Emelen Loc: Westchester, NY

What is the latest wisdom concerning placing a clear or UV filter on a lens for protection ? Some say that you are putting cheap glass over good glass and some feel that it is good protection with no harmful effects.

Bmac Loc: Long Island, NY

Probably one of those issues that can be argued back & forth forever. Unless I have a polarizer on, the UV is always on my lenses for protection. 8-)

Wahawk Loc: NE IA

Back in film days I tried a UV filter, never noticed an improvement but lost some of the 'pop' that I got without it and have not used one since. Unless I need a polarizer or some other specifice filter, I do not leave one on the lens, I just make sure I am very careful not to drop or let anything touch the lens.

nolte1964 Loc: Des Moines, Iowa

Put the UV lens on won't hurt anything, just take it off when your ready to shoot!

Wahawk Loc: NE IA

That is essentially the function of the lens-cap.

nolte1964 Loc: Des Moines, Iowa

yes it is!

bikinkawboy Loc: north central Missouri

I have UVs on all of my lenses (except the 500mm). It keeps dust off and should I get some serious grit damage on the lens, I'd rather throw away the UV than have by lens messed up. I sometimes take photos in the shop and the aluminum oxide dust created by a grinding wheel is some pretty abrasive stuff. Wipe your finger across that and you can expect scratched glass.

I guess if you are really careful and don't get out in dirty or wet areas you're ok without some kind of protection. I don't always have that luxury here at work and often end up in a hole in the ground, mashing mud between my fingers determining its suitability for construction. And I did once have a pocket camera fall out of my pocket into some winter mud. Fortunately it was shut off and the lens was retracted, but that was fun getting cleaned up. I now use those little zippered camera cases that attach to your belt, but that still does nothing for muddy fingers. Get some high clay mud splashed onto the lens and then see what you do. Letting it dry won't work and even washing it off with water does not remove the fine film that stays behind. You are then forced to use a cloth to remove that remaining, fine film. And we all know that clay is nothing more than extremely fine rock flour.

I figure it's like overshoes; some people need them for the conditions they work in and others don't, so there is no right or wrong, simply what's right for you.

Mac Loc: Pittsburgh, Philadelphia now Hernando Co. Fl.

If you don't buy a cheap filter, it won't be cheap glass.
I keep either a UV or a clear on my lenses to protect it from getting scratched. Many people don't like to do that. It's personal preference.

nolte1964 Loc: Des Moines, Iowa

I have them on I just remove them once I shoot

pappy0352 Loc: Oregon

The only time mine comes of is while I'm shooting. If I'm moving it is on for protection.

Pappy

gfinlayson

I used to use them, and figured why am I spending so much on good optics only to add another air/glass/air refractive layer in front it. So I stopped using them. I always use a lens hood which reduces flare and protects the front element and I always replace lens caps in between shooting.

Baz Loc: Peterborough UK

I belong to the old school of fitting a UV to a new lens as soon as I buy it. Always have done for over 50 years. However, since buying a sigma 150 - 500, I have found I get better results without a filter than with. That may not be down to the filter, or lack of filter of course. It is a lens that does require some adapting to, and I'm sure that some of the improvements are due to re-training the monkey using it. I only write this as I took the filter off after reading a comment to that effect on this site. The only real option it to try it and see. I suppose what I should do is replace the filter and see what results I get then. As has been rightly pointed out, the argument that the filter is to provide protection in transit is pointless. That is the function of the lens cap. I would add that all my other glass has UVs fitted. I have only taken this step with the 150 - 500mm.

pettigkr Loc: Texas

If very minor sharpness is lost using a B&W UV filter, I'll accept that. I'm gaining removal of UV for better color outdoors, as well as peace of mind that I'm not overtly exposing expensive lens glass to possible danger.

saichiez Loc: Beautiful Central Oregon

I have a feeling that using UV filters for protection is much like my use of condoms.

Both my girl friend and I are allergic to Latex, but we both know it's the best protection. So, for such events, I put on a sheepskin for me, a latex for protection, and a sheepskin for her.

The procedure provides comfort AND protection, much like using a UV filter (or other cheap filters). It gets the job done, but looking through them severely degrades the image.

Frankly, I prefer a screw in metal lens cap. Excellent protection as most cheap filters are... better in fact. Also does not fall off when you bump one of the pinch releases.

Protection that simply falls off is maddening and frustrating in either lens caps or condoms.

Macbadger Loc: Illinois

What about using a clear glass filter for protection instead?