in the air, or our
> own efforts in cleaning the lens. A lens hood (I prefer the soft
> rubber expanding type) is usually sufficient to protect the lens from
> banging about. A lens cap protects the lens when you are carrying,
> but not using, the camera.
>
> If you are going to do beach or desert photography, then a filter
> might be added temporarily for that shoot. Any decent inexpensive
> filter will suffice because it's there for protection and not
> filtering.
>
> There's a great deal of snobbery about kit lenses. If it comes as
> part of the package when you buy a camera, then there are people who
> look down their nose at the lens. That's not always deserved. It
> depends on what your photographic skills and aspirations are. A kit
> lens is usually more than sufficient for even an advanced hobby
> photographer.
>
> Your 18-135 lens is replaceable for $400 to $450 ...less used on eBay.
> It doesn't make sense to spend "several hundred dollars" to protect
> this lens when the only protection you gain is reducing lens face
> scratching. It does not protect you from drops or bangs that damage
> the lens body, and that's where most cameras are damaged. A lens
> hood, keeping the cap on when not in use, and knowing how to clean a
> lens will give you more protection.
>
> As to camera bags, they are like ladies dresses: they have to be
> tried on to know if they are right. You have to go to the stores with
> the most selection and see how your camera and your accessories fit in
> the bag and if it's comfortable on you. Some people like
> shoulder-sling bags, and some like the backpack type bag.

Just a little more on filters.

Your lens has 16 elements in 12 groups. "Groups" refers to lens elements
which are cemented together. One of your lens's elements is made of
ultra-low dispersion glass.

Each of the 12 groups has two glass-to-air interfaces which alter the
light path and slightly degrade the light reflecting from your subject.
Lens manufacturers counter the light-loss and degradation through
polishing and coating the element surfaces.

If you put a cheap filter on the lens you are essentially putting a
piece of uncoated window glass in front of all that polished and coated
optical glass.

Good filters like those made by B+W or Schneider start out with the same
kind of optical glass as lenses use. They are sawn, polished, and
multi-coated. The filter's two glass-air interfaces are perfectly
parallel, and the glass is mounted in a strong brass ring (as opposed to
aluminum or zinc for cheap filters) which keeps the glass parallel to
the sensor plane.

A cheap filter to protect the lens _can be_ worse than no filter at all.
A well-made filter at least will reduce the amount of image degradation
inherent in adding elements to any lens design.

On Feb 4, 6:15*am, tony cooper <tony_cooper...@earthlink.net> wrote:
> On Thu, 3 Feb 2011 21:20:25 -0800 (PST), Mike Franklin
>
> <mkfrn...@gmail.com> wrote:
> >On Feb 3, 6:43*pm, Robert Coe <b...@1776.COM> wrote:
> >> On Thu, 3 Feb 2011 17:35:23 -0800 (PST), Mike Franklin <mkfrn...@gmail..com>
> >> :
> >> : For Christmas, my wife bought me my first digital SLR, a Canon T2i
> >> : with an EFS 18-35 mm lens.
>
> >> An excellent choice. (But don't you mean an 18-50 mm lens?)
>
> >Actually, I meant an 18-135 mm lens.
>
> >> : Which UV filter do you recommend for this camera?
>
> >> None. It's unnecessary. The only realistic justification is to protect the
> >> lens,
>
> >Right, that was the primary reason I wanted one.

That's the impression I had too
in the days of film there were skylight filters 1A & 1B IIRC. to
consider


> >>and the Canon kit lens doesn't cost much more than a good filter.
>
> >I don't understand this. *A good UV filter costs several hundred
> >dollars? *Or maybe the kit lens isn't what I think it is?
>
> >> Which is not to say that your wife shouldn't have bought you a camera with a
> >> cheap lens. The T2i is a fine camera, and if you really get into digital
> >> photography, you'll buy one or more good lenses and won't feel bad to walk
> >> away from the kit lens.
>
> >Hmm... *maybe your advice would be different if I hadn't made a typo
> >when I specified my lens.
>
> You have to consider what the filter is supposed to do. *The "UV" is
> probably misleading you.


That could be true, but a UV filter probably has less efect on colour
balance
than any other filter you'd normally buy.

It is a pity that someone doesn't make a protection filter, i.e one
purely
for protection nothing else implied just a bit of good quality glass
no filtering. (yes In know ND can do that but they have an effect)

>*Most new cameras do not need a UV filter
> because they have an infared blocking filter built in. *

I don't think there is any connection between a IR blocking filter and
a UV one as they
are at opposite ends of the 'light' spectrum.

>
> So, what we normally use a UV filter for is to protect the lens from
> damage...banging it against something, sand or grit in the air, or our
> own efforts in cleaning the lens.

Beers too, maybe even rain if you take photos when it rains.

There's something for a SI mandate Rain.


>*A lens hood (I prefer the soft
> rubber expanding type) is usually sufficient to protect the lens from
> banging about. *A lens cap protects the lens when you are carrying,
> but not using, the camera. *
>
> If you are going to do beach or desert photography, then a filter
> might be added temporarily for that shoot. *Any decent inexpensive
> filter will suffice because it's there for protection and not
> filtering.

Yes I agree, but I'd add that perhaps keeping the filter on for most
photographs
and perhaps only taking it off for particular shots rather than only
putting the filter on
when you think there's a chance of damaging the lens.
Which is sort of the reverse of what you're saying.


> There's a great deal of snobbery about kit lenses. *If it comes as
> part of the package when you buy a camera, then there are people who
> look down their nose at the lens. *That's not always deserved. *It
> depends on what your photographic skills and aspirations are. *A kit
> lens is usually more than sufficient for even an advanced hobby
> photographer.
>
> Your 18-135 lens is replaceable for $400 to $450 ...less used on eBay.
> It doesn't make sense to spend "several hundred dollars" to protect
> this lens when the only protection you gain is reducing lens face
> scratching.

But that's well worth protecting isn't it.

>*It does not protect you from drops or bangs that damage
> the lens body, and that's where most cameras are damaged. *A lens
> hood, keeping the cap on when not in use, and knowing how to clean a
> lens will give you more protection.

I think prevention is better than cure, I've had a pretty bad beer
stain
on my G10, I wish I'd had a filter on at the time.

> As to camera bags, they are like ladies dresses: *they have to be
> tried on to know if they are right.

So when was teh last time you tried on a ladies dress and
did you buy matching shoes and handbag like they do

>*You have to go to the stores with
> the most selection and see how your camera and your accessories fit in
> the bag and if it's comfortable on you. *Some people like
> shoulder-sling bags, and some like the backpack type bag. *

Depending on location sometimes it's better not to have a
photographers bag
as it's a green light to thieves, sometimes just a tatty old rucksack
with padding might do the job.
I feel the same way about laptop bags too, why advertise your kit to
all .