Second the shout for a filter.
Again go for gold as it will make sense. Best one is a UV for starters.
As you have a Canon [I'ma big fan
] go for the 50mm f1.8. The 1.4 is much better made but the f1.8 is an extremely quick lense for the money, you'll not be disapointed.
Look forward to the Photo section, will drop ome pics of sunny Adelaide....
Roo