I am looking at getting a windscreen for my XL2, and looked first at the Canon EQ-XL1. This looks like a good product, and I've heard good things about it, but are there any better third-party products that are better than the Canon? Or am I better off just going with the EQ-XL1?

Rycote do excellant windscreens for almost any camera / microphone. They'll even make one to suit if required.

http://www.rycote.com

I got a long haired softie from them. Just undo the screw that holds on the pop shield to the supplied microphone, and then slide the softie on. Job done!

Dude, there is a cheaper alternative than paying 150bucks for a wind screen. -just go to the local fabric store and buy some furry cloth. If you girlfrind is any kind of regular girl she can sow you a cover for you mic. Works great.