SharpShooter Loc: NorCal

Lens caps!!!
SS

BHC Loc: Strawberry Valley, JF, USA

No, you obviously don't have dentures. Creamy only, but ND or polarized?

Pablo8 Loc: Nottingham UK.

Get the Sigma ceramic clear filters, and use a dedicated lens hood. Your lenses deserve the best.

queencitysanta Loc: Charlotte, North Carolina

I use both.

Wanderer2 Loc: Colorado Rocky Mountains

I use a short as possible metal hood (about 1 inch) on each lens with a lens cap on the hood. The only drawbacks for me are the extra space being taken up in the camera bag and sometimes there is difficulty in getting the lens caps to stay attached. I started using this method after having some damage occur despite a filter. It's an inexpensive method and works for me.

billnikon Loc: Pennsylvania/Ohio/Florida/Maui/Oregon/Vermont

You will find three camps here. The UV camp and the Lens Hood Only camp. Then there is the Filter and Hood together camp.
And, just like camping, you get to pick which camp you want to be with. All campers have good reasons for being in their camp.
I used to be in the filter and hood camp. But for the past 25 years, 15 years being a professional photographer, I am firmly in the Hood only camp. Why? That's a good question. I guess I just don't want anything extra between my lens glass and the sensor that might effect IQ ( image quality) I have traveled the world with my equipment and have never suffered a fatality yet. And why do you ask? Because my lens hood protects the lens BETTER than a PROTECTIVE filter, and the newer lens hoods from Nikon are a good example. The new version of the Nikon 70-200 2.8 and the Nikon 16-80 both have these hoods attached. They have a spring loaded feel. If the lens is dropped, the hood absorbs the shock and stays intact protecting the lens and filter threads. I tend to be a purist when it comes to photography. My belief is that if lens manufactures intended the photographer to use a PROTECTIVE filter they would supply one with the lens, they already supply a lens cap and rear lens cap, so why not a filter? My guess is that they even feel the PROTECTIVE filter degrades the final image in some way. So, for me anyway, I will remain a permanent resident of the hood only camp. Also newer lenses are being coated on the front element with a coating that allows years of cleaning with no ill effects. Even without this protection I have never damaged the surface of a lens cleaning it so, no problems. Enjoy and keep on shooting until the end.

Pablo8 Loc: Nottingham UK.

I read, years ago, that a Nikon lens (might have been a 300mm f/2.8) had a plain glass front element. The front glass on my 300mm f/2.8 is coated, but I'm not sure whether it is plain, or optical glass.

ken glanzer

With any filter check where it focuses. It may be slightly different but still in focus. In rifle scopes with a variable parallax adjustment (usually starting at 10X power & above), any piece of glass on the lens will require a parallax re-adjustment. There is no perfect glass.

hj Loc: Florida

I do too.

Shoeless_Photographer Loc: Lexington

Unless you want to spend a bundle on a good filter to minimize image degradation, I'd stick with the lens hood. The hood will also keep out stray light, which can cause flaring and reduce contrast.

camerapapi Loc: Miami, Fl.

The best way to protect lenses is to care for them. Do not waste your money, be careful when you use your lenses and use the lens hood.

SonyBug

If you really want to protect the lens, leave it home in the safe. And to really, really protect it, be sure it is a fireproof safe.

bobmcculloch Loc: NYC, NY

agreed, I'd add , I use a hood indoors if I'm in a crowed location, keeps other peoples junk off my lens , Bob.

rmalarz Loc: Tempe, Arizona

i use both, but there are rare times when neither really fit the bill.
--Bob

gwilliams6

I totally agree here with Architect, use both. I have traveled the world on assignment for over forty years, and travel also for fun ,and always use both. The filter has saved my lens from dust, sand, water and flying debris. The hood cuts down on unwanted flare in my images on sunny days. Ignore those "experts" who say you don't need the UV or clear filter for lens protection. Would you rather replace a broken filter, or replace your shattered lens after an unexpected impact. Your choice here. Cheers