Lens hood and other advise

[rehab71]

Hi guys

I've just bought a Cannon EF 70-300mm IS zoom lens for my Canon 550D and have a couple of quick questions as I'm very new to all this lark.

One of the main reasons for getting the zoom lens was Le Mans next month as I really want to try and get some good shots of my own. Anyway, the lens didn't come with a hood and I was wondering what sort is best, if any?

I have also read that an amatuer such as myself should worry more about aperture then shutter speed when it comes to starting out.

Any general advise with what make a good set up for Le Mans (lets hope for sun) would be greatly received?

Thanks

[Mojocvh]

OK
Firstly I don't own that particular lens but I do have a similar fl Sigma.
Yes a hood is important, however I have ignored own brand hoods and have been experimenting with simple rubber fold down ones (amazon etc) and am perfectly happy with them and (on the wider lenses) their limitations ie possible viginating if fully extended.

Mo.

[Simpo Two]

Hood - can't do any harm (other than take up space) and has two useful functions - reducing lens flare if shooting close to the sun, and keeping rain off the front element.

Aperture - this and shutter speed are linked. As one goes up the other goes down and vice versa. I normally use aperture priority but in the case of motorsport, if you are trying to get a particular panning/background blur effect then it might be better to choose the shutter speed and let the aperture look after itself. But everybody has their own ways of doing things and you need to find what works best for you.

[RobDickinson]

Yes get and use a lens hood, doesnt have to be a canon own brand.

Shutter speeds should be 1/500th+ for freezing motion (often boring!) if thats what you want, or much lower if you are panning, IS will help, go out and practice panning before you get to lm.

[rehab71]

Thanks all for the advise