In article <32E416D0.3956@gc.net>, randcarl@gc.net says...
>Chan Ying Kit wrote:

>> D F Allen (freddy@koan.de) wrote:
>> : What do you think are the best filters to always have available? If you
>> : were limited to 4 what would they be?

>Another opinion: avoid using filters whenever possible. You will find
>that all but the best brands of filters are of much lesser quality than
>the prime lens. If you are going to degrade lens sharpness with a UV
>filter that stays on the lens, you may as well buy a cheaper lens and
>replace the lens if it gets scrathed. Carry only a polarizer and a 23
>or 25A red.

Hmmm, have you been reading the posts on filters lately...;-)
I have done tests, and even with a fast long tele (worst case),
NO degradation was found from using a good (not necessarily
expensive...) filter... And ANY filter is cheaper to replace
than 'most any lens it would be on... (and, like many who posted
similar experiences, a UV did save a favorite lens of mine from
glass damage when someone on the street grabbed the lens,
scratching the filter [and I have lightly scratched UV filters
in the process of cleaning them, experienced as I am in cleaning
glass...]).
Hope This Helps