Originally posted by MrEarle Exactly what I intend to do, however....Has anyone found this highly rated lens to have unacceptable amount of flare?
It's not known for that, and I've been shooting with mine for several years without that problem (during which time, I can say that it generally earns its positive reputation). I mentioned my approach - with hood, without filter unless absolutely necessary. Tiffen filters are bad for flare. Next step, as you say, is to test with and without filter side by side
EDIT: In the years I've been on this forum, I don't recall anyone mentioning that they were getting significant flare from this lens, either. So you can safely assume it's not a general problem.