A UV filter need not be very expensive. Remember you are concerned about abrasion so that filter will be subjected to fine scratches tho careful. Low cost, have several, change if dusty and clean later. A lens hood is also a good idea, that too will provide some protection and if the low cost filter coating is not the "best" then the hood will help. You can test several UV filters at the camera store and then do a critical review on clarity.

Circular Polarizer are a different story. Here the choice of filter may well depend on the lens and the focus system of a particular camera. "Get-whatcha-payfur" is at times bunk. My suspicion is that the material that composes the 1/4 scattering portion of the Circular Polarizer is the key to clarity. Here again testing of several filters on your system is imperative. There have been two extensive threads-postings on Circular Polarizers within the past week. Check them out via UHH search at the top of the screen.

Also rinse before rubbing is a good suggestion. using wipes on a dust covered filter will make micro scratches and the filter will soften the photo or make stars of bright spots.

I agree with travlnman46 regarding socks and filters -- one size to fit all except in extreme cases... Oh, well if you have a significant diameter difference and you are going to keep protecting your lenses even if not in use, then better to have the correct size.

So listening to all of you has been invaluable. My first goal was to master the camera. I've never used manual mode before i always used auto. So the past year has been about learning what Fstops and shutter speeds and focal lengths etc to use while also getting good exposed images. While there is always more to learn on this, I no longer feel overwhelmed by those basics. Now I am going to sit back and think about composition. What story do I want to tell? What did I see that drew my eye in and therefore what do I want others to see and feel. Sometimes its texture, sometimes lines, sometimes emotion, sometimes color sometimes a mix of these things. I think the mix is what causes the clutter - what should I leave out to make an interesting photo. HA - I want to include it all. I like that, I like this, oooooh that's cool. ETC. ha I am laughing at myself as I write this. I use the boring rocks picture as an example - the shape and color drew me in. Now how do I show that in an interesting way? HMMM something to ponder.