Hello, if you can't stand to read basic questions, please ignore this post! I am just getting started. I recently (last week) got a new Nikon set up -- an N70, 24/120 lens, and a 70/300 lens. I also have a 50mm f1.8. This is my first "current generation" camera after having used an old Pentax for the last ten years. I bought all the equipment mail order (from Beach Camera, and actually I had no problems with them -- great prices, all US warranties, and expeditious delivery -- despite all of the warnings to avoid anything but B&H, Adorama, etc). I wanted to get some protective filters for the lenses, no special effects, just something to proect the lens; at my local camera shop they had a) a very expensive Nikon filter ($90) and b) some very cheap non-Nikon filters. The sales guy suggested that I buy the $90 filter for the 24/120 lens and the cheap filter for the other lenses. I might have gone with the cheapo ones (after all we are just talking about a piece of clear glass) but when I looked through them, they seemed to be somewhat "spotty," so I ended up not buying anything. But I would like to get some protection on my expensive lenses before I venture out into the world... So the question is: can I use cheap protection on the lenses without quality degradation, and if so, what type (brand) is best? Is there some reason to use a better filter on the 24/120 as the salesman said (his reasoning was that the aspherical lens needed a better filter). If I "must" get the Nikon filter, I will, but it seems like a lot of extra money to pay for something that isn't very complicated. Also, I have noticed some speculation as to what the new product introductions from Nikon will be. I can tell you exactly what it is going to be: since I just bought a new N70 last week, they will undoubtedly announce a replacement for it!! I'm jinxed. I'm willing to bet $$ on this one!! Thanks for your help. I've found this maling list quite useful for the short time I've been reading it. Dylan
