Architect1776 Loc: In my mind

wj cody Loc: springfield illinois

oh, ye gods, here we go again.

Hank Radt

Here is the response I wrote to CHG-CANON who had a similar, but more constructive response:

"CHG_CANON wrote:
"So if something scratched the surface of your filter, wouldn't that same something have scratched the surface of your lens? Which would be more frustrating?

"Did you try the search function here on the site? You're not the first, rather more like the 10,000th person to ask this age-old question ... If your sales person suggested a
B+W or Hoya and a clear rather than UV, they probably know what they're talking about."
______

"Hello Hank,

"I see you're a new user, welcome to the forum. Like anything new, it'll probably take you some time to find your way around. One thing you'll probably find helpful as you
explore the forum is the search function: if you type in lens filters, you'll find a couple of discussions on this; here is one: http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-56748-1.html. There
are some others as well.

"In my experience, one way to think about it is, if something scratched the surface of your filter, wouldn't that same something have scratched the surface of your lens? Which
would be more frustrating? If your sales person suggested a B+W or Hoya and a clear rather than UV, they probably know what they're talking about.

________

"Thank you, CHG-CANON for your input. - Hank"

________

wj cody, not all of us are long-time UHH users, and we make rookie mistakes. I personally, and I suspect the other rookies as well, don't mind being corrected or directed. From CHG-CANON, I learned two things: search first (I then immediately did so), and focus on the knowledge of the sales person (who, BTW suggested neither the name brand lenses nor a clear filter).

Enable us to learn, so we don't repeat our mistakes.

Thank you - Hank

Hank Radt

Thanks to everyone who provided insights and suggestions. I now have enough information to make my decision, so I won't be watching this topic any more.

Hank.

Dabe Loc: Southern Missouri, Ozarks

I just recently replied to the same type of question, here's my opinion: If I ever have anything impact the objective end of an expensive lens the LAST thing I want is shards of a thin glass filter being ground into my objective lens. The lens will fare far better without the added abrasive of ground glass. It's like trying to protect your eyeglasses by wrapping them in sandpaper. It might be a noble gesture, but the result is counterproductive. If you're shooting in salt spray or blowing sand go ahead and put on a clear filter, but remember to take it off when you're done for the safety of your lens!

As stated, there are many varied opinions, and probably all have at least some merit. I would say don't waste your money on so-called "protective" filters. You could use a lens your entire lifetime, cleaning it daily, and never manage to cause enough damage to have an effect on image quality. Even if you were careless, and put a noticeable scratch across your objective lens, that scratch will be nowhere near the focal plane of your objective, and likely not even be detectable in your photos.

Now with that being said, I will always handle my glass with all the tender loving care I can muster up, but there are more effective ways to protect your lens. Most retailers will be more than happy to sell you all the expensive filters you want to buy in the name of "protection." If you need a filter for effect, by all means use a filter, then put it away.

dsmeltz Loc: Philadelphia

I use a hood for protection. It works better.

Nature_Shooter Loc: Chesterfield Missouri

About the only filters I use are circular polarizers and ND.

Bill_de Loc: US

I shoot at Bombay Hook NWR quite a bit. This is what my car usually looks like after 1/2 hour of driving around. I don't want any of that on my front element.