Just a note to the "inhospitable" and grumpy folks today. Asking question on this is this forum is RESEARCH. Oftentimes when I "Google" or otherwise search questions, phrases or inquiries I frequently find references and links to many online forumes- sometimes this one and other photography types. There are also forums on audio gear, amateur radio, computers, music, power tools, basket weaving, quilting, sewing, stamp collecting and just about anythg you can think of. Photography magazines with Q&A columns are rapidly disappearing so what's wrong with asking questions on online forumes? Even elementary ones!

In this this cases, if you "GOOGLE "Photographic Filters" and you end up on the websites of various manufacturers and retailers via links, nobody's gonna tell you not to use filters- that's what they sell. If you end up on Wikipedia- that will tell you what filter are but there won't be pros and cons and differences of opinion. Sometimes even user manuals for cameras and accessories are TERRIBLE! Little local camera shops where "brotherly" advice used to be dispensed in the past are mostly gone and given way to the big-box dealers.

If you think a question is too basic, redundant or overly discussed elsewhere on the forum you can just ignore it or provide a link to the applicable threads. Why engage in rough stuff?- it's a waste of time! Also newcomers to this site may not know all the ropes as yet and telling someone, in effect, to "buzz off and do your homework" kind thing is indeed inhospitable. It's alright to tell someone that they have a frequently asked question and simply proved a fast answer or a quick link- it takes more time to tell them off! Then the "gang-bangers" join in and the entire thread deteriorates.

Abraham,

Just a couple of observations. First, no one has responded that they did NOT use a protective filter (e.g., UV) and the front lens element got scratched. In fact, while I'm sure it has happened, I've never heard anyone say that they scratched the front element of their lens because they didn't use a filter. Anyone out there want to tell us about that happening? If so, what were the circumstances? In sand or dust storm? Salt spray from the beach? Maybe you only need to put a filter on in extreme circumstances. I've seen several demonstrations where the lens was repeatedly gouged and banged without a filter and no scratches. I've also seen demonstrations where the filter glass caused extra lens flare...when bright lights/sunlight are shining directly into the lens.

Second, it would help us if you use the Quote Reply button when you reply to a specific person so we know who you are replying to. Just a suggestion.

Thanks for posting your query.

jak