What type of filter for 17-55 2.8 IS USM?

I'm about to buy a Canon 17-55mm IS USM 2.8 Lens

There are so many filters out there, all i MAINLY care about is a lens protector

BUT

I guess i want to reduce flare as well.

I want to know what "type" of filter am i looking at

FOR THE PURPOSE

I only want to protect the lens glass and reduce flare from sun...

I DO NOT want the colour of the images to be altered in any way what so ever !!!! i especially dot wnat a lense protect that may reduce the amount of light / f stops ....

Please help.

Lastly - i want a well know major brand dont mind paying for it.

From the list below - im n ot sure what catergory id be looking at for what i want?

Sub Categories
Close-up Filters
Screw-In Lens Hood
Step Up & Down Rings
Cokin Special Effects Filters
Polarising Filters
Protection Filters
Neutral Density Filters
Replacement Lens Caps
UV Filters
Filter Kits
- Filters by size
- Filters by brand

Check out the Protective Filter FAQ for all your filter questions. You're asking about either a UV or Protection filter; I'd suggest you also consider a circular polarizer if you shoot outdoors in the sun, or have to deal with reflections from paint, glass, water, or other non-metallic surfaces. You wouldn't leave that on all the time though. Personally, I'm only buying B+W MRC filters these days.

i ended up getting

Hoya 77mm UV (O) HD Filter

Jon wrote in post #7205611
Check out the Protective Filter FAQ for all your filter questions. You're asking about either a UV or Protection filter; I'd suggest you also consider a circular polarizer if you shoot outdoors in the sun, or have to deal with reflections from paint, glass, water, or other non-metallic surfaces. You wouldn't leave that on all the time though. Personally, I'm only buying B+W MRC filters these days.

For my Canon EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS lens, I have had good success using the B+W UV/Haze (MRC) Filter and designated Canon Lens Hood. I also use the B+W Kaeseman (MRC) Circular Polarizer Filter.

I swear by B + W MRC filters. top notch stuff

Get the best, B+W MRC. Optic quality wise, probably same as Hoya, but B+W is much easier to clean.

are they expensive?

are they the ones really hard to get?

asia minor wrote in post #7593230
I swear by B + W MRC filters. top notch stuff

AussieCat wrote in post #7593663
are they expensive?

are they the ones really hard to get?

expensive? relatively yes.

where to get them? various stores that list on amazon is where I get mine.

I would second the B+W MRC. Definitely a great filter. Got mine from Amazon

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I've used this lens for a while now and find it at its best without any filter.

asia minor wrote in post #7593230
I swear by B + W MRC filters. top notch stuff

Same here.

LostShootingStar wrote in post #7605779
I would second the B+W MRC. Definitely a great filter. Got mine from Amazon

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Yeah, I've bought filters from Amazon as well in the past. They seem to have everything or if not that, then B&H.

I've been shooting with a Hoya Pro1 UV filter on and dont really notice much of a difference in IQ when its on or off.

Yes, they are rather expensive compared to other filters, but you are paying for the good stuff! You bought a expensive lens, why would you put a cheap $10-20 piece of glass in front of your $900 lens, it will potentially reduce the quality of the image quality.

you can get them at http://maxsaver.net/ (former HVStar) for a pretty good price.

AussieCat wrote in post #7593663
are they expensive?

are they the ones really hard to get?