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Message: <blockquote data-quote="gordthelord" data-source="post: 1481748" data-attributes="member: 63766">With respect, I would recommend  u.v filters for your lenses. The last thing your want to happen is to scratch or damage the front lense, (it's unlikely but accidents can happen.) I also had this dilema last year when I bought mt 400mm 5.6 and sigma 150 macro. I was really reluctant to put a non-desript bit of glass in front of these fine lenses. However, after asking questions on bird forum I decided to get myself hoya super HMC pro1 multi coated u.v. filters. (I included the full name in case you want to look them up - there are many types and it can be confusing.)I'm pleased to say that these filters appear to have no noticeable impact upon the sharpness of my shots and I can rest easy knowing that if anything gets scratched, its just the filter. I think I got them from a power seller on ebay and cost about £30 each.Hope this is useful to you and forgive my intrusion.Memory cards would also be a good idea. The 400mm 5.6 is a great hand held lens. I seldom use it on a tripod.Rocket blower for removing dust.Digital SLR handbook by Andy Rouse.Just some ideas.Enjoy.</blockquote>