[GEli]

I only shoot with UV filters in harsh conditions like blowing sand. I always use a hood and am careful that nothing ever comes near the front element of my lens, so I really see no point in my case. Front elements are alarmingly tough by themselves and in the case of massive trauma, such as a drop, the UV filter will do nothing to protect the lens.

That being said, I do tend to have one mounted on lenses getting locked onto my film camera. That's for UV ray removal, though, and not protection. If you feel you must have a UV/Clear filter for whatever reason, buy a high quality multicoated filter to minimize the amount of added flare. B+W and Hoya PRO are both good brands - but be sure to get the MC variety.