I just got a new Canon 70-200 lens for $45.99. Well, actually, it was a thermos that looks just like a Canon lens. You might want to check out this and other Canon and Nikon lens mugs/thermos at canonmugs.com
Thank you all for your thoughts and suggestions! Dpullam, you are right on...the lens (a Canon 90 T/S) and filter (a relatively expensive B+W UV) are fine. I probably would not have had a need to remove the filter for years, if at all. Seeing that I do not plan to sell the lens, I will most likely leave it as is (until I have a need to remove the filter or win the lottery and can spare $400 to get my lens to E+ condition).
Nice case...gotta get me one of them after Xmas!
I hate to admit it, but I dropped my camera. :-( No damage to the camera or lens, but the edge of my UV filter got bent. I discovered that the UV filter is stuck. Any suggestions on how to remove it. I've tried bending it back with pliers and using a rubber mat to try to turn it, but to no avail. I thought I might try to get some recommendations first before I send the lens to a repair shop or Canon.
I've changed lenses in the cold (~0 degrees F) with no problem. It's when you come back into the house that you might want to take precautions. I always keep a plastic bag in my case for that reason. I put the camera and lens in the plastic bag so condensation doesn't form, and I leave them in there until they come back to room temperature.
I'm not sure why you don't keep the 70-300 macro and just buy a 50mm macro. Canon makes a very decent one for under $300. I use Canon's 50/2.5 macro as my primary normal lens.