Canon 17-55, Hood or filter

[Nana]

After wavering around between the 24-105 and the 17-55, I've decided on the latter as I'm going away for a day or two and might get chance for some landscape/seascape shots, maybe.
I've heard it's a dust pump so what's the best for protection a Hoya pro filter or the hood? I can't afford both I'm sorry to say as I'll have to buy the hood for double the cost at Warehouseexpress, rather than one on ebay because I need it quickly. My own fault for not making my mind up, but there you go.

Any advice welcome. :)

[Radiohead]

a filter I would imagine, but I'd still want a hood to counter flare.

[1966]

Anyone found a decent cheapo hood for the 17-55? I don't much fancy paying £50 for the original one :|

PS, Radiohead - TWO 5Ds AND a 30D?? That's just greedy :nuts:

[Radiohead]

You can never have too much backup for weddings :D

[tdodd]

Buy the filter and make the hood - http://www.lenshoods.co.uk/hoods/Canon-EF-S-17-55mm-f-2.8-IS-USM.php

[Nana]

I think I agree, filter first. I don't want any sand blowing and scratching the glass as soon as I take the lens cap off (if I manage to get to the beach).

As for the hood, I've ordered a genuine Canon one from a seller I trust (so far) on the bay for around £20 odd. Still from HK but they are supposed to be authorized Canon dealers, so I believe them when they say it's a genuine Canon hood, looks like a Canon box anyway.