What filter for new lens

[clkgtr37]

I recently purchased a 70-200 2.8L IS, and i want to keep this protected is if it were a kid of mine. I was wondering if anyone had any advice on what filter to buy to protect it and not hurt it's quality at all, or should I not put a filter on it at all?

[Roger_Cavanagh]

There was a thread about this topic on Michael Reichmann's site a while back:

http://www.luminous-landscape.com/discus/messages/6/1446.html?

Opinion was split between those (like Michael himself) who will only use filters in bad weather (rain, dust, sea spray, etc.) and those who always use a filter (usually a UV filter) as permanent lens protection.

I've got UV filters on all my lenses apart from the 100-400, where I figure the big hood will provide protection against scratching the glass.

Regards,

Roger

[Jim C.]

It's a personal thing.
I really can't see the difference with or w/o. If you keep your lens hood on, you should have no problems.
In 40+ years, I've never scratched or dropped a lens.
(knock on wood).
Go with what you feel comfortable with and don't buy cheap filters.