Michael: thank you for your feedback. I like your quote about the weakest link - definitely applies in this case.

EOS: thank you for the link. Interesting reading and results there.


I suppose this comes down to how much is too much? Like sunscreen - SPF 30 verses SPF 60: how much more UV rays are blocked for the additional cost? 2%? I forget, something like that. One can definitely overbuy. EOS, I think you're right about the marketing strategy of the "optimized for digital" slogan. Overused and probably abused use of the phrase for some products which have only a miniscule improvement over the original product.

Looking back at my original post, I feel silly about the misty/dusty environment statement. If the conditions are that misty & dusty, then the air quality is going to degraded more than the effects caused by any economy-grade filter! Duh

I think I'll just continue to use my lens cap, lens shade, and hand to protect my lens from sticks and stuff. Should save me some $$$ too!

Thanks again.