cheapest filter option for 77mm

What's the cheapest way I can protect the 12-24 is protected, it looks like it'll be arriving today and it's the only lens I have that I think I really need to take precautions for. I guess I'll need something that doesn't block the wide angles as well...?

When my 12-24mm arrives I will not be putting a filter on it, any more than I did with my SMC Pentax 15mm f3.5 (nor could I on that!) but the point I'm making is that it's very unlikely to get damaged and why spoil the optical construction with an extra piece of unecessary glass?

I would suggest insuring it instead, maybe under the All Risks section of your household policy.

The enjoy the lens with a clear conscience!

from what I have seen, the SMC coatings are quite tough and when you handle everything carefully then there are no problems to be expected.

Insurance might be an idea, but does this equipment fall under normal insurances?

You can insure photographic equipment under the "All Risks" section of a Household Contents policy, but if the item exceeds a particular value (maybe £500) then you might have to register it specifically with the insurers and pay a suitable premium.

I have found that this approach can be less expensive than specialised Photographic Insurance.

In the long run, it's cheaper not to insure. Bear in mind that three quarters of the premium goes on commision, admin and profits for shareholders, so over a life-time you'll be able to afford far more cameras, lenses, wine and women (delete as appropriate) if you pay for any losses as they occur.

Never ever insure something that you can afford to repair/replace yourself.

If it's not insured, you'll take more care of it.

Most people, if they insure at all, are grossly over-insured.

G

Just wanted to put in another positive note about TeKaDe a German online dealer, I paid for the lens on Wed. afternoon and it was already here by Sat morning.

the other trouble with insuance poilcies is the old for new clause my MEsupers for instance are to old to insure with some companies and i found that the ones that would cover them if lost or damaged they will replace them with *ist cameras and not ME supers even though the cameras are still available second hand

when i tried to insure my 135mm~600mm f6.7 lens thay refused to cover it although the lens only cost £600 the new replacment 250mm~600mm lens in pentax's pro range is £16,000

im with george on this one if you can afford to replace it dont bother

as for filters well their are the filter properties to consider as well i.e. uv or polarizing filters

If you're serious about protecting your investment, business insurance is the obvious choice. Of course, you need to be in business, but even if your company is not related to photography, you could always find some business use for the cameras.