lens hood or filter

[Theo]

I just bought myself the Canon Rebel XS with the kit 18-55mm lens. As I probably will be with the lens for a long time, I want to buy either a lens hood or a filter so as to protect the lens glass front. Which would you recommend?

[Mpow]

I keep a UV filter on all my lenses to protect them. A lens hood won't protect you from scratches, dirt, fingerprints, etc. I did recently have an issue with my filter causing me "ghosting" on a long exposure. Now that I know what caused it, I can just take the filter off when taking that type of shot.

[Rehesan]

I would recommed the filter, you can get an UV filter for a few bucks and keep it attached to your lens always.

The hood could be used as a protection for your lens, but this will not keep the dust and the moist out of the lens glass.

[lputman]

Be careful with adding additional glass to the lens. It could have an effect on your photographs. You can spend good money on a quality filters.

[inkista]

I'm paranoid, I say both. I'm fine with multi-coated Hoyas, which someone tested out as actually being better than the more expensive B+W UV filters. If you can only afford one, then I'd say go with the hood, since a cheap plastic hood (not one of those screw-on rubber ones) will be more useful and just as protective as a Canon one, and a cheap UV filter will screw up your photos more than a good one.

[RichardTaylor]

Lens hood always #1 as it helps reduce flare and may, up to a point help, with keeping objects from touching the lens.

After that, only if shooting in hostile environments, a UV or skylight filter.

Polarisers and ND filters are as needed.

[Theo]

would this one be ok you think?

Tiffen | 58mm Clear Glass Filter (Coated) | 58CLR | B&H Photo