"Lens protector"? Use the one that you got with the lens or the kit. For UV or any other filter, anything that fits the lens is good. I've seen people buy protectors just to buy them, and they won't fit or will alter the colors/focusing/framing of the shot. Make sure the lens is completely clean with a lintless rag before you put the filter on it. Try the Camera Co-Op on Durham near Washington Ave. for cheap quick items, and online for cheaper items. Are you buying the XS or the T2i? I believe the next pro-sumer one is coming out soon. Show us some of your good photos.
T2i. Just ordered a B+W 58mm UVA. Was going to go with Tiffen...but it's cheap ($12), therefore it must suck.
Yeah, I retracted myself from saying "lens cap" earlier, but as far as "protector", there are so many ways you could protect your lens (hoods, put it back in the bag, caps, filters, etc. Admittedly, I know I don't always put the lens cap back on if I'm done with the camera... I am guilty of that. I have a Quantaray set with a UV, PL, and ND and mostly will use the UV one for "protection", and the PL when I know I need to reduce glare. It varies. Yes, I know about the filters.
