They still go out on the far end just not attached to the camera. Even with a Mattbox

Of course, it was just a silly quip -- wouldn't surprise me if the OP even understand that mattebox filters don't screw onto the lens (unless he's trolling us all...).

-- peer

That could be the case, and I know you know. But he has frustrated me.

The best solution here is for him (assuming no trolls troll these waters) to go to a local camera store. They make quick work of showing which end of the lens is which - and why.
And then, of course, there are classes,which was already mentioned.

Jerry is right. You might consider a photography class. They might have one at Sierra College. (I used to live in Grass Valley.) Your local camera shop might sponsor workshops. I attended a Canon Intermediate workshop in Portland last year that was excellent. There are also photo clubs. We have one where I work that meets for lunch twice a month.

Then again, maybe you're a quick study. In that case, read everything you can at this site and other photo-oriented sites.

In any case, learn first. Spend later.

One other recommendation that I have is to figure out your shooting goals before you buy. Maybe you want to make nature films, an action movie, a romantic comedy, skateboarding docs, music videos, underwater library footage, Jackass videos, timelapses, stop action films, a prison documentary, wedding DVDs, astronomy films, or microscopic research captures. Each genre and your personal style within that genre might dictate the use of different equipment. Getting (buying or renting) the tools that you need to produce your vision is an important step in achieving your goals.

Not wanting to confuse the OP but just to clarify that in special circumstances filters may indeed be fitted at body end of the lens. The obvious & most common case is that of a fisheye lens that is too bulbous for a screw on filter so has a little holder at the camera mount end for filters. I own the Canon EF 15mm f/2.8 Fisheye can accommodate up to three gel filters EOS (SLR) Camera Systems - Wide-Angle - Wide Angle Lens - EF 15mm f/2.8 Fisheye - Canon USA Consumer Products
There are also special filters that fit inside the camera body for astronomical photography
Astronomik EOS Clip Filter System

hahaha........You guys crack me up.

Jerry you don't think I know much? I wonder why I am one of the top companies in my area...of course I am new to DSLR cameras.....but still....I know what I am getting into....just picking your guys brains about the lens since they do cost a pretty penny.

Thanks everyone for your help. Coming from the EX1r camera series, the whole interchangeable lens thing is new to me, and since these cameras are not even really video cameras I have to pick up on how the filters and whatnot goes together.

I think I got it sorted out now.
Thanks everyone.

Guys I think someone was just playin with ya.... if one is to be believed he is no noobie...

Sacramento Wedding & Corporate Videographer - Roseville Folsom Tahoe

That's the thing about forums. You never know how much - or little - any given poster knows.

Confusing lens mounts and filter threads seemed pretty basic though...