which filter

[peejay52]

When you just want to protect the front of your lens what do you guys prefer....UV or skylight or any other. I didnt wantto buy the wrong one.
Thanks

[kirbinster]

A lens hood is best, unless you are shooting where there is lots of sand or water. Why put a cheap piece of clear glass infront of your expensive lens to add distortion? A lens hood should provide plenty of protection.

[Cold]

I dont think you can really go wrong with any of those. UV, skylight, clear, etc. All of them will do the job.

[peejay52]

thanks for the replies...and I suppose as you mention the cheapest option would be the lens hood on its own,
Many thanks

[kirbinster]

Its not a matter of cheap. The issue is why put another layer of glass between you and your subject that will only degrade your picture. A lens hood should provide all the protection most people and most situations require.

[Krusty79]

The lens hood will also reduce glare on your lens. If you are concerned about getting dust/sand on your lens, just keep the lens cap on until you're ready to shoot.

[Cold]

Though I fully expect the snarky derision of the community, I'll say that I definitely prefer to use a UV filter. When, not if, dust settles on my glass, its on a surface that is, for me, much less nerve-wracking to wipe off. If a grain of sand or grit somehow settled on the glass and scrapes it, im out <30 bucks for another filter. If that same bit of grit settles on the front element of my lens, not only am I out several hundred dollars, but I'm also deprived of the versatility that lens offered until I can replace it.

I've never seen any sort of test performed that shows an unacceptable loss of i.q. due to using a UV filter.

[kirbinster]

Originally Posted by Cold

Though I fully expect the snarky derision of the community, I'll say that I definitely prefer to use a UV filter. When, not if, dust settles on my glass, its on a surface that is, for me, much less nerve-wracking to wipe off. If a grain of sand or grit somehow settled on the glass and scrapes it, im out <30 bucks for another filter. If that same bit of grit settles on the front element of my lens, not only am I out several hundred dollars, but I'm also deprived of the versatility that lens offered until I can replace it.

I've never seen any sort of test performed that shows an unacceptable loss of i.q. due to using a UV filter.

Then you have never experienced lens flare and other reflections caused by filters. They cannot help your image and can only hurt it. Further, all lenses have UV coatings so there is no reason for a UV filter.

[Cold]

Snarky derision noted. Thanks for playing.

[OsmosisStudios]

Originally Posted by Cold

Snarky derision noted. Thanks for playing.

It's snarky derision. It's logic and experience. Thanks for playing.

Note: THAT was snarky derision.