Protection Filter

[markmullen]

I've just pressed the button on a couple of L lenses to go with the 1D2 I picked up yesterday, a 24-105 and 70-200 F4 IS.

What is the best bet for lens protection? I'll use the lens hoods but shoot motorsport (in particular rallying) where there is a lot of mud and crap thrown up by the cars so would like a filter to protect the front element (and to complete the weather sealing).

I know a lot of people use Hoya Pro 1D, any others I should look at?

 

[Arkady]

I've just pressed the button on a couple of L lenses to go with the 1D2 I picked up yesterday, a 24-105 and 70-200 F4 IS.

What is the best bet for lens protection? I'll use the lens hoods but shoot motorsport (in particular rallying) where there is a lot of mud and crap thrown up by the cars so would like a filter to protect the front element (and to complete the weather sealing).

I know a lot of people use Hoya Pro 1D, any others I should look at?

Not really.
Hoya Pro-1 filters came out top on a survey I saw a while back - almost exactly the same results as Hoya's HMC series, in fact...lol
If you're likely to be swapping them fairly often - rally-sport being one of those events where you might get through a few each season, then the HMC series might be a better bet.

 

[Sponge]

If I may join this thread, it was top result on my search.

I've just ordered a 70-200 f2.8 IS and was wondering about a filter to protect the lens (and my investment), but it seems strange to put another piece of glass in front of such an expensive lens.

Anyway, looking at filters and linking to a couple (using this retailer for no particular reason): do I need to spend the extra?

Hoya SHMC PRO-1 Digital UV Filter 77mm @ £39

Hoya SHMC PRO-1 Digital Protector (Skylight) 77mm @ £63

Edit: If it makes any difference - I live on the coast and often take pictures down on, or near, the beach. It's usually windy. I know the lens is environmentally sealed, but I don't really want to be facing £££ repair bills for a damaged lens.

I've only ever damaged one lens. It's actually my current Sigma (see profile). There's a small (3mm) scratch on the outer edge. No idea how it got there. Most of the time it has it's hood on. I'd feel sick if something similar happened to the 70-200.

I've been reading lots of threads on the subject and opinions seem varied. But if I were to buy one, would the second one above be recommended?