Q: I have a soundbar that needs to be mounted on the television, because when it's on the stand it blocks the TV's remote IR receiver. There is a shelf above the TV, so it's tricky. What do you recommend?
A: You might be able to work your TV by pointing the remote at the ceiling so the signal bounces toward the TV from above. It's a long shot but worth a try nonetheless. Just remember when you aim: Angle of incidence equals angle of reflection.
If this doesn't work, check out Sewell's universal soundbar brackets. They're among the mote clever and unobtrusive mounts I've seen, ingenious in their simplicity. They are adjustable and will place the soundbar directly on top of the TV without imposing any additional vertical space, and they're affordable, starting at $25 (www.sewelldirect.com).
Lens hood is worth a purchase
Q: I recently purchased a Canon EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS telephoto zoom lens. It didn't include a lens hood. Should I buy one?
A: I strongly recommend using a lens hood in almost all circumstances. There are two important benefits.
The main benefit is improved image quality. The front element can catch light from outside the field of view, which can cause flares as well as reducing contrast and image quality. The hood will shade the lens to keep this extraneous light from affecting your pictures. In fact, lens hoods can also be referred to as "lens shades," especially when referring to equipment used in the studio.
The second benefit is protection. The lens hood will help protect the front lens element from accidental damage when the lens cap is off and you are taking pictures.
Lens hoods are even more imperative when you use fast (low f-stop) lenses with large front elements. The large front element is susceptible to catching extraneous light, and this large glass surface also represents a huge target that requires protection from scratches and fingerprints.
