Elliern Loc: Myrtle Beach, SC

I do know some professionals including 2 photojournalist who always have a uv filter on their lenses for protection. I also know some pros who never use a uv filter. My point being it has nothing to do with being a professional or an amateur, it is personal choice. One of the pros told our class that the first time you destroy a $2000 lens glass is the day you change your mind about the need for a filter.

sirlensalot Loc: Arizona

I have used a lens outdoors a few times with a CP filter, but otherwise, will always use a hood. Stopped using UV filters many years ago for the reason(s) mentioned above. Have found hoods particularly useful when doing street photography, weddings, but have always believed they are the best deterrent for potential accidents along with the purpose for which they were designed. I have both the hard plastic hoods and a couple of the softer rubber types. I like them both. No preference of one over the other.

MtnMan Loc: ID

Ah, finally someone pointing out the real why!

It depends on the lens, zoom setting, hood design, and the flash, but can be a VERY noticeable. It is particularly bad when using the camera's flip up flash because that flash is closer aligned to the lens. Not so much a problem with a speedlight and no problem with off-camera flash.

BobHartung Loc: Bettendorf, IA

Yes, unless there is an object smaller than the diameter of the lens hood, the hood will offer protection. I always use a lens hood, whether I think that I need to control flare or not. I never use a UV or other filter for protection.

What you decide to do is your choice.

HTH

camerapapi Loc: Miami, Fl.

Hopefully you remove the UV filter before you begin to photograph. I only use the lens cap for "protection."
I use lens hoods except when I am shooting against the sun where they are of no value.

rmalarz Loc: Tempe, Arizona

I use a lens hood 99% of the time. The only times I don't is when it gets in the way while doing macro work, or using my built in flash. The lens hood inhibits getting close enough to the subject. It also casts a shadow if using built in flash.
--Bob

wj cody Loc: springfield illinois

replacing an expensive uv filter is much cheaper than replacing the front element of your lens. all my lenses (30+) have good quality uv filters on them, along with the appropriate lens hood.
i would really recommend you use uv filters for at least, protection of the front element. good luck with your question!

mwsilvers Loc: Central New Jersey

Good UV filters are not cheap, and what exactly are they worth every penny for in the context of this thread? They can be useful to seal some specific lenses in extreme weather conditions and on most lenses when the concern is blowing sand and gravel, but for anything else I stopped using them years ago.

speters Loc: Grangeville/Idaho

That sounds more like a good experience with an ND filter, ok, the filter broke - but not the lens! That's good (in my book).

mwsilvers Loc: Central New Jersey

I suggest that a very thin flat UV filter broken on impact is as likely to scratch the front element coating as it is to protect it if glass shards are jammed against the front element during impact. The front element of a lens is far stronger and more robust than many here seem to believe. Tests have shown how resistant they are to impact damage. While many stories of UV filters "saving" the front element abound, there is really no proof that there would have been damage to the element if the filter had been absent. For those that have damaged front elements, there is also no proof that the presence of a filter would have saved the lenses. Each impact event is very different. Cameras have survived major blows during a fall with little or no visible damage, and have sustained significant damage from seemingly minor impacts. Lots of factors come into play. The only proof is that filters themselves are very fragile and easily broken. They can be useful in a few specific situations. On certain lenses, like some weather sealed Canon L lenses, a good filter completes the sealing process in wet or dusty weather. On many lenses, (other than fish-eyes) using a filter on a windy day at a beach with fast blowing sand may provide some protection to the lens coating. Other than in these types of situations the best protection is still a good quality lens hood.

Pyasskin

I often remove the lens hood when taking very wide angle shots(i.e. 16mm) to avoid vignetting on the corners of the image.

Regis Loc: Coeur d' Alene, Idaho

In my opinion you should always leave your lens hood on to protect from accidental damage to the lens and prevent the sun, rain and dust from harming your lens.

nekon Loc: Carterton, New Zealand

just purchase a wide angle hood

Bram boy Loc: Vancouver Island B.C. Canada

DITTO !

thurgoodstubbs Loc: illinois

just a note,my camera fell from a chair last night ,while still in my back pack....you guessed it!!!! my uv filter was busted all to h*ll. if it wasn't on there its a good possibility that I would have been ordering a new lens.