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Originally Posted by shuzzbutt I think most folk would recommend a lens hood over a filter- after all you don't want to cover your expensive lens glass with cheapo filter glass. I found this out after buying a uv filter from jessops  |
Ermmm; not me. Use both if you can, and if using a filter a lenshood is even more advisable.
Judging by the focal length, you will be using the lens outside and a protection filter is certainly wise. If you use a filter you will be only too aware that they need cleaning from time to time. Far better to clean a filter than the front element of the lens. When you have cleaned the filter once too many times you can replace it, unlike the lens.
Filters can adversely affect image quality in some instances but IME that is usually too small to worry about and not as much as having a dirty lens. When a filter causes refections and halos you can always remove it for a particular shot.
As for quality, avoid the cheapest and stick to a known brand like Hoya with good quality coatings. As ever the you get what you pay for but beware the effect of diminishing returns.