Yippie new t3i has been delivered! I'm very happy to say that my new camera has been delivered! Battery charged, card inserted and I'm ready! But now i remember way back in my 35 m...

Like tulips Loc: Mi

I'm very happy to say that my new camera has been delivered! Battery charged, card inserted and I'm ready! But now i remember way back in my 35 m days that I purchased a clear glass cap thing to go over my lens cap the camers shop suggested it.I think it was to protect the lens in case it was dropped?? The idea was that the 10.00 cover would break instead of the lens? Not sure if this is something I should get before I start playing with my new toy..it seems that the lens wil break if it is dropped with or without that little protection..
I also had a thingy that was attached to the lens cap and also was attached to the lens so that when you took the cap off you would not lose it.. Do they still sell those?? Do they have a name?

Thanks for your input! I appreciate it!!

Linda From Maine Loc: Yakima, Washington

Welcome to UHH!

First thingy is a clear lens filter or a UV filter. The size you want is 58mm. It is to protect the end of the lens from scratches, but sadly not drops.

Second thingy is a lens cap tether. Not sure if the T3i lens cap that comes with the camera has a place to attach (mine doesn't appear to), but you can research now that you have a name :)

Enjoy your camera; I love mine.

alliebess Loc: suburban Philadelphia

Like tulips wrote:

I'm very happy to say that my new camera has been ... (show quote)

The thingy is a lens cap keeper. Yes, they are still available. Amazon.com sells them; not sure about B&H and Adorama. The ones I have have a sticky dot that attaches to the lens cap and at the other end of the cord is an elastic band that fits around the barrel of the lens. Had I had one earlier it would have saved me from scrambling around in the grass on a cold night searching for the lens cap I dropped. I always had them on my film SLR lenses.

Photog8 Loc: Morriston, FL

Yeah, a UV filter was almost standard on the film cameras...but I have seen many pro/con (mostly con) discussions here on their use with digital. I use a rubber hood on all my lenses that seem to absorb those annoying bumps that always seem to happen. I pocket my lens caps as soon as I remove them...don't like things swinging in the breeze off my camera. ;-)

Linda From Maine Loc: Yakima, Washington

Photog8 wrote:

I pocket my lens caps as soon as I remove them...don't like things swinging in the breeze off my camera. ;-)

:thumbup: :thumbup:

I leave mine in the camera bag as I do use a UV filter.

Wahawk Loc: NE IA

alliebess wrote:

The thingy is a lens cap keeper. Yes, they are still available. Amazon.com sells them; not sure about B&H and Adorama. The ones I have have a sticky dot that attaches to the lens cap and at the other end of the cord is an elastic band that fits around the barrel of the lens. Had I had one earlier it would have saved me from scrambling around in the grass on a cold night searching for the lens cap I dropped. I always had them on my film SLR lenses.

Most Walmarts, etc sell the lens cap keepers

Like tulips Loc: Mi

Thank you every for your help! I knew this was the best place ask questions!! I know for sure I will be back with more!

Linda From Maine Loc: Yakima, Washington

Like tulips wrote:

Thank you every for your help! I knew this was the best place ask questions!! I know for sure I will be back with more!

It's fun to help out + we all learn when others ask questions :)

St3v3M Loc: 35,000 feet

Yea!

DaveMM Loc: Port Elizabeth, South Africa

A UV filter on a film camera did a useful job in reducing haze by stopping the UV from getting to the film. Digital cameras have, I understand, a UV filter built in to the sensor. The only use of a UV filter on a DSLR is to protect the lens from scratches; you would have to be VERY lucky for it to do anything if you drop a lens.

Personally, I prefer to use a lens hood which does dual purpose of cutting down flare and protecting the lens end. I take care of my equipment and avoid excess dust or sea spray, which would affect the rest of the camera badly anyway.

Enjoy your T3i. I have had a T2i for a couple of years and it is a great camera - functionally identical with the T3i except for the swivelling screen and a flash transmitter.

Ted Liette Loc: Greenville, Ohio

Photog8 wrote:

Yeah, a UV filter was almost standard on the film cameras...but I have seen many pro/con (mostly con) discussions here on their use with digital. I use a rubber hood on all my lenses that seem to absorb those annoying bumps that always seem to happen. I pocket my lens caps as soon as I remove them...don't like things swinging in the breeze off my camera. ;-)

I too received a new Canon t3i from my children last year for Christmas and I love it! I always have some kind of filter on my lens, to protect it or to take a better picture. Some people argue against the use of filters but I guess I'm on the other side of the fence. Please do your research to make up your own mind and you'll get plenty of help here on UHH. And happy holidays!

SharpShooter Loc: NorCal

Tulips, welcome to the Hog.;-)
The clear glass cover over the lens, is so if you go to a jousting tournament and a jousters lance just happens to go awry, with your camera hanging around your neck, that the lance may strike the glass protector, and do no more bodily harm to you, or harm to the camera lens. Not so unlike when a policeman's badge stops a bullet.
But you don't need no stinking bawdges, just a little clear filter.
Tulip, again welcome and have fun with your new camera!
SS ;-)

zuzanne Loc: Crawfordville, FL

Congrats on your new toy. I love my T3i. I use a UV filter to protect the lens from scratches, dirt etc. I try to remember to take it off when shooting. I tried two shots per a UHH's advice, one with the filter on the lens one with it off. There was a big difference in the quality of the shot with the filter off. Enjoy your new camera, just remember new toys for it become an expensive obsession. LOL!!

zuzanne